CINCINNATI - Splurge or save? That's the question on every gals' mind when looking for new makeup.  9 News and Consumer Reports are on your side with a new report telling you when to shell out for cosmetics and when to buy the cheap stuff.

When it comes to your blush, most make up professionals say SPLURGE.  Blush is a product that you will keep for two years, maybe even forever.  Experts recommend paying extra for highly pigmented powders that blend easily.  Celebrity makeup artist, Andrew Sotomayor says, "A bright blush applied softly does more than a dull one applied heavily."

The pros also say you need to SPLURGE when purchasing foundation. Sotomayor says, "your foundation should look like real skin, expect smoother and more even toned."  You best chance of getting that perfect appearance is visiting a high-end retailer, and having a specialist help you choose the right shade. 

For many, hiding discoloration and fine lines are major priorities when getting ready for the day or night.  That's why professionals say SPLURGE on concealer too.  "Concealer is the one product that can make you look more away and younger at the same time," makeup artist Erin Svalstad says. For the best color match, Svalstad recommends visiting a department store beauty counter, where higher-end brands are often sold and trains specialists can help you choose the right shade for your skin tone.

On the other hand, you should choose to SAVE when purchasing mascara.  To prevent clumping, eye infections, and other negative side effects, many beauty professionals say you should replace your mascara every six weeks.

Another product in the eye department that could save you some cash is eye shadow.  Professionals say you should choose to SAVE and pick up some drugstore-brand shadows. This is because over the years, these brands qualities have improved and what you see is what you get. "If you want to experiment, go with a less expensive brand" says Sotomayor.  If you are unhappy with the quality of the cheaper product, you can find the color that looks best on you and then invest in a better-quality shadow.

If you are looking for a new eye or lip liner, the pros say SPLURGE! A good liner can make all the difference in achieving that flawless look.  Makeup artist Erin Svalstad says, "the expensive ones rarely smudge." If the pencil doesn't sharpen easily and create a nice point for precise application, you are wasting your money, Sotomayor says. Your choice of lip liner also provides the support to help your lipstick last all day.

That leads us to lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm.  The pros say SAVE your money when working on the perfect pout.  Drugstores and mass retailers are packed with great budget-friendly lipsticks.  "I find the quality between the expensive products and the wallet-friendly products varies very little," Svalstad says.  Pros unanimously say that when it comes to gloss, be cheap.  "Glosses are so sheer that the color doesn't usually come through anyway, so buying cheap is a great way to save here and splurge in other areas," says makeup artist Laura Martinez.