The Beauty Industry: A Multibillion-Dollar Market
With an estimated worth of $445 billion, the beauty industry is a behemoth that shows no signs of slowing down. When it comes to makeup, the options are endless, with countless brands and shopping destinations to choose from. Building the perfect makeup kit while staying within budget and maintaining quality can be overwhelming. That’s where expert advice comes in handy.
Expert Insights from a Seasoned Makeup Artist
I had the opportunity to chat with Brianna Solberg, a talented freelance makeup artist with a wealth of experience. With a background at Sephora and a thriving freelance business, Solberg shares her valuable insights on how to shop smart for makeup.
About Brianna Solberg
With a passion for makeup that spans years, Solberg honed her skills during her six-year stint at Sephora. Her freelance work has taken her to various exciting projects, including bridal, boudoir, and commercial gigs. Despite balancing her freelance business with a demanding 9-to-5 job, Solberg remains dedicated to her craft.
Favorite Shopping Destinations
Solberg confesses to having a soft spot for Sephora, where she worked for nearly six years. She also frequents Ulta for its sales, Beautylish for The Ordinary skincare products, and Glossier for its lip balm. For professional products, she turns to Nigel’s, and for applicators and sanitation tools, she relies on online retailers.
Money-Saving Hacks
Solberg swears by samples, which help her avoid impulse purchases and keep her makeup collection in check. She also maintains a separate email address to stay on top of retail rewards and deals. When shopping, she often tries on foundation and tests it out in the mall to ensure the right fit.
Splurging on Quality
According to Solberg, skincare and foundation are worth the investment. “It doesn’t matter if you have a $75 luxury brand lipstick if your foundation is the wrong color or finish,” she emphasizes.
Budget-Friendly Options
Solberg believes that lipstick is one product where you can save without sacrificing quality. She recommends finding the right shade for your skin tone and prepping with the right products to make any lipstick stay on.
Top Luxury Brands
Solberg’s top luxury brands include Hourglass, Dior, NARS, Laura Mercier, and Too Faced. She raves about Hourglass’s ethereal, glowy powders and Dior’s mascara primer.
Top Drugstore Brands
Her top drugstore brands are Makeup Revolution, LA Girl Cosmetics, Catrice Cosmetics, Ardell lashes, and L’Oréal mascaras. She praises Makeup Revolution’s beautiful complexion products and LA Girl Cosmetics’ affordable options.
Common Misconceptions
Solberg wants to dispel the myth that airbrush makeup always results in an “airbrushed” look. In reality, it takes a skilled photographer or editing skills to achieve that flawless finish.
Favorite Product
Solberg can’t get enough of her Glossier Balm Dot Com in “Birthday,” which she believes is essential for lip care.
Best Deal Ever
She recalls scoring a fantastic deal on a Tarte eyeshadow palette using her Ulta points.
Final Tips
Solberg stresses the importance of seeking advice from beauty experts at Sephora, Ulta, and other retailers. She also encourages realism when it comes to expectations, suggesting that social media should be used as inspiration rather than a shopping list.
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