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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?
43 Comments
Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
January 18, 2018 at 10:28 amFirst time I spent 5x minimum hourly wage on shampoo, I felt so bad. But then my hair miraculously stopped breaking all the time and I realized maybe it was worth it.
(only because I wash my hair once a week, for someone going daily or even bi-daily, that stuff is not sustainable)
Splashing lots of cash on quality products is always a love-hate for me. I kind of like the feeling of being a bit luxurious, but at the back of my head I am always like ‘hmm, I could get a dress for that’ ;)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:29 pmHaha, yes! That’s the struggle of splurging, you tend to go “hmm, I could have bought this or that instead.” I’ve definitely become MUCH more mindful about my beauty spending and it feels good. No more emotional shopping for me just to pick up my mood. I now try to splurge only where I know it’s worth it.
Erin Azmir
January 18, 2018 at 11:59 amoh gosh these are luxuries! too bad i’m a broke student who can’t afford luxury makeup aha x
Erin Azmir
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:30 pmAww, the good news is that there are so many wonderful and affordable products out there these days! AND your education is one of the most important things to splurge on ;)
Ashlee Elizabeth
January 18, 2018 at 12:34 pmI have been trying to convince myself to purchase the Dior Airflash. I am so worried about wasting majority of the product, but I think it is something I am going to have to try out for myself! High end foundation is always worth the purchase.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:31 pmYou know, I’ve actually been using it pretty much daily for about a month and I don’t think I’m anywhere near finishing the product. The good thing is that you really don’t need a lot of product for a beautiful coverage! I’d definitely try to sample it first!
The December Dame
January 18, 2018 at 2:26 pmI want to try CT’s Pillow talk so badly but am so worried that it won’t suit my skintone for some reason and I it is not sold in stores where I live. Maybe I should bite the bullet?
xx,
http://www.thedecemberdame.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:32 pmI’ve read many reviews and a lot of people say that it’s a universally flattering shade and I agree. You can always try to get your hands on a sample first!
Julia Speaks
January 18, 2018 at 2:38 pmThe point you made about price versus quality of a product is really interesting and very true! To be honest I could never justify putting lots of money on a cream or a toner, just because skincare is so subjective – one product might work amazingly for everybody, but not with your skin. Same applies to makeup, but I find it easier to find the good products – especially foundation. I’ve always wanted to use the Double Wear by Estée Lauder!
Julia x
Last Post: The Best TK Maxx Find! | http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/fashion-ode-to-tk-maxx.html
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:34 pmI agree- when it comes to skincare, I now pay more attention to ingredients, than I do to things like packaging. A lot of high-end stuff can be easily duped, in the skincare department. Foundation is definitely a nice place to splurge. Double Wear is amazing if you have oily skin!
Zoë Ware
January 18, 2018 at 8:04 pmAhh wish I had the money to splurge! I love your aesthetic! My favourite things to splurge on are eyeshadows mascaras and lipsticks, I don’t know why! Loved this post!
http://zoe-ware.blogspot.ca/?m=1
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:34 pmI’m a sucker when it comes to mascaras- just love them so much, haha! Thank you so much, Zoe!
Christine C.
January 18, 2018 at 9:39 pmYou featured so many of my favorite products. I will splurge on a product if I find that it’s that much better than anything else on the market. Oribe and Dior are two brands that I find to always be worth the splurge! I jotted down some notes about a couple of products that I haven’t tried that you talked about so I can’t wait to see what I think of them!!!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:35 pmYess! Oribe and Dior are both amazing! So happy that you love some of these, too!
Janet
January 18, 2018 at 10:35 pmAs always, great, great tips, Paula. I agree with you, foundation is a reason to splurge, it’s covering more of t=your face than any other product.
I have to ask a favor. Long ago you mentioned that you really loved to paint your nails. So I’m guessing that you know your brands well. I’ve been looking for a good brand that has an opaque white. When I think I have the right color, by Essie, or OPI, or Sally Hansen, it turns out to be translucent, or so thick it goes on like chalk. Help!!!
Jane x
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 19, 2018 at 12:01 pmThank you so much, Jane! My favorite white is Revlon’s Sure Thing. I actually wrote about it years ago right here: https://www.thirteenthoughts.com/perfect-white-nail-polish/ Another one I recently discovered and loved too is one by Context in shade “Dream On” https://www.contextskin.com/shop-context-nails/
Linda Libra Loca
January 19, 2018 at 6:56 amI tend to splurge on foundation over other high end makeup products, and sometimes on mascara or lipstick. To be fair I have found amazing ones at the drugstore out of each category, but sometimes I want the feeling of luxury that comes with a high end lipstick.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:36 pmFoundation is my weakness, too, when it comes to splurging!
Paula Loreti
January 19, 2018 at 11:49 amGreat post!! I need to try these ones
http://www.blossomikebana.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:36 pmThank you, Paula!
BeckyCook
January 19, 2018 at 2:26 pmSuch a good post! I love a little splurge every now and then but agree there are some products that are equally as good if not better from the drugstore! Totally with you on the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks! Was a bit cautious when buying them because of the price but a little goes a long way and totally worth the pay out!
http://itsjustbecky.blogspot.co.uk/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:37 pmYes! The Shimmer Bricks are so stunning, they last forever and I love how subtle they are and not at all overpowering!
Danielle Alexa
January 20, 2018 at 9:44 amSo many great products in this post. I really want to try the Dior Airflash Foundation!
Danielle xx
http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:37 pmI’m seriously in love with that foundation, been using it all the time!
Sonini 92
January 20, 2018 at 12:09 pmI think you choose a great products and brands, of course I think in most of the makeup the luxury is better than others.
XOXO
Pretty Little Lawyer
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:38 pmThank you, Love!
Pumpkin Lemonade
January 20, 2018 at 3:57 pmDefinitely agree that foundations are worth splurging on, even if only for the shade range – I find it very difficult to get a good shade match at the drugstore. Would love to try MUFE Mat Velvet!
Pumpkin Lemonade
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:38 pmMat Velvet was my all time favorite back in my oily skin + acne days. It was one of the only products that made me feel good about my skin when it was extremely oily.
Wave for Wellness
January 20, 2018 at 8:16 pmThe splurges i keep going back to are dior sourcils poudre brow pencil, lancome hypnose doll eyes mascara and nars blush in orgasm. Can’t be without them, can’t be replaced.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:39 pmLancome’s doll eyes- I remember loving that mascara, need to restock haha !
Erin Russell
January 21, 2018 at 10:50 amFor me the bobbi brown caviars and rubies palette was just utter perfection, so worth the splurge! That and Dior 772, its such a unique flipping perfect shade. I love it! :)
Erin || MakeErinOver
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:40 pmOh wow Dior 772 looks so stunning! Gotta try it!
Lisa Autumn
January 22, 2018 at 7:04 amCT lipsticks are so worth it!
xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Susan
January 25, 2018 at 10:45 pmThey are the best.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
ɐllǝq
January 22, 2018 at 9:13 amAbsolutely loved this post! xx
http://www.isabellazogheib.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:40 pmThank you!
Юля Журавлева
January 22, 2018 at 10:45 amvery beautiful photo! great post, Paula!
https://twinklelittlstar.wordpress.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:41 pmThank you so much, Julia!
Prettiful Blog
January 25, 2018 at 8:07 amI also love NYX lippies, but I haven’t tried CT yet!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:41 pmNYX lipsticks are amazing, I especially love their matte collection. x
Susan
January 25, 2018 at 10:40 pmI LOVE the image of doing housework in Dior nail polish!!!
Totally agree, by the way.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 26, 2018 at 12:41 pmHaha, thank you, Susan!!
MG005
March 1, 2018 at 7:54 amThanks for all the great tips and recommendations, Paula. It is so frustrating to splurge on products only to find them dissappointing. As my skin begins to age, ugh! I am in the market to upgrade my products and I agree that foundation is number one. So I’m looking forward to trying some of the products you mentioned.