I HAVE been asked so many times what makes luxury brand makeup expensive. I don’t claim to be an expert on these things but for me, luxury is a state of mind. That being said, I think buying luxury brand cosmetics helps put you in that state of mind and being.
Although I own some Charlotte Tilbury makeup, I didn’t buy them myself but someone told me she bought at Selfridge’s and the salesperson made a show of it.
“She wrapped the lipsticks in black tissue before putting them in their boxes. She also place all my purchases in a bigger box and presented it to me,” this acquaintance said.
I remembered this when my friend gifted me with a bunch of Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks last month. All the lipsticks were wrapped in black tissue and unwrapping each gold tube was a delight.
Buying high-end makeup is an experience. My friend brought me to the Chanel makeup boutique in Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, where the salespeople fawned over us. It was wonderful having someone apply blush on you or point out what lipstick color would suit you.
That’s what you’re paying for: the complete experience. As they say, you might not be
able to afford the bag but you can certainly buy the lipstick. The products also feel more luxurious and emollient. They feel rich on the skin, pigmentation is insane, and they usually last longer.
Note: Some people are intimidated when they enter stores that sell luxury goods, whether it is makeup or clothes and bags. I never feel this way unless the salespeople are particularly obnoxious. I’ve never been discriminated upon and, if I was, I would definitely give them a piece of my mind.
So to those who are intimidated, particularly in Paris, Hong Kong or Singapore, don’t be. Sometimes salespeople are tired or irritated for one reason or another, and it shows in the way they deal with us.
I always like to think, “It’s not about me.”
You don’t get the frills of black tissue and big boxes when you buy from Watsons or Boots. What you get is what you pay for but that doesn’t make drugstore products less effective. Some of my favorite brands—Simple and Dove—are from the drugstore. I love them. When I open a new bottle, I’m happy that I can afford it. So for me, that is a feeling of luxury.
There are some things I don’t scrimp on, like serums and foundation. For the rest, like color cosmetics and toners, I’m not really particular with. I love makeup and skin care, wherever I can get them.
Even with fragrances, I’m not very choosy. I love Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works as much as Jo Malone and Prada scents. Again, luxury is a state of mind and being. You put yourself in that place.