Artitude just launched a new palette, and for US customers it comes out to around $88 shipped. I understand small brands, tariffs, shipping costs, silver pigments, etc.—the owner explained all of that in the comments. I don’t think prices are set “randomly,” and I don’t think the brand owes anyone affordability.
That said… $88 for a pressed pigment palette feels unreasonable to me.
What really gave me pause was the response that future “more affordable” releases would likely use less shimmer and less expensive pigments. To me, that basically means lower quality to hit a lower price point. At that point, I’d rather just buy something else entirely.
I actually used one of my existing Artitude palettes today and had the honest thought: Is this worth $88?
For me, the answer is no.
Other indie brands (like Glaminatrix) seem to have figured out how to balance quality, international shipping, and price without pushing into luxury-tier territory. And at the end of the day, these are still pressed pigments—there is a value ceiling for that category, at least for me.
Influencers are hyping these launches hard, but is there a limit? If quality decreases to justify price drops, I’d honestly rather buy a Natasha Denona mini and a couple ColourPop Super Shock shadows and call it a day.
Maybe Artitude has hit their ceiling. The market will decide.
Personally, I’ll be putting that $88 into my emergency fund—because for me, pressed pigments just aren’t worth that price anymore.
Curious how others feel, especially US customers. I appreciate that the owner responded and was extremely professional and nice. I really do enjoy Artitude.
by MeltedMascara
2 Comments
She says the $88 includes the 20% tariff (blame your president) and shipping. Your government decided they want you to buy American and £45 is not that unreasonable, it is just all the fees on top for shipping and customs.
As Canadians, we have dealt with this for years for every shipment from US Indies (or Canadian ones who choose to base their business in the USA – looking at you Holo Taco – it sucks but you just support local ones instead)
Edit: I appreciate that she includes the tariffs at checkout because otherwise, it arrives with a bill to pay the tariff plus a $25 brokerage fee, sometimes months after you got your package so you can’t refuse it. Some of those other brands are just mailing them and letting customers deal with it
I’m in the US and work for a small business that manufactures in China. The tariff stuff is very real, it adds a ton to cost of goods that normally would’ve been money going towards fixed expenses or profit. Nothing they’re saying seems unreasonable at all given the current issues in manufacturing and shipping.