Disclaimer : I am not a dermatologist, the information is from my own reading and research.
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Splurge or Save – A Beauty Edition
They say that beauty is pain, but it can also be quite the drain on your wallet. As a self-proclaimed skincare addict, I have no problem splurging on high-end products to keep my complexion looking flawless. However, when it comes to some makeup, I’m all about finding budget-friendly options that still deliver great results. After all, who needs to break the bank on a tube of lipstick when you can use those savings to invest in a luxurious serum or moisturizer? That’s why I’ve made it my personal mission to save on makeup products like lipsticks, eye brow products, and makeup tools, while still treating myself to the best skincare money can buy.
WHY I INVEST IN HIGH END SKINCARE
As a skincare enthusiast, I firmly believe that investing in high-end skincare products is worth the splurge. While drugstore products can certainly get the job done, in my opinion, there’s something about the luxurious textures, potent ingredients, and innovative technology of high-end skincare that makes it truly worth the investment. In this blog, I’ll explore some of the pros of splurging on high-end skincare products and share some examples of products that I believe are worth the extra cost.
Potent Ingredients: One of the major advantages of high-end skincare products is that they often contain potent, high-quality ingredients that can have a significant impact on your skin’s health and appearance. For example, serums containing vitamin C or retinol can help improve the texture and tone of your skin, while luxurious moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or ceramides can deeply hydrate and nourish your complexion.
Some of my favorite high-end skincare products that contain potent ingredients include the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum, the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, and the Tatcha The Water Cream: Oil-Free, Optimal Hydration Moisturizer For Pure Poreless Skin
Innovative Technology: High-end skincare brands often invest in cutting-edge technology and research to develop products that truly deliver results. For example, Foreo’s Luna facial cleansing devices use sonic vibrations to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, while the NuFace microcurrent device can help firm and tone facial muscles. While these products may be expensive, they can provide results that you simply can’t achieve with cheaper alternatives.
Luxurious Texture: Another major advantage of high-end skincare products is that they often have luxurious textures and packaging that make your skincare routine feel like a true self-care ritual. From silky serums to rich, creamy moisturizers, using high-end skincare products can feel like a luxurious pampering experience that leaves your skin looking and feeling its best.
Some of my favorite high-end products for a luxurious skincare experience include the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream and the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.
Personalized Recommendations: When you invest in high-end skincare products, you often have access to personalized recommendations and expert advice from skincare professionals. Whether it’s a consultation with a skincare specialist at a high-end retailer or a virtual consultation with a brand representative, these personalized recommendations can help you find products that truly work for your skin’s unique needs.
While splurging on high-end skincare products can certainly be a significant investment, I firmly believe that the benefits are worth it. From potent ingredients to innovative technology and luxurious textures, high-end skincare products can provide a truly transformative skincare experience that leaves your skin looking and feeling its best. So go ahead and treat yourself to that luxe serum or moisturizer – your skin will thank you for it!
Please read my article on AHA,BHA and Retinol where I talk about the benefits and how these products can be used with other serums.
What I splurge on and why... ( my opinion, of course)
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Cleansers
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- Quality of Ingredients: High-end cleansers often contain higher quality ingredients that are more effective at removing impurities and dirt from the skin, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
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Tailored to Your Skin Type: High-end cleansers are often formulated for specific skin types, so you can choose a product that is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, there is likely a high-end cleanser that is designed to work specifically for your skin type. This can help you achieve a more effective cleanse without disrupting your skin’s natural balance.
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Improved Texture and Consistency: High-end cleansers often have a more luxurious texture and consistency, making them feel like a pampering part of your skincare routine. These cleansers can feel gentle and indulgent on the skin, providing a spa-like experience that helps you relax and unwind.
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Better Packaging: High-end cleansers often come in high-quality packaging that not only looks beautiful but also helps to protect the product from contamination and oxidation. This ensures that the product remains fresh and effective for a longer period of time, which is especially important for products that contain active ingredients.
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Recommendations:
Tatcha The Deep Cleanse: This Japanese-inspired cleanser contains natural fruit exfoliants to gently remove impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser: This gentle, clay-based cleanser helps to purify and balance the skin, while also helping to reduce the appearance of pores and improve skin texture.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam: This luxurious cleanser is enriched with sea algae fibers and white pearl powder to gently cleanse and purify the skin.
SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser: This high-end cleanser contains Pitera, a natural ingredient that helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and boost skin radiance.
2. Serums
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- High-Quality Ingredients: High-end serums often contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than drugstore serums, and these ingredients are typically of a higher quality. This means that high-end serums can deliver more potent and effective results in addressing specific skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid are often found in high-end serums and have been proven to provide significant benefits to the skin.
- Formulated by Experts: Many high-end serums are formulated by experts in the field of skincare, including dermatologists and estheticians. These experts have extensive knowledge of the latest advancements in skincare science and are able to develop serums that are highly effective in addressing specific skin concerns.
- Tailored to Your Skin Type: High-end serums are often formulated for specific skin types, which means that you can choose a product that is tailored to your unique needs. This ensures that you are getting the most targeted treatment possible for your skin concerns.
- Luxurious Experience: High-end serums often come with a luxurious experience that can make you feel like you’re treating yourself to a spa treatment. They may have a silky texture, a pleasant scent, and beautiful packaging that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special.
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Recommendations:
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex: This iconic serum is designed to help repair and protect the skin from environmental damage, while also boosting hydration and improving the overall texture and radiance of the skin.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: This high-end serum contains lactic acid, which helps to gently exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover, while also brightening and evening out the skin tone.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: This highly concentrated essence is infused with Pitera, a natural ingredient that helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and boost skin radiance.
Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Serum: This high-end serum is designed to help target multiple signs of aging, including wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven skin tone. It is formulated with natural ingredients like longoza and iris extracts to help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
3. Moisturizers
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Better Texture and Absorption: High-end moisturizers often have a luxurious texture that feels silky and absorbs quickly into the skin. They may also come in more elegant packaging that makes you feel like you’re indulging in a pampering experience. In contrast, drugstore moisturizers may feel heavy, greasy, or take longer to absorb, which can make them less enjoyable to use.
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Long-Term Results: Investing in a high-end moisturizer can provide long-term benefits to your skin. While drugstore moisturizers may provide short-term hydration, high-end moisturizers can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin over time. They can also help to prevent future damage by providing a protective barrier that shields the skin from environmental stressors.
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Recommendations:
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: This high-end moisturizer is formulated with TFC8, a proprietary technology that helps to support the skin’s natural renewal process, promoting a more youthful-looking complexion. It also contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and evening primrose oil to help hydrate and soothe dry, damaged skin.
La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream: This iconic moisturizer is enriched with the brand’s signature Miracle Broth, which helps to soothe and hydrate the skin while also improving the overall texture and radiance.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream: This luxurious moisturizer is enriched with caviar extracts to help firm and hydrate the skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains a blend of antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
4. Foundation (read my blog on foundations)
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Better Quality Ingredients: High-end foundations are typically formulated with higher quality ingredients than drugstore foundations. They often contain more pigment, which means that they can provide better coverage and a more natural finish. They may also contain skincare ingredients that can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
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More Shade Options: High-end foundation brands often offer a wider range of shade options than drugstore brands. Though, shade ranges are definitely expanding especially with brands like L’Oreal, CoverGirl and ColourPop, I still struggle to find my perfect shade and undertone at the drugstore and I know many do struggle with this. This is particularly important for those with deeper or more complex skin tones, who may struggle to find a shade match in drugstore foundations. Having more shade options means that you can find a foundation that matches your skin perfectly, which can help to create a more seamless and natural finish.
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Expert Formulation: Many high-end foundations are formulated by experts in the field of makeup and skincare. These experts have extensive knowledge of the latest advancements in makeup science and are able to develop foundations that are highly effective in addressing specific skin concerns. They may also consider factors such as skin type, age, and environmental factors when formulating their products, which means that you can choose a foundation that is tailored to your unique needs.
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Longer-Lasting Results: Investing in a high-end foundation can provide long-lasting results that drugstore foundations may not be able to provide. High-end foundations are often formulated to last longer on the skin, which means that you can wear them for longer periods of time without needing to touch up. They may also be resistant to sweat and humidity, which is particularly important for those who live in hot or humid climate. This is especially so in my opinion.
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5. Eyeshadow Palettes
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- Quality of Ingredients: High-end eyeshadow palettes typically contain better quality ingredients than drugstore palettes. The shadows in high-end palettes are often more pigmented, have better color payoff, and blend more easily. They may also contain higher quality ingredients that are better for your skin, such as natural oils and botanical extracts.
- Greater Variety of Shades: High-end eyeshadow palettes often offer a greater variety of shades and finishes than drugstore palettes, though a few drug store palettes give the high-end a run for their money. They may include a mix of matte, shimmer, and metallic shades, as well as unique colors that are harder to find in drugstore palettes. This allows for more creativity and versatility when creating eye looks.
- Longevity: High-end eyeshadow palettes tend to last longer than drugstore palettes. The shadows are often more pigmented, so they require less product to achieve the desired look. This means that the palette will last longer before needing to be repurchased. Additionally, high-end eyeshadows are often formulated to be long-wearing, meaning that they will stay in place for longer periods of time without smudging or fading.
- Packaging: High-end eyeshadow palettes often come in more luxurious packaging than drugstore palettes. The packaging may be sturdier, more aesthetically pleasing, and may even include a mirror or other accessories. While packaging may not seem like an important factor, it can add to the overall experience of using the product.
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Some of my favorite high-end eyeshadow palette brands include Natasha Denona, Pat McGrath, and Huda Beauty. These brands may come with a higher price tag, but I believe that they are worth the investment for the quality and versatility they offer.
What I save on and why... ( my opinion, of course)
1. Lipsticks ( Read my blog on lipsticks)
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Affordability: Drugstore lipsticks are typically much more affordable than their high-end counterparts. This allows me to experiment with different colors and finishes without breaking the bank. It also makes it easier to replace my favorite shades when they run out without having to spend a lot of money.
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Quality: While high-end lipsticks may contain better quality ingredients and last longer, I have found that many drugstore lipsticks are just as good in terms of texture, pigmentation, and longevity. There are many drugstore lipsticks on the market that are comfortable to wear, apply smoothly, and have great staying power.
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Availability: Drugstore lipsticks are widely available at a variety of retailers, making them more convenient to purchase. I can often find drugstore lipsticks at my local drugstore, grocery store, or mass retailer like Target or Walmart, which saves me time and effort compared to seeking out high-end lipsticks at specialty stores or online.
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Variety: Drugstore lipsticks offer a wide variety of shades, finishes, and formulas to choose from. There are many drugstore brands that offer matte, satin, glossy, and metallic finishes, as well as bold and neutral shades. This allows me to experiment with different looks without having to spend a lot of money.
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Some of my favorite drugstore lipstick brands include Maybelline, L’Oreal, and Revlon. These brands offer a range of shades and finishes at an affordable price point, making it easy for me to try out different colors and textures without breaking the bank.
2. Eyebrow Products
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Price: One of the biggest advantages of drugstore eyebrow products is their affordability. High-end eyebrow products can be expensive, especially if you need to use them daily or replace them often. Drugstore eyebrow products, on the other hand, are much more affordable and offer similar quality at a lower price point.
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Quality: While high-end eyebrow products may contain higher quality ingredients and come with more luxurious packaging, I have found that drugstore eyebrow products work just as well in terms of filling in and defining my brows. There are many drugstore eyebrow pencils, gels, and powders that provide great pigmentation and staying power, making them an excellent option for everyday use.
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Availability: Drugstore eyebrow products are widely available at a variety of retailers, from drugstores to supermarkets and big-box stores. This means that it is easy to find a drugstore eyebrow product that suits your needs, regardless of where you live.
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Range of options: Drugstore eyebrow products offer a wide range of options, from pencils to powders to gels, as well as different shades to match various hair colors. This makes it easy to find a product that works well for you without having to spend a lot of time or money.
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Some of my favorite drugstore eyebrow products include Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade, NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil, and L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer. These products are affordable, easy to use, and provide long-lasting results
3. Makeup Brushes and Sponges ( Read my blog on Makeup brushes)
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- Cost: Drug store makeup brushes and sponges are generally more affordable than their high-end counterparts. If you’re on a budget or don’t want to spend a lot of money on makeup tools, drug store options can be a great choice.
- Quality: While high-end brushes and sponges are often touted as being the best quality, many drug store options have greatly improved in quality over the years. You may be surprised at how well some drug store brushes and sponges perform.
- Variety: Drug stores typically carry a wide variety of makeup brushes and sponges, so you can often find what you’re looking for without having to go to a specialty store. Additionally, many drug store brands offer multiple options within each category (e.g., different types of foundation brushes), so you can choose the tool that works best for you.
- Accessibility: Drug stores are often more accessible than high-end makeup stores. If you don’t live near a high-end makeup store or don’t want to go out of your way to shop for brushes and sponges, drug stores can be a convenient option.
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Ultimately, the decision to buy drug store makeup brushes and sponges over high-end ones will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re happy with drug store options and don’t feel the need to spend more money on high-end tools, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to what works for you
