Can you get that MAC look with more affordable makeup brands from the drugstore?

Question

I remember on the Tyra Banks Show, her makeup artists used drugstore makeup vs. department store makeup and acheived the same look. Which drugstore brands are comparable to MAC?

Answer 1

Yes, I am a make up artist and you absolutely can. But it is a bit of trial and error and certain products I always buy professional.
Lip glosses are easy almost all are good in peachy or pink/peach tones (good for most skin types). If you are in an area where you can get make up from Walgreens...they carry an eye and lip liner right by the cosmetic counter check out. Don't buy the eyeliners, but WOW, the lip liners ROCK. And, at 2 for $3 you can't go wrong. Max Factor mascara, jet black regular formula 7 or 8 bucks...the best.
Matte eye shadows are harder. Matte(s) in general are difficult to blend...buy those from MAC and similar companies. I also buy my foundations from MAC and Trucco (by Sebastian...a salon product). But...everything else is up for debate.
The big secret is that there are only 6 or 7 companies around the world that make make up and stick them in different packages. I have often suspected certain products from the drug store to be the same as expensive ones I have worked with.
If you buy your foundations and matte eye shadows from your MAC make up artist and memorize the colors and textures (shimmer? iridescence? glitter?) that artist chooses for you for your blushes and shadows, you can try to recreate that look at the drug store. Blushes are harder...watch out for something too pink or too yellow. All bronzers are not made equal and really, you should detect little orange or gold in them...go with straight neutral brown and apply lightly.
ALWAYS buy good brushes...I hope real sable and squirrel doesn't bother you, because you can't do it with crappy sponge applicators or q-tips or synthetic hair junk. You just can't blend with these phonies. This is key and something I suspect they omitted on Tyra's show.
is also important to note that a professional make up artist can be given junk to work with and make it work...we've been doing it for years. We know what brushes to use and how much or little to blend etc. There are a million tricks...adding water or vasaline...it is too much to worry about in your bathroom before going to the club, but not a trick a make up artist working for Tyra would think twice about.
Have fun. Experiment. Read Vogue and W. Good luck
If it is very cheap, it may be hard to work with. In which case, it may not be worth the $5, $10 bucks per product you would save. That part is up to you.
All said...I have found these companies to have quality products. Max Factor, Bonnie Bell, Loreal, Revlon.
Good Luck.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can you get that MAC look with more affordable makeup brands from the drugstore?
I remember on the Tyra Banks Show, her makeup artists used drugstore makeup vs. department store makeup and acheived the same look. Which drugstore brands are comparable to MAC?

Answer 3

Of course you can! ;) I personally recommend mark makeup www.meetmark.com as it's very affordable, fun, high quality and you can personalize the shadows & hook-ups.

I have been a lifelong user of MAC (I'm 31), Clinique, etc. and I can honestly say that mark shadows are comparable. I don't think any company makes better brushes than MAC BUT you should also remember that MAC is no longer its own company - it is owned by Estee Lauder (who also owns many other beauty brands as well).

I do not think any of the drugstore eyeshadows can compete, personally, with MAC. I do believe that mark shadows are very lovely. You could also try The Body Shop makeup as well as they have some very lovely products as well. Their eyeshadows are very sparkly but still go on nicely.

Basically, with department store brands, you're paying for someone to "help" you behind the counter, the advertising of the product, the fancy gimmicky packaging, and the "name" brand. In the drugstore, you're paying for some advertising & a bit of packaging but mostly for the product itself!

Alison

Answer 4

Makeup Similar To Mac

Answer 5

You'd be surprised what really good brushes can do. Get a good expensive brush set and you save a lot of money in the longrun.

Also, you may want to think of going to Kohl's for a nice comprimise. It's a little more affordable and the quality is a step above drug stores.

Answer 6

totally! i mean look: mac eyeliners are what 15 dolalrs? get a smooth and creamy eyeliner that looks even better: its 99cent wet n wild. the stick is like a 6 inches and so smooth!!!

not only that...eyeshadows right? ive noticed the expensive ones are so smooth. hey girl covergirl is just as good! so dont be shy to buy 3 dollar eyeshadow that has several colors in one pack!!

and how can we forget blush?! hey ive tried mac blush and it sucks! i eman its not spreadable enuff. once the brush touches ur cheeks the blush stays there and u look like a cheap dolly. try almay or revlon. i guarantee results!!!

Answer 7

I've found that L'Oreal and Maybelline make really quality products. Maybelline especially for that famous mascara.

Answer 8

I find that the best brands for me are mabeline, L'oreal, and cover girl. they all go on pretty smoothly just like mac.

Answer 9

ya i use to use MAC... but foundation--is foundation.
i now use maybelline's foundation.. and it works really well. L'Oreal works pretty good too :-)

Answer 10

Try Milani.