Yeah I’m maybe the opposite lol. I got sick of paying for expensive makeup that runs the risk of getting discontinued and then I have trouble finding a dupe, plus it doesn’t even perfectly match my skintone. And even with extensive research, it’s still a gamble if it’s gonna work, plus now it’s used and I can’t return it. All of that just became not worth it to me. I’ve come to embrace a bit of fast fashion and buy my makeup from Asia on places like Yesstyle. Lots of Asian brands that come and go, I don’t commit to memory all the names, for stupid cheap. I’ll pay a little extra for Korean, Japanese makeup over Chinese for quality. I love being able to try out a ton of makeup for fun that doesn’t break the bank. They often come in packaging that’s cute as heck or scented quite nice. I’m Asian so it all fits my skin anyway (such a game changer, I’ve been so stupid for forcing these American brands, wish someone told me sooner)!

Beyond foundations, I find the mascaras better for example - they are formulated for stick straight Asian lashes lol. They’re very strong and drying (instead of smudging or not holding a curl through the day), so that’s the trade off, you need a proper mascara remover. I don’t wear fake lashes, but it’s easier to find short, natural looking ones. Rather than orangey contour / bronzers, you’ll find a lot of cooler toned contour kits (I used to pay so much for the Kat von D or the tiny Kevyn Aucoin). Sunscreens are nice and light, not thick and greasy.

This is a great community btw! It’s about time we had something like this on here😄

I sooooo hear you on this, I feel like every time I need to replace my most used eyeshadows they’re gone. I’m not a lipstick or primer wearer so can’t help you there sadly. At the moment I’m using soap and glory mixed browns eyeshadow which I like but don’t love and really bought cos its cruelty free. Foundation wise I ALWAYS go clarins everlast, its easy to layer up for different coverage, good quality and lasts pretty well. I’m a pasty colour so it’s the only one that matches my skin without showing my true pastiness.

I think you may want to look at some older brands like Estée Lauder or Lâncome. I don’t use those brands myself but I have the impression that they don’t have as much turnover in their offerings vs something like Colourpop, which always has something new. I think the typical userbase of those brands is looking for less experimental, more classic makeup, which should lead to stability in the product lines they offer.