You know how it is. That dried-up tube of mascara needs replacing and it would be nice to have a new eye shadow to go along with it. But you are on a budget and every hard-earned penny counts. Is it worth sacrificing quality for a few dollars? Or could you be saving money while enjoying a great quality bargain?
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we here at Dealspotr.com have been looking at the differences between luxury and economical cosmetic brands Mac and Avon. What you discover might be an eye-opener … especially with the extra coat of your new mascara.
A few decades ago, Mac began as a cult brand that catered to entertainment and fashion professionals until a rising cabaret singer named Madonna was photographed wearing an unusually red matte lipstick. While other famous makeup companies were still mostly skincare lines, Mac set itself apart by becoming the predominant color authority.
Avon was founded over one hundred years ago by a traveling book salesman. The staying power of Avon is a combination of quality cosmetics at reasonable prices. Their cost-effective business model is based on networking through their independent sales representatives. Though Avon began as a direct seller of beauty products, it is now available at physical locations and online, as are the chic Mac items.
With so many formulas available, the contrast between the two names is more than the average $15 price point for Mac and $8 for Avon. Using the gel formula for comparison, Avon rated 4.2 out of 5 on Makeupalley.com with positive comments about its creamy gliding application and vibrant pigmentation. However, negative reviewers stated that it isn’t long-lasting, had a tendency to smear and was not available in a wide variety of color options.
Mac rated an overall 4.5 out of 5 on Makeupalley.com for its beautiful color variety, although some disappointed reviewers found that the product was dry and had a tendency to flake. There was also divided opinion concerning the value of paying more for Mac.
Some beauty bloggers prefer the less costly Avon eye liner pencil over Mac. Tara’s Treats for example, observed that Avon is easier to apply and has an intense pigment that does not break when applying it, while Mac precision was not great and would chalk and flake.
Winner: Avon. You can buy two of their eye liners for the cost of one Mac that may not deliver the higher-priced results.
There are many different textures and types of shadows on the market from both competitors. Overall, Mac rated 4.3 out of 5 on Makeupalley.com due to its consistency, long-lasting formula, blending ability, and selection of deep pigmented colors. The packaging was also a winner due to its trademark simple black pots with clear lids. However, with prices starting at $16, some reviewers felt reluctant about splurging without their having the expertise for proper application.
If you are still experimenting with eye shadow and don’t want to invest a lot of money, Avon rated on average 3.5 out of 5 with Makeupalley.com. Some consumers were enthusiastic about the sleek packaging with a good sponge applicator and mirror. The reviews were mixed concerning color consistency and pigmentation. But with prices starting at $6, the majority consensus is that Avon is a good value.
Kirsty from the Kizzy Hearts beauty blog compared Mac’s satin taupe with a similar Avon shadow. She was impressed with Avon’s overall performance, observing that Avon contains much more eye shadow than Mac in similar packaging. Although Mac blends more smoothly there really isn’t much difference between the two brands, including hue.
Winner: Mac. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and their shades are very durable while providing vibrant hues. Customers also noted that the Avon eye shadow has a dusty quality, which makes application frustrating.
There are many different types to suit different eyelash needs including volume, length or both. On Makeupalley.com, Mac only receives 3.2 out of 5 due to it generally being too expensive for the quality at prices ranging from $10-22. Other concerns are that it is too moist and causes clumping.
Avon rates only slightly higher with an average of 3.4 on Makeupalley.com. Most complaints are that it flakes, smudges and clumps at a price range of $7-12. It does receive points for being easy to remove.
TotalBeauty.com considers both Avon and Mac to be best brands. Avon Mega Effects Mascara ($10) is recognized for its adjustable wand that provides both length and volume while Mac Opulash ($17) is a top contender for its false-lash effect.
Winner: Tie. Overall, both brands were reported to have clumping and other major mascara issues. But because it is recommended to discard mascara every three months, then it might be best to spend less with Avon.
Knowing when to spend money on high-end brands or opt for more economical ones is not a decision that can be made with the wave of a magic mascara wand. But with enough consumer education and a little trial and error, the choices do become easier.
