Monday, June 11, 2012

"Evil Math"


Considering the fact that there are a ton of eyeshadow and blush out there to choose from, some factors that determine the good from the bad are a) quality and b) value per gram. I know when I was starting out with makeup it never occurred to me to check the value-per-gram but I realize now what a difference it can make. Of course, not all things of good value will be of superb quality but it's interesting to see whether some of our favorite products are of good value or just...well, rip-offs.

A few things that are surprising once you start looking at makeup from a per-gram perspective is that not everything drugstore/mid-range is exactly "inexpensive", in fact many high-end brands end up turning out to be a better value than their less-expensive/mid-range counterparts. Another realization: loose pigments and cream shadows, although more amount is probably needed per application, end up being cheaper in the long run.





Amanda (Ms. Spookydeuce to you >=D) of the blog Imported Megami (she also makes wonderfully-quirky videos on YouTube) compiled this list of Evil Math for both eyeshadows and blush and was kind enough to let me use it for my blog.

Perhaps I'll compile a spreadsheet of all this later but hope this helps put things into perspective:


Eyeshadows


  • Addiction by Ayako eyeshadow ¥2100 (税込 – with tax)/1.2 grams -> ¥1750/g -> $22.42/g with current exchange rate
  • Benefit Creasless Cream Eyeshadow $19/4.5 grams -> $4.22/g
  • Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow $20/2.8 grams -> $7.14/g
  • Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow $20/2.8 grams -> $7.14/g
  • Bobbi Brown regular eyeshadow $20/2.5 grams -> $8/g
  • Chanel Illusion d’Ombre $36/4 grams -> $9/g
  • Chanel Ombre Essentielle $28.50/2 grams -> $14.25/g
  • Chantecaille $30/2.5 grams -> $12/g
  • Ellis Faas $36/2.5 mL -> $14.40/mL
  • Guerlain single eyeshadow $36/3.4 grams -> $10.59/g
  • Hourglass eyeshadow duos $38/3 grams -> $12.67/g
  • Illamasqua Powder Eyeshadow $20/2 grams -> $10/g
  • Inglot $12/2.5 grams -> $4.80/g
  • Lancome Color Design Sensational Eyeshadow $18/1.3 grams -> $13.85/g
  • Laura Mercier $22/2.6 grams -> $8.46/g
  • Le Metier de Beaute True Color Eyeshadow $30/3.8 grams -> $7.89/g
  • MAC eyeshadow $15/1.5 grams -> $10/g
  • MAC pigments $20/4.5 g -> $4.44/g
  • MAC refill pan $11.50/1.5 grams -> $7.67/g
  • Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream $22/6 grams -> $3.67/g
  • Make Up For Ever Diamond Shadow $20/2.5 grams -> $8/g
  • Make Up For Ever eyeshadow $19/2.4 grams -> $7.92/g
  • NARS duo eyeshadow $33/4 grams or $16.50/2 grams -> $8.25/g
  • NARS single eyeshadow $23/2.2 grams -> $10.45/g
  • Rouge Bunny Rouge singles £18.33/2.4 grams -> £7.64/g -> $11.97/g with current exchange rate
  • Rock and Republic $28 (retail price)/3 grams -> $9.33/g
  • Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color $25/2 grams -> $12.50/g
  • Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio $33/3 grams -> $11/g
  • Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color $25/6 grams -> $4.17/g
  • Shu Uemura $15/1.5 grams -> $10/g
  • Stila $18/2.6 grams -> $6.92/g
  • Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow $12/5 grams -> $2.40/g
  • Sugarpill Pressed Eyeshadow $12/4 grams -> $3/g
  • The Balm Shady Lady Eyeshadow $16/3.4 grams -> $4.71/g
  • Urban Decay Deluxe $18/2.5 grams -> $7.20/g
  • Urban Decay regular $17/1.5 grams -> $11.33/g
  • Wet 'N' Wild singles $2/1.7 grams or $3/1.7 grams -> $1.17/g and $1.76/g respectively



Blush

  • Addiction by Ayako powder blush ¥2940 (税込 – with tax)/3.9 grams -> ¥754/g -> $9.66/g with current exchange rate
  • Benefit boxes $28/8 grams -> $3.50/g
  • Besame Crimson Cream Rouge $22/7.5 grams -> $2.93/g
  • Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge $24/3.7 grams -> $6.49/g
  • Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick $39/10.3 grams -> $3.79/g
  • Bobbi Brown blush $24/3.7 grams -> $6.49/g
  • Burberry $42/7 grams -> $6/g
  • Cargo $26/8.9 grams -> $2.92/g
  • Chanel Joues Contraste $43/4 grams -> $10.75/g
  • Hourglass Aura Cheek Stains $45/8 mL -> $5.63/mL
  • Illamasqua Powder/Cream Blusher $24/4 grams -> $6/g
  • Lancome Blush Subtil $29.50/4 grams -> $7.38/g
  • Lorac $20/2.7 grams -> $7.41/g
  • MAC My Paradise blush $28/12 grams -> $2.33/g
  • MAC VV beauty powders $25/10 grams (Are these really that huge? I've never seen one.) -> $2.55/g
  • MAC blush $19.50/6 grams -> $3.25/g
  • MAC blush refill pan $16.50/6 grams -> $2.75/g
  • Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush $25/9.8 mL -> $2.55/mL
  • Make Up For Ever Powder Blush $19/5.5 grams -> $3.45/g
  • NARS Danmari palette $65/3.5 g x 6 -> $3.10/g
  • NARS Powder Blush $27/4.5 grams -> $6/g
  • Rouge Bunny Rouge £20.75 (after UK VAT is removed)/3.5 grams -> £5.93/g -> $9.32/g with current exchange rate
  • Rock and Republic $40 (retail price)/9 grams -> $4.44/g
  • Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color $30/6.5 grams -> $4.62/g
  • Shu Uemura $18/2.3 grams -> $7.83/g
  • Sleek $6.50/8 grams -> $.81/g
  • Tarte Amazonian Clay $25/5.6 g - $4.46/g
  • The Balm Cabana/Down/Frat Boy $21/8.5 grams -> $2.47/g
  • The Balm Hot Mama $19/7.08 grams -> $2.68/g
  • Urban Decay Afterglow Glide On Cheek Tint $24/4 grams -> $6/g
  • Urban Decay Powder blushes $17 (retail price)/3.8 grams -> $4.47/g


8 comments:

  1. I've done something similar on my blog too! I also realize that sometimes a product with fabulous quality might have a smaller quantity, or that a large quantity doesn't equal quality, but you're right - it's interesting to note, nonetheless. I like to think these kinds of posts are helpful! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toyarosie,

      Ditto! I find it so interesting when I realize something I was hesitating to spend on is actually a better value or is cheaper in the long run. I'll def. be checking out your blog! :)

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  2. I see typos, my dearest!
    Addiction eyeshadows.... not "$22.42/g with current exchange rate"
    but
    "worth every damn penny"

    HTH
    love, your friendly neighbourhood editrix

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL!
      You evil temptress, Kate!

      Also, I need to make a Addiction palette very soon. Your swatches will be coming oh-so handy. =*

      p.s. They are now $22.07/g with current exchange rate. >.<

      Delete
  3. Oh I love this! Unfortunately I'm blind to math things when it comes to make up so this is of GREAT HELP to me and my pocket ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am good at maths but sometimes I just ignore some facts, lol. Thank you for posting this <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unlike you, Claire, Math makes me want to cry on the floor in fetal position. +_+ LOL! But I'm glad this will be of some use! <3

      Delete