Product comparison: Splurge vs save!

I'm a firm believer in the adage "You get what you pay for." If you want the best then you're going to have to shell out a premium for it. However, what we want is often not in tune with what we can afford. Good thing there are more pocket-friendly products that can serve as great alternatives to the expensive stuff! 

Today I'm going to talk about some products that I think are similar while still having a healthy price difference from each other. Do note that they're not exactly the same - there is a reason why something costs less compared to its expensive counterpart. Could be a difference in texture, lasting power, pigmentation and so on but fundamentally these products were created with the same concept in mind.

In the end it's up to you to determine what product features matter most to you. :) Here's a list of some of my high-end favorites compared to counterparts that are *almost* as good!

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (~P4,000) vs Muji Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin (~P600)

Why they are the same: Mineral-oil based, removes makeup the same way, same yellow color and texture

Why Shu Uemura is more expensive: Good for skin in the long run as it's more like skincare than just plain makeup remover. You also use much less of the product to remove makeup compared to Muji so it actually lasts longer.

Winner? Shu, for me! I love how my skin looks with this. It's a core member of my skincare team and I can't function well without it!

Bed Head Tigi Styleshots Hi-Def Curls Conditioner (P1,930) vs Snoe Beauty Hair Heroes with Intense Argan Oil (P499)

Why they are the same: Texture is very dense, moisturizes hair extremely well, defines curls, keeps hair soft and bouncy

Why Bed Head is more expensive: Smells super good. The scent can stay on for up to two days even if you don't wash your hair! Crazy. You also only need to use less compared to Snoe.

Winner? Snoe's Hair Heroes works perfectly and smells nice also. There's no need to shell out almost P2,000 bucks if there's a very good and easily available alternative!

Kérastase Elixir Ultime (P2,215) vs Dove Nourishing Oil Care Nutri-Oil Serum (P239)

Why they are the same: Oil-based, non-greasy, keeps hair shiny and manageable

Why Kerastase is more expensive: Way more product in the bottle, smells better, never weighs down hair or builds up. I also don't get pimples from it.

Winner? Hands down the Kerastase. It's awesome. I can use this as a conditioner when my hair isn't too dry. I love how soft my hair feels with this. Most importantly, I don't break out. 

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil in 09 Walnut Brown (P1,400) vs Avon Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown (P250)

Why they are the same: Natural, perfecting finish, flattering shade match (although Shu is lighter)

Why Shu is more expensive: Can take up to two years to finish off! Swear. I've been using mine for almost a year now and I'm not even halfway. It also doesn't fade even in humid weather.

Winner? This is a tie, for me. Both are convenient and looks amazing on brows but Shu has a more sophisticated shade selection and it does last longer on the brows. Avon, on the other hand, is considerably cheaper and quicker to use. Either one is great for me!

Urban Decay Primer Potion (P1,200) vs Artdeco Eyeshadow Base (P450)

Why they are the same: Enhances pigmentation and lasting power of eyeshadows, similar translucent texture (although Artdeco has some shimmer)

Why Urban Decay is more expensive: Eyeshadows rarely crease with it and they don't fade much during the day compared to Artdeco. 

Winner? This is difficult as I love them both. Artdeco for quick trips out of the house, UD for more heavy-duty days. If you have super oily lids, better stick to UD!

Shu Uemura Color Atelier palette (P3875) vs Artdeco Eyeshadows and Custom Palette System (~P1,850)

Why they are the same: Ingenious custome palette system, lots of great eyeshadows to choose from

Why Shu is more expensive: Eyeshadows are richer in pigmentation, texture is very fine and smooth, lasts longer and has more product per pan

Winner? Shu for me! It might be super pricey but it's definitely worth the investment. Hands down. 

MAC Fluidline (P1,200) vs Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner (P660)

Why they are the same: Creamy and easy to work with, solid black color, has a long shelf-life (meaning they don't dry up for a year or more depending on how well you store them), great lasting power on the lids

Why MAC is more expensive: Doesn't skid as you apply it, slightly less creamy texture makes application easier to control, more product in the jar

Winner? I love the MAC Fluidline, really, but the Kanebo Kate gel liner is almost identical to it. There's no need to shell out P1,200 if there are only minor differences.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer (~P1,000) vs Artdeco Camouflage Cream Concealer (P450)

Why they are the same: Opaque coverage, hard texture for better lasting power, great for oily skin and dark blemishes

Why MAC is more expensive: More product in the pan, slightly creamier so it's easier to blend, more shades available

Winner? Artdeco because it works almost the same. However, it's not an exact shade match. Frankly the Artdeco shades for concealer aren't good since they can look too beige or pink. Good for you if you find a match! Otherwise the MAC Studio Finish is the best.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (P1,500) vs Majolica Majorca Blood On Cheek Tint (P495)

Why they are similar: Pretty blush and lip color, lasts fairly well for cream tint (around 4 hours), same texture

Why Bobbi Brown is more expensive: More beautiful shades available whereas Majo has one, compact has a mirror

Winner? I like Pot Rouge because the color I have, Pale Pink, is more me, although the price is a bit heavy. Blood On, while not being very similar, is a fairly good alternative.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine (P1,195) vs Avon Shine Attract Lipstick (~P300)

Why they are similar: Super shiny finish, slinky and thin feel on the lips, about the same lasting power (average), packaging is close

Why Shu is more expensive: Much more moisturizing, more product in the tube, easier and less time-consuming to use

Winner? I like Shu more! Get what you feel you're more comfortable spending on though. 

And that's it! I hope my little list helped you make life-changing decisions. Lol not really, it's just makeup. But a girl's got to know when to treat herself or cut back. In the end, it depends on what you feel you need. :)

Any splurge or save suggestions? Leave 'em in the comments to let the other readers know!