• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
    • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
Home » Interesting Discussions » Sticker Shock: Rising prices of makeup and the disproportionate prices in local stores

Sticker Shock: Rising prices of makeup and the disproportionate prices in local stores

April 15, 2016 Paris B 50 Comments

Hello peeps! Had an enforced break the past couple of days, but I was made to do a bit of thinking. The first thing was that I found out that Hourglass Cosmetics is now available at our local Sephora. What do I like from there? Well just the Ambient Lighting Powder (provided you find the right colour match – you only ever need one powder, don’t listen to the pundits) and the Arch Brow Pencil, both of which I feel are noteworthy. No comment on anything else.

But what I really wanted to discuss today, isn’t Hourglass and its availability. It is about pricing of makeup, options and comparative pricing.

hourglass malaysia price

What made me think about this was when I found out that the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette (the one with 3 shades in it, where each powder is a smaller size than the original single pans) is retailing locally at RM420. What this translates to at today’s exchange rate is US$107.80, £76.10, and AU$140.88.

By contrast, what this same item retails at in the respective countries are: USA: US$62 (RM241.70), UK: £59 (RM325.60), Australia: AU$92 (RM274.33). First off, I had sticker shock. Secondly, I started thinking – why are we paying so much more when we earn so much less, and is all this perceived luxury makeup necessary?

I know what you’re thinking – “You buy Hourglass and expensive brands/products anyway, PB, who are you to talk?!”

Yes I do, I’m not denying it. I’m not telling you that you shouldn’t, nor that you have to. Before I splurge, I check prices, and I check my prices worldwide, on as many sites as possible that will ship internationally, and I have multiple income streams thanks to investments and various commitments over the years. I weigh taxes and shipping and I almost always never pay more than what the item might be available locally for. There are exceptions of course, but they are exceptions, not the rule. Most importantly, I don’t buy expensive things very often, and I don’t run out and blow large sums of money each time I leave the house. The reason is simple – luxury products are expensive and I have other priorities in life, plus a bit of a kiasi (lit: scared of dying) attitude when it comes to savings 😛

So yes, I pay luxury prices for luxury items, but I make sure I don’t get scalped – which is what I think consumers here in Malaysia are, with those sort of prices Sephora thinks they can get away with!

By way of experiment, I decided to see how far the cost of 1 Hourglass palette will go in different countries.

In Malaysia, RM420 is a lot of money by any reckoning. It could well be a month’s worth of groceries for a large family (for a small family, it could stretch a few months),or 3 months worth of utility bills if living averagely, or about 2.5 months of Internet bills, or tuition fees, or room rental, or the monthly installment payment for a car, or a month’s worth of personal expenses including the occasional meal out. RM420 is a large percentage of a monthly wage in Malaysia, which isn’t very high to start with.

I spoke to my friend in Australia who told me that AU$92 (the price of the same palette there) is a sizeable chunk of change as well. It could mean 1.5 weeks worth of groceries for 3 (no store brands), 5 months of gas bills in summer, or a very nice meal with a nice bottle of wine. But compare that with the salaries in Australia, and $92 isn’t that large a proportion of your income.

I decided to check how far £59 would get you in the UK, and thanks to Row of Cosmetic Candy, I found out that £59 could fill your car tank, buy you dinner at pizza express for 4 and perhaps do a week or two of groceries, or pay a month’s internet bill. 

What about in the USA? My friend Reese helped me out by telling me that $62 gets her 2 weeks of groceries, or a months water and electricity, or a month of Internet. Of course, how far your money stretches depends on your lifestyle but I’m erring on the side of caution and working out an average lifestyle.

As you can see,it’s still a lot of money, but £59, US$62 , and AU$92 don’t carve out a significant hole in your monthly paycheck. RM420 does, when an average office executive draws a monthly salary of about RM3,000 (last that I checked) or often, less.

What bugs me isn’t so much the high price of things, but how disproportionate they are to our earning power, and how those who promote these things as a “must have” fail to mention or highlight just how expensive or disproportionately expensive they are. Hourglass makes decent makeup, but I do find it overpriced in general.

hourglass ambient lighting edit palette

I love my Guerlain Meteorites, but even I could not bring myself to pay RM500 for the Meteorites Voyage Compact back in the day. I probably never will, now that it’s almost RM800. I hear the pearls are going up in price and I’m thinking of retiring from collecting. I cannot justify it anymore. The last one was almost RM300 and that was testing my limits.

I’ve also been told over at Facebook, that prices of Guerlain makeup have gone up in general, where the Baby Glow foundation and the Lingerie de Peau BB Booster is now RM227, up from RM189 just a month or two back. I did notice the price rise in Guerlain recently, and I have it on good authority that every other brand will soon start raising prices, to keep up with global prices, stature, and the exchange rate.

But you know what? Skincare aside (where I might be more willing to splurge a little more) this is all just makeup. Will a RM400 powder make you look better than a RM100 powder? Not necessarily. But if you want it anyway, you know what? Know that you have options to stretch your money.

There are ways and means of buying products from other places, where they quite often work out cheaper than buying locally. I’m not saying we should not support local businesses, but these global companies are global, and the world is now a much smaller place than it used to be, thanks to the advent of the internet. Buy your Korean cosmetics from reputable sites that ship from Korea – the prices are so much lower than they are here! Buy brands like Hourglass from international websites where there are often discount codes and free shipping offered. You have to wait a little before they arrive, but you know what? It’s makeup and it’s not a life and death matter.

All I’m saying is that we don’t have to and should not allow ourselves to be scalped. Sure, the brands won’t like me saying all this, but I think that it has to be said. We are the consumer, and ultimately, we take our money where we get the best value. If you want the instant gratification and you don’t feel like you’re getting scalped, or you don’t trust the post, I’m saying to go for it. The economy thanks you! 😀 Prices and luxury are a matter of perception as well – I have a rather old-fashioned approach to money and value, but I know many don’t.

But I’m also saying that times aren’t going to get better and we should be a little more prudent with our spending. I realise some of you may think me a hypocrite as I feature a lot of luxury or high priced brands, but I do try to factor all that in when I tell you about a product – and as I have said, there are always options where you can buy the product, where it may not hurt your wallet as much, and I try to offer those options. Often, I’ll just tell you that it’s a want, not a need – nothing is a need except fresh food, fresh air, a roof over your head and clean running water. Everything else is pretty much a luxury 🙂

Are you feeling the pinch with the rising prices in recent times? Do you feel that prices of makeup locally tend to be just a little disproportionate?

I’ve actually been observing this phenomenon of prices, and I have to say that it’s made me rethink a lot of things about this little “hobby” of mine. A year ago, I discussed a similar topic about how rising beauty prices are affecting my beauty purchases. A year on, I’ve realised that I’ve actually scaled back beauty buying substantially. I’m still a bit of a sucker when it comes to skincare, but with makeup, I’ve been hitting the brakes so hard on purchases lately. It’s getting harder and harder to justify a purchase! Do you feel the same?

p/s If you’re wondering about the local prices of a couple of other popular Hourglass products, the Ambient Lighting Blush is RM220 (vs US$38 and £32) and so is the new Strobe powder, Ambient Lighting Powder is RM242 (vs US$45 and £38). I buy my Hourglass from SpaceNK or Net-a-Porter. The former often has discount codes and free shipping above certain amounts, or affordable shipping otherwise. Just saying 😉 Caveat emptor.

Paris B

Share61
Tweet5
Pin
66 Shares
50 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Share61
Tweet5
Pin
66 Shares

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: Your Say: What made you love makeup?
NEXT POST: Forget the high end brands, the Catrice Velvet Matt Eyeshadow blows them all out of the water!

50 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Lily says

    April 16, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I’m always willing to splurge on good skincare. I’m only interested in the Hourglass Veil Primer, and I checked out the price on Space NK as well. After conversion, it’s actually CHEAPER here! Shocker hey? LOL! Then I checked out the prices for other products, and apparently the 28 serum is also cheaper here, comparatively. Those were the only 2 though.

    Ah, yes, we always get things more expensive here! And compared to the countries you just mentioned, we’re the “poorest” in terms of exchange rate, and wages. Real Techniques brushes sold at Shins are DOUBLE the price of those sold at iHerb. It’s ridiculous! 100% mark up? How is that justifiable, even though it’s less than RM420? A can of tuna used to be less than RM5 and now it’s about RM6.50. Our money seems more and more worthless.

    If only life is as easy as getting “donations” eh? LOL!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 2, 2016 at 10:46 am

      Oh we could ALL do with a little donation! Unfortunately, not all of us have as influential ME friends 😛 I’ve heard the Hourglass primer is amaze-balls so it’s probably good that it’s cheaper here. Maybe that powder palette was so expensive, because it’s such a hot selling item that they are guaranteed to make a ton of money off? 😀 I’ve noticed the sneaky rise in prices of everything and it’s draining on the wallet. Can’t even have sardines anymore – have you seen the prices?! Shocking!

      Reply
  2. Tubbs says

    April 18, 2016 at 12:15 am

    An “Amen” from over here! I am (now) very frugal about makeup and prefer to have less items that get all used up and then replaced than loads that don’t. I have done posts about building a minimalist makeup collection and plan more in the future :).

    I would buy something like an Hourglass powder if I needed one, but I don’t right now. I’m also not sure what it would do that my S&G powder and a bit of highlighter doesn’t for considerably less money :). Apart from look prettier on my dressing table. It’s a lot of money for just that.

    I’m pleased that you – and a few other bloggers – acknowledge that cost is an issue and clearly disclose samples. I wish more did. If I bought all the “must have” products that some bloggers recommended in a month, I’d be in debtors prison!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 2, 2016 at 10:53 am

      I’ve noticed many people going the minimalist route 🙂 It’s not one I’m likely to take at any time, but I can understand the impetuous. The thing about luxury makeup is that, it’s a luxury. So I think it’s nice if we had a little spare cash that we’d like to spend on something nice for ourselves, but it isn’t a need in any manner of speaking, the way that many people (or even the brand) would like to have us believe. I do think that the rising cost of makeup is a problem everywhere, and I do wonder how much of it is caused by the marketing and provision of press samples. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, sending press samples, but we have to acknowledge that it drives up costs significantly, that impacts on the real consumer.

      Reply
  3. Fireangel says

    April 18, 2016 at 11:25 am

    It’s the same phenomenon with alcohol actually. When you compare (even after conversion) it’s ridiculously priced here in Malaysia – one may argue that our forex sucks, the duty is expensive, the tax is one of the highest in the planet – but it still does not explain the exorbitant amount we have to pay to imbibe in Malaysia. I mean, local beer in Thailand is half the price of what you pay for local beer in Malaysia!!! WTH!!!

    Sorry, I’m totally digressing from skin care / cosmetics, but just wanted to share that this disproportionate pricing is not just specific to skin care / cosmetics alone.

    <3

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 2, 2016 at 11:02 am

      Actually I fully agree with you. Especially since I’ve kindled an interest in good whiskeys. The problem, I feel, is also because these things are all imported. The good stuff. We are a country that lives on imports and that’s what makes it so hard for us to keep things affordable, when everything comes from overseas. Even local produce feel that they have to match imported prices, or they will lose their perceived edge.

      Reply
  4. Kuri says

    April 18, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Great discussion! After moving to Japan, I noticed that there was usually a 50-100% markup over prices in the US, even for European brands (e.g. L’Occitaine, etc.) This helped prompt the shift to buying locally, because why pay for marked up goods?

    I’ve got so much makeup now that I’m not willing to pay the markup.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 2, 2016 at 11:16 am

      Ah, but in Japan, there are so many excellent quality local brands that it wouldn’t make sense to buy Western brands anyway! 😀 I had been told about this too, and I think it’s the same in China, except I wouldn’t be as trusting of a China made brand LOL!

      Reply
      • Kuri says

        May 2, 2016 at 11:48 am

        Lol, true!

        Reply
« Older Comments

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

BEAUTY & LIFE TIPS

2 finger sunscreen guideline

Sunscreen Tip: The 2-finger guideline to using enough sunscreen

protect skin after sun

Sun damaging your skin? Here’s how I protect mine after prolonged sun exposure

expensive skincare worth it

Your Say: Is expensive skincare ever worth it?

Instagram @parisbmws – You don’t know what you’re missing

A few of you asked me about this serum when I shar A few of you asked me about this serum when I shared about it last. So here it is on the blog 😊 #notsponsored #iboughtitmyself 
#yeouth #yeouthskincare #yeouthvitamincandeserum #parisbmws #skincareblogger #skincareblog #budgetbeauty #affordablebeauty #iherb #vitamincserum
Learnt an easy way to measure how much sunscreen i Learnt an easy way to measure how much sunscreen is enough for your face! Watch the video but read more on the blog for where I got the info from and find out if this is enough for me 😁 www.mywomenstuff.com
#wearsunscreen #parisbmws #sunscreentips #skincaretips #skincareblogger #over40blogger #over40skincare #sunscreenmalaysia
Ooh makeup! 😆 So there’s this blush I’ve b Ooh makeup! 😆
So there’s this blush I’ve been using a lot of recently. Absolutely loving it! Review on the blog!
#shiseido #shiseidomakeup #shiseidomalaysia #shiseidominimalistwhippedpowderblush #luxurymakeup #japanesemakeup #jbeauty #parisbmws #over40makeup
Pity there are no ang pows to collect this year. T Pity there are no ang pows to collect this year. The bag was big enough 🤣
#iamaplasticbag #anyahindmarch #parisbmws #anyahindmarchmalaysia #anyahindmarchbag
Let’s take a photo, Sherlock! How hard can it be Let’s take a photo, Sherlock! How hard can it be? 
Famous last words 😅 Can’t believe how tiny he was last CNY. I could make him do whatever I wanted. Now, he’s got a mind of his own and it’s “no treats, no work!” 🤪
It’s an unusual Chinese New Year this year. It’s the first time since I left home that I did not make an early morning drive home for CNY for the reunion dinner (I always do so to beat traffic). It’s the first time I’m spending CNY in KL. It’s the first time my hair is looking such a mess for CNY 😂
Regardless, we do this not for ourselves but for others so we can have more joyful CNY celebrations to come. 
Wishing all of you a Happy, healthy Chinese New Year filled with Ox-picious tidings 🧧 Gong Xi Fa Cai and enjoy the festive break! ❤️
Low key CNY celebrations this year. No need to dre Low key CNY celebrations this year. No need to dress up or put on makeup since we’re staying home, but I’ll be damned if I don’t smell like a million bucks from head to toe! 🥰
I never appreciated hair mists but the Chanel No. 5 Hair Mist is a nice, light way to enjoy the perfume. Who says you can only spray on your hair? 😬
What’s your CNY shaping up like?
#chanelmalaysia #chanelperfume #chanelno5 #parisbmws #chanelfragrance #n5 #n5100years #welovecoco
Join over 9500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2019 · All Rights Reserved