The Truth About High-End vs. Drugstore Products in a Pro Kit

When hiring a hair and makeup artist, you might wonder—does it really matter if they use high-end or drugstore products? The short answer: it depends. While it’s not inherently bad for an artist to use some affordable products, there’s a fine line between balancing quality and price, especially when clients are paying premium rates.

Let me explain.

I’ll never forget the time I hired a semi-celebrity artist for a wedding I was in. She charged top dollar—far more than I’ve ever charged or paid before. But when I sat down in her chair, I was surprised (and a little disappointed) to see that many of the products in her kit were low-quality, drugstore brands. What really surprised me was when she used a drugstore foundation. I had been looking forward to learning about some new, high-end products, hoping she’d introduce me to something incredible. Instead, I felt underwhelmed by her choices.

Now, don’t get me wrong—my hair and makeup turned out beautiful, and I liked the results. But in the back of my mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling of doubt. If her products weren’t top-tier, were her brushes clean? Did she really care about the quality of her work? That experience made me question her professionalism, even though the final look was great.

Here’s the thing: if an artist is charging premium rates, they should be backing that up with high-quality products. Clients are paying not just for the final look, but for the assurance that their artist is using the best possible tools and maintaining a professional standard.

Why Both High-End and Drugstore Products Have a Place in a Pro Kit

In my own kit, I have a mix of high-end and drugstore products, and I’m very intentional about what I use. Some budget-friendly products work just as well (if not better) than their luxury counterparts. Think about it—there are plenty of drugstore mascaras or lip liners that rival the priciest brands. But I also believe that certain high-end products, like foundations or setting powders, deliver better results, especially for long-lasting looks under professional lighting.

So, it’s not about rejecting all drugstore brands. It’s about balance. If an artist fills their kit exclusively with low-cost products, their pricing should reflect that. On the flip side, if they’re charging a premium, they need to justify that cost with premium products and tools, along with a high level of professionalism.

What This Means for You

When hiring a hair and makeup artist, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the products they use. You’re not just paying for a pretty face; you’re paying for quality, skill, and peace of mind. A mix of high-end and budget-friendly products is fine, as long as the overall experience, results, and professionalism are in line with what you’re paying for.

If you want to dive deeper into what you should be looking for when hiring a hair and makeup artist, join my mailing list here to get first access to my e-course coming soon.

Stay Fabulous,

Amanda