Splurge-Worthy Beauty

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The very important lesson that I’ve learned, as a beauty lover is this: expensive doesn’t always mean “better.”

I think that I’ve come to realize that this is especially true when it comes to skincare.

I’ll never forget the very first time I bought a high-end foundation. Actually, it was my mom who bought it for me. It was a Chanel foundation that is currently discontinued, but it was around that time when I fell in love with luxury makeup. I think that foundation is one place where the splurge can be most justified.

There are so many amazing drugstore mascaras, lipsticks (and foundations, too, don’t get me wrong), but when you have that amazing base that is natural-looking and long-lasting, you really don’t need a whole lot more.

So, yes, a foundation is definitely a department where I think I find it easiest to splurge.

While struggling with acne I had two, solid, “special occasion” foundations: Estee Lauder’s Double Wear ($42) and Chanel’s Perfection Lumiere (which was sadly discontinued). Another amazing option for oily skin is MUFE’s Mat Velvet + ($41).

Right now that my skin is normal and sometimes a bit on the dry side, I fell in love with lightweight, medium coverage foundations. I just talked about Dior’s Airflash ($62) in a few of my most recent beauty posts and, as I’ve said before, it’s very much worth the hype. You really don’t need a lot of product with this one and it just makes your skin look perfect- smooth, soft, even, all while looking incredibly natural.

Then, of course, there is Armani’s Luminous Silk ($64). Ridiculously expensive and just as ridiculously good. Again, not a great match for oily skin, but boy oh boy does it make the skin look beautiful. The only issue with this foundation is that once you try it, you’re kind of can’t imagine your life without it.

As I’ve said before, when it comes to skincare, a lot of high-end products end up being disappointing. Especially since a lot of them are filled with fragrance, which does nothing for your skin, and can actually irritate it. I do love indulging in a nice, hydrating treatment and two of my “fancy” favorites are Erno Laszlo’s Memory Sleep Mask* ($90) and Perricone MD’s Cocoa Moisture Mask ($69). One is an overnight, hydrating and plumping treatment, and the other helps with firmness and dry patches, without being overly greasy. Nothing more to say here, other than both are amazing skincare products that are worth the splurge.

As much as I love a good eyeliner, I was really hesitant to splurge on Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Pen ($52) but after reading Jenn’s review, I finally decided to give it a try. Well, yes, this baby right here is very much worth the splurge. Even if you don’t think you’re great at applying eyeliner, this Eye Defining Pen will prove you otherwise. It just works like magic, goes on smoothly, stays on forever, and, most importantly, it does not dry out- so you don’t have to worry about not getting your money’s worth. I love this liner more than both Stila’s Stay All Day and Kat Von D’s Tattoo liners, both of which were my HG products.

I’ve tried quite a few high-end nail polishes and Dior ($28) polishes are my favorite. I love the formula, the packaging and especially the brush, which allows for a flawless application. Being a huge Essie fan, I know that you don’t need to spend 30 bucks on good nail polish, and to be honest, Dior polishes are the only ones that are worth the splurge. They have a long-lasting formula and unlike other high-end polishes (looking at you, Tom Ford), it doesn’t chip easily, even with daily housework.

I think that in the recent years, drugstore brands have really stepped up their lipstick game. NYX lip products are definitely amongst some of my favorite- especially their Matte Collection, which I think I own every single shade of. There is just something about Charlotte Tilbury’s lipsticks that is so beautiful- and I’m not just talking packing. They are long-lasting (I do always use MAC’s lip primer, which is pretty magical) and have such an amazing, non-drying formula. My favorites are Bond Girl ($34), Miranda May ($34) (for warmer months) and Pillow Talk ($34), which is my go-to whenever I can’t decide on a lip color.

Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Bricks ($48)- my favorites are Beige and Rose. If you like delicate cheek products that add both a bit of color and glow, these are for you. Also, they last forever so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth with these.

I was never too picky when it comes to hair products (I actually just got out of the shower and washed my hair with this Suave combo). Since I cut my hair short though, I did start splurging on hair products a little more often. My favorite, without a doubt, is Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray ($46). I use it when I curl my hair when I do nothing to it, and sometimes to add a bit more volume to a straight hairstyle. This spray doesn’t make hair sticky,

Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara ($29.50)- I’m a bit of a mascara junkie and this one is my all-time favorite. Love everything about it, the formula, the color, the wand/brush, it’s just perfect. The formula is a bit wet at the beginning, but it’s not one of those mascaras which you constantly have to wipe off. The curved brush hugs every single one of my lashes and gives the most beautiful curl while also giving length and volume.

Another mascara that you see all the time in my makeup posts is, of course, the Chanel Volume de Chanel ($32). Again, this gives both volume and length. The volume is so incredible that it almost looks like you’re wearing falsies. I went through 5 tubes of this mascara and still love it.

What are some of your splurge-worthy beauty picks?