You know the feeling. You scroll through Instagram, spot a gorgeous limited edition Catrice collection or another favourite, and before you know it your cart is full. Makeup and personal care are a passion for many, but costs add up quickly. The good news? With a few smart choices, you can look fantastic without emptying your wallet.
Inspired by the striking collaboration between Catrice and fashion designer Dawid Tomaszewski — which beauty blog Miss Prettiness covered — we dive into the world of budget beauty.
Why drugstore brands keep getting better
Let's be honest: the gap between expensive and affordable makeup has shrunk dramatically in recent years. Brands like Catrice, Essence and NYX now offer formulas that compete with products costing three times as much.
The trick is knowing where to save and where to invest. Foundation and skincare? Quality pays off. Mascara and lipstick? Budget brands often perform just as well.
Smart savings across your entire routine
Makeup is just part of the story. Your daily care routine — shower gel, deodorant, shampoo, body lotion — these are the products you repurchase monthly. And that is exactly where you can save the most.
Always compare prices. The same deodorant can be significantly cheaper at one online pharmacy versus another. Price differences of 15 to 25 percent are perfectly normal.
Consider Belgian online pharmacies like Viata, Farmaline and Medi-Market for your everyday beauty products.
Take Nivea Soft, for example — a versatile moisturising cream for face, hands and body. Prices vary significantly between online pharmacies.
→ Compare prices of Nivea Soft on PharmaCompare
Or discover the Benecos Natural Refill Palette New York — affordable, natural makeup available at Belgian online pharmacies.
→ Compare prices of Benecos Refill Palette on PharmaCompare
The 80/20 rule for beauty budgets
A handy rule of thumb: spend 80% of your beauty budget on daily products that directly touch your skin. Keep the remaining 20% for fun extras like that limited edition you spotted.
Conclusion
Whether you love designer collaborations or prefer the basics — smart shopping is key. PharmaCompare compares prices at licensed Belgian online pharmacies so you always find the best deal.