For a cosmetics enthusiast, your makeup collection and its rich colors, meticulously lettered labels, artfully designed jars and shiny compacts tell a story of a commitment to investing in beauty. But as you begin to dabble in the deluxe, it can be intimidating deciding what to spend money on first. Here are eight favorite prestige products that will deliver on their luxury price tags.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($59)
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation offers a flawless finish. "Its rich formula glides on and covers everything without buildup or caking," says makeup artist Nick Barose. "It provides full coverage that still looks luminous for glamorous red-carpet events, or you can sheer it down by applying it with a dampened sponge."
YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch ($40)
This iconic illuminating concealer is akin to a full eight hours of sleep packaged in a pen. The lightweight texture of YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch doesn't settle into fine lines, and the brightening formula instantly erases dark shadows by adding light to the complexion.
Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette ($59)
The stronger the pigment in an eye shadow, the better. Dior's eye palettes offer up five complementary shades with superb color, and have a buttery-soft texture that makes them easy to use. Try them wet for a more opaque look.
YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara ($30)
Though many mascaras are capable of aptly defining lashes, few are able to amp up the volume and lushness quite like YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara. "It's is so rich and pitch black, yet gives volume and length to lashes without being severe or dry-looking," Barose says. "Lashes look supple and luscious, and eyes look dramatic but not harsh."
Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Make Up Remover ($27)
Just as the quality of the makeup you use is important, so is the quality of the product that you use to take it all off. "You can't beat this classic," Barose says of the cult-favorite Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Make Up Remover. "It takes everything off—even the most stubborn waterproof mascara."
Nars Blush ($29)
The value of this blush is unbeatable. You get a whopping heap in each pan, and only a scant amount is needed per use to give cheeks a healthy flush of color. Available in 25 shades, the extensive range is sure to flatter any complexion.
Tom Ford Lip Color ($48)
This lipstick investment pays off in the creamiest of textures and the purest of colors. Exotic ingredients of soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil coddle lips in softness.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer ($16)
Free of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate, these long-wearing nail polishes feature specially formulated shades that are on the cutting edge of fashion. The standout chunky glitter polishes are especially festive and nuanced.
What are your favorite splurge-worthy makeup products?
Photos: Courtesy of YSL, Giorgio Armani, Dior and Lancôme
Randi
June 3, 2013
I am still Very Sexy at 58..Just need to fill in my brows..I use NOVALASH..I put it in my budget.The one thing I ABSOLUTELY hate about aging is losing my Eye Lashes..I Find For Me..It Makes Me Feel Better..
Lola
April 21, 2013
I understand why you list the YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch- it’s a cult product hard to mimic. And spending more on a holy grail foundation? I get it. And I’ve seen a lot of hype over the Nars blushers, Laguna and Orgasm namely. But lipsticks and nail polish and eye makeup remover are hardly worth splurging on! Fading and chipping are facts of life- I say just go for the shade you like and shop in accordance to your own personal budget.
Darby
March 6, 2013
I have used Chanel since the 1970 era.Nothing beats the texture and quality.
Molly
March 1, 2013
Deborah Lippmann nail polish chips after a day. If you want a high quality, long lasting nail polish without the bad ingredients try Dr’s Remedy. It’s fantastic.The Nars blush and Dior eyeshadows are so worth it!
Lynn
March 1, 2013
$60 for eyeshadow, $30 for mascara…..whoever wrote this stupid story is on crack!
Cathy
October 16, 2012
I have fallen for Clinique BB Cream. It truly is an amazing product! It brightens my face. I wear it under my new favorite “Make-up Forever” foundation #127 found in Sephora stores. (so many shades to choose from) It is full coverage and evens out my skin tone without that cake-face look.
Lainey
October 7, 2012
I want to get that foundation so badly. It has so many amazing reviews! But for $60… I don’t know.
http://www.thebellebeautyblog.blogspot.com
Maria Reynolds
October 15, 2012
Lainey, Buy it and if you don’t like it return it!! I return make-up when it doesn’t work out. I’ve discovered some of my girlfriends have the misconception that you can not return make-up and that’s not true. Major department stores, and even the drug stores I shop at will accept a used make-up return.
Lainey
September 25, 2012
I always splurge on a good concealer. Right now my favorite is Nars Concealer.
http://www.bellebeauty-bellebeautyblog.blogspot.com