Beauty: Drug Store vs. Department Store

CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder 
vs.
Chanel Double Perfection Lumiere Powder

                                                         

I have tons of products from both Nordstrom and Target. I thought it would be fun to take a look at my favorite products from each store to see how they compare. From mascara, to face powder, eye makeup remover pads and more I’ll let you know how they stack up. Expensive doesn’t always mean better so lets see what beauty treasures we can find! This week it’s Cover Girl versus Chanel…a face powder show down!

A standard stocking stuffer from my hubby each year is the Chanel Double Perfection powder in Tender Bisque ($52.20), which I’m pretty sure he calls ‘lobster bisque’ when he’s at the Chanel counter at Nordstrom! Hey, he’s at my favorite store buying makeup so I’ll let that slide – the Chanel girl knows what he’s trying to say ;). Anyhow, I LOVE this make-up, but have a hard time spending $50+ on it. Don’t get me wrong I adore the fancy things, but when I know Cover Girl Fresh Complexion powder exists for $6, well Coco has some competition.

The Chanel powder is more than a pressed powder, but not wet like a concealer either. It’s the perfect mix providing amazing coverage (and zero shine!) without feeling heavy or cake-y . I feel like my skin can still breathe! The powder makes my skin tone even and smooth without any additional concealer or foundation. Blemishes vanish and I have never experienced any acne break-outs from using Chanel Double Perfection.

Prior to using either of thee products, I had a problem with my powder making my face seem to ‘glow’ in pictures. I asked the makeup gal about this and she said some powders have reflective qualities that makeup artists say aren’t used for photo shoots or on film. Well, I won’t being doing any photo shoots soon, but I don’t want my face to look like a big, shining moon in pictures either! You won’t have that problem with this luxurious powder. The colors are great, it’s lightweight, and a little powder seems to go a long way. My compact tends to last 4-6 months. Hands down one of my favorite new products in the last couple of years.

So, now, the Cover Girl alternative. First off, the price is awesome! If I’m just running around with my kids, but still want basic makeup on I use my inexpensive Cover Girl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder in Ivory. It’s lightweight like the other powder, but the coverage isn’t quite as good. Most mornings that’s okay though. I just want a touch of powder to even out my skin tone and take away any shine. If I want to achieve the same finish as the Chanel powder, I just have to use a bit more product. I definitely don't like the application pad as much for this powder and it appears to get sort of oil-y with use. By the time the compact is getting low you're really ready for a new one simply to see a bright white, fresh applicator! This can lead to slight acne issues if you wait too long. Hey, for six bucks just get a new compact. You know you want to go to Target anyway!

So overall, I keep both powders in my makeup bag. Cover Girl for every day (like errands to buy more beauty products) and Chanel for when I'm wearing something nicer than yoga pants and flip flops! The drug store product definitely holds its own in this comparison and is a great alternative to it's department store rival.