beauty

"4 reasons why I don't believe in 'investment purchases' any more."

You’ll still get five cents change after buying this Sportsgirl Pout About It! Lipstick in “Flirt”. 

Imagine you’re buying a new lipstick. Do you err towards the ‘investment’ purchase – an expensive, designer lipstick in a classic shade that costs more than a fancy dinner – or a budget brand from the chemist in a bright yet trendy shade (that leaves you enough change for a coffee)?

I used to belong to the ‘investment’ school of shopping. Everything I bought had to be worn everywhere and used for the rest of my life – or at least until it ran out. This meant I thought really hard about every purchase I made, whether it was beauty products, clothes or even furniture.

This made me feel superior, as I believed I was investing in an amazing-looking future. Plus it gave me an excuse to buy expensive designer brands. Sure, I couldn’t afford it, but at least Future Me would look stunning, right?

Well, I have a shocking new theory for all you shoppers our there: investment purchases don’t work. They’re a waste of money.

No-one is more shocked and disappointed by this news than me. Gone are my smug designer brands, replaced by bargain-basement finds that are practically disposable. And you know what? I couldn’t be happier. Especially because many budget brands are producing such high-quality, on-trend products lately.

A beauty product I’m loving this season is brightening makeup. Allow us to introduce you two. (Post continues after video.)

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Here’s why investment purchases didn’t work for me.

1. Tastes and styles change

Buying a new lipstick each season in the “it” shade from an expensive brand just doesn’t suit my wallet any more.

Likewise, choosing a sensible, wear-everywhere shade from a designer brand doesn’t suit my adventurous and changeable tastes. I’d rather spend $10 on a high-quality, fun-coloured lipstick from Sportsgirl instead.

We always get compliments while wearing Sportsgirl lipstick. Here are some more beauty products to get you noticed. (Post continues after gallery.)

2. Everything keeps changing

Otherwise known as “being human”. That perfectly matched foundation I invested top dollar in, after spending an hour talking to the expertly-trained makeup artist? It doesn’t suit my skin tone after my one-week beach holiday. A slight tan, whether real or fake, can change everything.

I’ve also changed the way I shop for clothes and furniture since becoming a parent. I’ve had to say goodbye to anything short or fitted because it’s just not practical when I’m chasing after my toddler and bending over to help her. And now I’m pregnant again, I know all too well that my body (and feet!) will fluctuate in shape over the next year or more. I’d rather look good now in budget clothes, rather than look wistfully at the teeny-tiny expensive clothes that I can’t wear. Similarly the glass lamp that looked so chic when I was 27 is now in danger of getting smashed to smithereens by my curious kid, so now my home décor is all washable, unbreakable and from Kmart.

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I had to change my concealer and foundation shades after I tried The Base fake tanning range.

 

3. Investment beauty products often aren’t very portable.

Here’s the thing about buying the cult new beauty product all the bloggers are raving about: the packaging is usually gorgeous but it's just not practical. Think metallic surfaces that get fingerprints or scratches, laser-cut details that can break off, or just a heavy hulking case that’s a pain to carry around in your handbag.

I often find I won’t use my expensive eyeshadow palettes because I know I won’t be able to touch up my makeup during the day — purely because there’s no room for me to stash the giant things in my bag.

I love how my Rimmel Glam'Eyes Quad Eye Shadow, $14.95, fits in the palm of my hand.

 

4. Even the very best beauty products can go 'off'.

There are some beauty products you can’t ration out and use forever; nail polishes, lip glosses and liquid lipsticks are some examples. Even the most expensive of these products will “separate” over time – that is, the liquid elements within the product will separate into layers, which eventually stops the product from being applied smoothly. If you’re not going to use these types of products at least once a week, perhaps choose a cheaper option instead.

Of course, there are a few items that really are worth paying for. When it comes to your makeup bag, it’s always worthwhile to pay for the best concealer and fragrance you can afford. But the rest? I suggest you stay cheap and chic, ladies.

What's your shopping preference - investment or budget? And why?