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Beauty & Cosmetics

Make-up Essentials

Make-up is where the price ranges wildly for similar results, so shade match and how long a product lasts on your skin matter more than the label. A foundation that oxidises or a mascara that flakes gets binned fast, wasting money. We rank by genuine customer ratings, and for brands like Maybelline or Rimmel we add ratings from beyond Amazon, so you can judge wear, coverage and value. Budget names like e.l.f. often match pricier ones, and reviews help you spot which.

Common questions

Is drugstore make-up as good as high-end?

Often, yes. Affordable brands like e.l.f. and NYX rival pricier ranges on formula and wear, and many dupes exist for cult products. High-end sometimes wins on shade range or finish. Ratings across sources help you find the budget buys that genuinely perform, rather than paying for the name.

How long does make-up last once opened?

Check the little tub symbol on the pack, which shows the months after opening. Mascara is the shortest, at around three months, since it harbours bacteria near the eye. Foundations and lipsticks last a year or more. Throwing out old eye make-up helps avoid irritation and infection.

How do I match foundation to my skin?

Test a few shades along your jaw in daylight, not on your hand, and pick the one that disappears. Consider your undertone, warm, cool or neutral, too. Foundation can oxidise and darken after an hour, so wait before deciding. Buying online is easier once you know your shade code.