Drugstore Makeup (E.L.F.) vs. High End Makeup (NARS)

by: Maritza Gomez

Introduction

Makeup is something most women use every day, whether it’s for confidence, self-expression, or just routine. When it comes to buying makeup, one of the biggest debates I've heard is whether drugstore products can really compete with high-end brands. Many people believe that higher price automatically means better quality, which is why brands like NARS are often seen as superior to drugstore options like e.l.f. While high-end makeup does have certain advantages, I believe drugstore products are still a great option and can perform just as well in many situations. The idea that you need expensive makeup for good results has some truth, but it is not completely accurate.

Drugstore makeup brands like e.l.f. have improved a lot over the past years. From what I've noticed, the quality of their products have really become something dependable and something I can wear on a daily basis. When choosing a concealer, I've always heard that high-end products are supposed to perform better than drugstores. Because of that, I decided to compare the e.l.f. concealer and the NARS concealer based on my own experience using both. Going into this I already owned and regularly used the e.l.f. Concealer, while NARS was something I started using specifically for this assignment. After trying both on my own skin, I realized that price does not always reflect how a product will work for everyone.

E.l.f.

I see e.l.f. Cosmetics as a brand that is affordable, accessible and reliable. Their products are easy to find at places like Walmart, Target, and most drugstores, as well as online. Because of this, it feels like a brand made for everyday consumers rather than just professional makeup artists. From my experience, e.l.f. products are durable and hold up well throughout the day, especially for how inexpensive they are. My makeup lasts from early in the morning to late at night even after going to sporting events, hanging out with friends, or having family parties. I've used multiple e.l.f. products, and they tend to blend well and last also highly talked about on social media and in everyday makeup routiness, which shows how popular and well-reviewed e.l.f. is. For a drugstore brand e.l.f. has built a strong reputation for offering good quality makeup at low costs.

NARS

NARS is a high-end makeup brand that is often associated with professional quality products and luxury makeup. It is usually sold at stores like Sephora, Ulta, as well as online, which already gives it a more exclusive feel compared to drugstore brands. When I think of NARS, products are known for strong pigmentation and long wear, which is why many people trust the brand for full glam looks or special occasions. The brand is also highly reviewed and well-known in the makeup community, especially among makeup artists. Since it is a high-end brand, I have high expectations in the performance and consistency that stands. However, I have heard and seen reviews of the quality decreasing and losing its value.

Price & Value

One of the biggest differences between these two concealers is the price. The e.l.f. concealer is very affordable and easy to repurchase without feeling guilty about spending too much money. I purchased my e.l.f. concealer at Walmart rather than at Sephora or Ulta, and the price came out to about $12.00. Because it is a drugstore product, it feels low-risk to try and replace if needed.

On the other hand, the NARS concealer is much more expensive, which automatically raises expectations. I did not look to see if it was available outside of Sophora or Ulta, but I purchased mine online and paid around $36.00. When paying that much for a single product, I expect it to perform noticeably better and be worth the cost. When comparing the two, the price difference is significant, especially considering how often concealer is used in an everyday makeup routine.

Performance

The e.l.f. concealer has worked extremely well for me. As someone with acne-prone skin, I am careful about what I put on my face because a lot of products cause breakouts or flare-ups. With e.l.f., I never experienced breakage, irritation, or new pimples. The formula blends easily and sits well on my skin without making my makeup look cakey. It covers my blemishes and dark spots while still looking natural, which is something I really value. Even after adding foundation and setting powder, my makeup still looks smooth rather than dry and heavy. For everyday wear, I personally think e.l.f. feels comfortable and reliable, which is why I continue to reach for it.

Using the NARS concealer was a different experience for me. Since it is a high-end brand, I expected it to perform better, especially considering the price. While the concealer does have good coverage, I noticed that it made my makeup look drier, particularly after applying setting powder. Throughout the day, my makeup felt heavy and greasy as if it could just be smeared off, which is something that I have not experienced before. It could've been other products that contributed to that but the breakage in my makeup under my eyes was what made me realize it could've been the concealer. I also started getting a few pimples after using it, which was a little disappointing since I was hoping it would be gentler on my skin. As someone who struggles with acne, this made me hesitant to keep using it consistently. I wouldn’t necessarily blame the product though, but for those who have sensitive skin like me it is a great detail to mention. Instead of blending seamlessly into my makeup, it sometimes emphasized dryness and texture to my skin. While this was my experience, I can see how NARS may work with different skin types or for more formal makeup looks.

Which Brand Is Necessary?

After using both e.l.f. And NARS, I don't think there is one specific makeup brand that people need in order to have good results. Based on my experience, the difference between drugstore and high-end makeup is not as big as it is often made out to be. While NARS is marked as a luxury brand with professional quality products, that did not automatically mean it worked better for me. In terms of overall quality, both brands have strengths, and the results depend more on the skin type and personal desires or needs than on price.

For me personally, e.l.f ended up being the better option. It worked well with my acne-prone skin, blended easily, and it did not cause new breakouts or dryness. Even though NARS is a high-end brand it did not provide results that were noticeably better, especially considering the price difference. This does not mean NARS is a bad brand, but it was not fit for my skin. A lot of roles play when it comes to makeup, especially as an acne-prone girl, trying new products, even if they are rated as the best, your skin may not be used to it and will react.

This comparison showed me that makeup does not have to be expensive to be effective. High-end brands may be worth it for some people or for special occasions, but for everyday use I personally think drugstore brands like e.l.f can offer similar quality and results. My experience backed up the idea that the “best” makeup brand is different for everyone and depends on how the product works with your own skin and not the name of the brand. So you don’t necessarily need one or the other brand, but based on the performance of each e.l.f. Cosmetics worked wonders for me. Because my skin is also acne-prone and sensitive, my experience may be different from someone with less reactive skin.