I mostly wore the cheaper brands of make-up when I was a teenager (stuff you could buy at the drug store, etc). A couple years ago, I treated myself to the MAC counter at Dillard's, and can never go back to what I used to use. I spent well over 100 bucks that first time, but it truly was worth it. For me, the concealer and powder are the most important items I can have. I don't like lipsticks but instead I'm addicted to chapsticks (lipsmackers actually, who knew I'd still love these when I'm almost 30)-- I suppose this saves me money in the long run and keeps me healthier due to all of the lipstick chemical scares.