Makeup Ignorance

"It's just like Mac but £1". 

NO. Just NO.

I for one am a self confessed makeup snob. I like, no; I love the finer things in life and I sacrifice a lot to have, hold and enjoy them. That doesn't mean I only use high, there are heaps of products out there that don't mean I have to remortgage my house that I love. However, 9/10 times my face will be 90% high end. Can we just put it this way? If brands such as Mac, Nars & Illamasqua could make their products cheaper...don't you think they would?

Comparing Illamasqua's Powder Eyeshadow ingredients with MUA's Matte Eyeshadow Ingredients. Below are the first 6 ingredients in both taken straight from the websites.

Illamasqua: TALC, DIMETHYLIMIDAZOLIDINONE RICE STARCH, MICA,  AQUA (WATER),  PROPYLENE GLYCOL, MAGNESIUM MYRISTATE,  

MUA: Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Paraffinum liquidum, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Dimethicone 

Okay. So 2 ingredients the same, that's it. Illamasqua's include natural substances like water & rice starch, where on the other hand MUA's contain beautiful chemicals such as Paraffinum Liquidum which yes is a 100% mineral oil but can cause a lot of problems for your skin what with it being toxic and that. Eczema sufferers you should avoid products with this in as it is known to aggravate this condition like no tomorrow.

To even this out slightly, Illamasqua use Propylene Glycol with is an organic substance used to retain moisture but is classed as a mild irritant when used in large enough quantities. However, compared to other products used to achieve this effect it is one of the least harmful.

Other things to consider are the packaging and where it's made. MUA products are made in China, which is cleverly hidden in the term PRC. Where as many high end brands favour European countries, meaning they have higher; more ethical regulations. 

A fab example of packaging is Urban Decay. Everything is bio-degradable, recyclable AND recycled. The brush handles are made from smushed up drinks cans, and the cardboard used for the protective packaging is 100% recycled too!  

What is your opinion on this?

Everything stated in this post is factual & opinion based. Personally I do have low end eyeshadows that often contain toxic ingredients however I limit their use and favour the high end variety.