Choosing whether to splurge or save on makeup can be a tough decision. Will a drugstore product work as well as a department store brand? Is the department store brand truly worth the higher price? I've considered all of these and have chosen to both splurge and save depending on my budget and makeup emergency needs (sometimes running out of liquid eyeliner is an emergency). To help out my fellow thrifty gals and those who want to indulge in a name brand, I have compiled a list of my favorite products that are comparable in performance but not in price:

Moisturizer:

My makeup routine is a total bust without moisturizer. I need it, I love it. That being said I cannot always afford a fancy brand and sometimes forget to pack it when traveling and will need a trusty backup. For moisturizer, my picks are:

Splurge: Philosophy Hope In a Jar

Save: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

Primer:

If you want to minimize the look of your pores then you'll want a good primer. Trouble is, not all primers are created equal. I have found that these two get the job done no matter what your budget may be.

Splurge: Benefit's POREfessional Primer

Save: Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer

HD Powder

If you need to be camera ready you'll want an HD powder but you don't want the difference between looking picture perfect and camera shy to be your lack of quality makeup. These two products work, big wallet or not.

Splurge: Makeup Forever's HD Powder

Save: E.L.F. Studio High Definition Powder

Liquid Liner

I am a sucker for a good liquid liner. However, my budget doesn't always allow for a liner splurge. Are my eyes going to suffer because I can't get my hands on my favorite brand? No way. Spend or save, these liners will have you covered.

Splurge: Stila Stay All Day Liner

Save: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner

Mascara

My desert island makeup choice would be mascara. It's that important to my makeup regime. That being said, I've tried a lot of brands and these two pack a powerful punch. One is a high-end brand with sky-high lash results and the other is budget friendly and was spotted in the cosmetic bag of a professional makeup artist.

Splurge: Dior DiorShow Black Out Mascara

Save: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Cheek/Lip Stain

I am a big fan of lasting color and a product that can keep both my cheeks and lips rosy is a winner in my makeup bag. These two products handle both flawlessly.

Splurge: Benefit's Benetint

Save: Sephora Collection Lush Flush