
Aussie beauty addicts often feel like they're paying more than their American counterparts. But how much are they actually being ripped off?
BuzzFeed Oz set out to discover if Aussie beauty addicts are really getting the raw end of the deal.
Here's how we did it.


Using the current prices on both the Australian and American retailers' websites, we then added the the nationwide average sales tax of 5.45% to the American price. Using Google's currency converter on July 3rd at an exchange rate of 76 Australian cents to every US dollar, we then translated the American price + tax to Australian currency to see how the Australian price compared.
We began with Sephora.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con Palette

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick

Tarte Cheek Stain

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

So how does Mecca Cosmetica compare?

Mecca has a price promise on its website that states that they stay as close to America's prices as possible.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

NARS Blush

Too Faced Natural Matte Eyeshadow Collection

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner

Smashbox Bronze Lights Compact

So what about the department stores?

From our conversions, Mecca showed that they don't put a huge mark-up on most of their items. Would the department stores prove themselves, also?
Benefit They're Real Mascara

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat

Illamasqua Sculpting Duo

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow

Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Palette

And what about David Jones?

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation


M.A.C. Lipstick

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick

Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara

Laura Mercier Moisture Suprème Foundation

Guerlain Meteorite Pearls Illuminating Powder

But what about the brands at Priceline?

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eyeshadow Quads

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Shadow

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips

Essie Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish

When contacted, Priceline told BuzzFeed News that the fault lies with suppliers.
"There is no doubt that suppliers with an international presence sell products to retailers in different countries at different prices. As a result, consumers will see different on-shelf prices from one country to another. For our part, we endeavour to give our customers the widest range, strongest value and expert service of any cosmetics retailer in Australia. To this end, we work with our suppliers to provide the best outcomes for our customers."
And last but not least, what about Target?

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
