Splurge-worthy beauty
As much as I love drugstore makeup (and I really, really do) I also love the feeling of treating myself to luxury, high-end makeup products.
Just because something is expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s worth that hefty price tag. I went through my share of disappointing “luxury” products that haven’t really lived up to the hype. That’s why today, I’m sharing a few products that I think are very much worth the splurge.
I’ve tried quite a few high-end nail polishes and Dior has got to be my favorite. I love the formula, the packaging and especially the brush, which allows for a flawless application. If you saw my nail polish collection, you’d probably think I’m crazy (which I can’t really argue with, I do have a bit of a nail polish obsession). You’d also probably think that I don’t really get to use all the polishes in my collection, but that’s not really true. One of my favorite nude polishes is Dior’s Charnelle that I’ve had for quite a few years. Despite the bottle sitting on the shelf for so long, the formula is still as smooth and creamy as ever. That’s one of the main reasons why I think Dior polishes are worth the price.
I haven’t come across many lip pencils that I loved as much as I love Mac lip pencils. They’re smooth, long-lasting and have a great formula that doesn’t pull or tug on your lips. I love to wear them alone or paired with a lipstick. Some of my favorites are Whirl, Soar, Stripdown and Boldly Bare .
Chanel Perfection Lumiere ($58.00)
I wrote about this foundation a few weeks a go (you can find my review right here). It’s my go-to for special occasions. It works great with oily skin, it has the most natural-looking semi-matte finish and I’m love with the packaging as well. My skin is still a dry mess right now, so I don’t really get that much use out of this gem at the moment, but I absolutely love it. A bottle lasts me for quite a while as not a lot of product is needed to build a nice coverage.
Guerlain Baby Glow Light-Reflecting Sheer Makeup ($54.00)
Even though this is being marketed as a foundation, I think of it more like a tinted moisturizer. It’s incredibly lightweight, it’s sheer and leaves the most beautiful glow on my skin. I wouldn’t recommend this for someone who’s looking for a lot of coverage, but it’s an ideal product for those no-makeup makeup days when all you want is just a little glow, a subtle coverage and very fresh-looking face. It just makes your skin look awake, well-rested and glow-y. When I’m on the run and don’t have a lot of time to do my makeup, I reach for this 90% of the time.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks ($46)
Before I got my first Shimmer Brick, I really hesitated spending nearly fifty bucks for a highlighter. As gorgeous as the packaging and the product itself was, I just thought that it was a bit too expensive. As soon as I got my hands on Rose Shimmer Brick though, I knew that it was worth every single penny. Not only is it a gorgeous and multi-tasking product (it can also double as an eyeshadow), but it lasts forever, too. It has a gorgeous shimmer- one that doesn’t look over-the-top, and a stunning, subtle color. I’ve had Rose for so long now, and even with pretty much every single day use, I’m still no where near hitting the pan. I also have Beige which is just as gorgeous as Rose and I really want to get a few more. That’s how much I love these.
Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Treatment ($33.00)
This is a sheer lip balm that moisturizes, soothes and enhances the natural color of your lips. Lip Glow is another one of my no-makeup makeup favorites. It leaves the most natural-looking pink tint on my lips while taking care of dryness with the help of mango butter and loofah extract. It also contains SPF10 and because it enhances the natural lip color, it’s appropriate for pretty much anyone, regardless of age. This lip balm is seriously moisturizing perfection.
What are some of your favorite products to splurge on?
51 Comments
Lauren
August 20, 2015 at 12:37 pmI love the MAC lip liners, desperate to try out he Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick!
Lauren xo
http://www.laurenselwood.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:16 pmI love them too! You gotta try the Shimmer Brick, you won’t regret it, promise! ;)
Jasmine Talks Beauty
August 20, 2015 at 2:10 pmI love the MAC lip pencils – I’m seriously addicted to buying them haha. Although there are cheaper good ones I just love the shades xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:27 pmOh I’m the same way! :D
Jodie Vernon
August 20, 2015 at 2:11 pmMAC lip liners are my favourite, I don’t think anything can beat them formula wise!
Jodie xo // Jodie Loue
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:30 pmI know, right? I love how smoothly they apply <3
Alina
August 20, 2015 at 3:05 pmI love the Bobbi Brown shimmer brick and you’ve actually reminded me that I need to use it more often. i really need to try MAC Lipliners next, I’ve got my eye on a few shades x
Beauty with charm
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:35 pmI have a few new ones on wishlist too ;D ;)
Karla Márquez
August 20, 2015 at 3:21 pmI want that nailpolish! Such a pretty color ♥
http://highsou-l.blogspot.mx/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:38 pmRight? I love it :)
Beautylymin
August 20, 2015 at 4:50 pmAnd with that, my wishlist has grown! Great post! xx
Beautylymin
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:39 pmHehehe :) Thank you!
Dasha
August 20, 2015 at 4:57 pmThis nail polish colour is beyond beautiful!! I love how the stripes look, but i’m not sure if i want it. But honsestly, everything you showed looks amazing!
coffeetalkwithdasha.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:41 pmAww thanks so much Love!
Annabel
August 20, 2015 at 6:10 pmI never need much persuasion to spend, especially when it comes to Chanel & Dior!
Annabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:43 pm:)
Kiki Rampone
August 20, 2015 at 9:11 pmThat highlighter looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the look of all these products, though the price tags do make me sad haha. Great post!
xo Kiki
http://colormekiki.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:46 pmThanks Kiki!
Dagmara Klich
August 21, 2015 at 6:18 amI definitely need to try that Chanel foundation, have read so many great reviews on it! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 3:54 pmIt’s pretty amazing!
Cherie Tang
August 21, 2015 at 6:30 amI’ve never tried Dior or Chanel, but I think the foundations might be a good place to start! :)
https://cherieedle.blogspot.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:02 pmDefinitely, as long as you can find one that suits your skin type nicely :)
Katya Van Bick
August 21, 2015 at 6:41 amI’m swooning over every single product here. I’m in love with the Dior nail polish. Such a beautiful shade!
Katya | The Beauty Harbour
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:11 pmThanks Katya!
Biana Perez
August 21, 2015 at 11:16 amI’ve only used the shimmer brick but I’d say a great foundation or the YSL blur perfector I love it! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:13 pm:)
Sylvia Said
August 21, 2015 at 11:22 amThe Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick has got me swooning! It’s bloody gorgeous <3
xxx
She Will Be
JAPAN CANDY BOX GIVEAWAY
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:16 pmIt is! :)
Heather Mcknight
August 21, 2015 at 11:33 amOkay… I’m sold. I now need everything mentioned within this post!
Heather, Porcelain Beauty xx
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:17 pm:D
Aliya Hussain
August 21, 2015 at 2:47 pmI’m always weary of spending too much on one product, but I do love the mac pencils, they have a really nice texture to them x
Aliya x | thecatandthegirl.blogspot.co.uk | https://www.bloglovin.com/people/thegirl09-10150959
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:26 pmI do too!
Nati
August 21, 2015 at 2:53 pmLOVE this shade of your Dior nail polish!! (:
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:26 pmThanks Nati!
Blizzard Girl
August 21, 2015 at 6:48 pmOmg that Dior nail polish is gorgeous!:)
xoxo
http://blizzard-girl.blogspot.com/2015/08/travel-destination-southern-ireland.html
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:28 pmThanks!
Kat
August 22, 2015 at 6:27 amThose Dior shades look STUNNING. Gotta love a good nude-pink ?
Kat Peachy Pink Gloss
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:30 pmThanks Kat!
Justyna F
August 23, 2015 at 3:03 pmI think Chanel is always worth the price :) want to try Perfection Lumiere & see if it’s better than Vitalumiere Aqua :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:37 pmI just got the Vitalumiere Aqua because my skin got so dry, can’t wait to try it :)
Caked To The Nines
August 24, 2015 at 2:54 amLove that Dior nail polish. Your nails are so pretty! I love Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks as well :). I think you might have enabled me to purchase the Guerlain Baby Glow foundation!
xx
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:37 pmAw, thank you! ;) ;)
Sophie Harrison
August 24, 2015 at 7:26 amI couldn’t agree more about this! I’m just about to film a vlog on the subject of drugstore vs luxury, and how it’s finding balance.
So for me, i will go drugstore for foundation, basic skincare and eyeshadow, but for lips and often mascara i will go luxury. One of my ultimate favourites is my Estee Lauder lipstick – i searched high and low for a nice drugstore alternative and couldn’t find it!
Writing Possibility
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 24, 2015 at 4:42 pmI love mixing it up too! There are definitely a lot of luxury beauty products that aren’t worth the price, just like there are a lot of drugstore products that are absolutely amazing.
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
Nereyda Gonzalez
August 24, 2015 at 7:22 pmI love me some lip balms and I have been eyeing the Dior Lip Glow for a while now. It just looks so creamy!
Samileen
August 27, 2015 at 4:00 amI just have to agree with you on this list, except I haven’t tried any bases from Chanel I need to try it.. And that Dior nail polish look absolutely gorgeous. And your pictures are just stunning.
Sam || Beautydetour
Daniela, The Acne Whisperer
August 27, 2015 at 8:03 pmI advise my skincare clients and wedding makeup clients all the time, mascara, lip pencil and eye pencil are where you can save your money. Foundation, powder, blush and bronzer needs to be skin-safe depending on your skin’s condition, and then spluuuuurge on eye color and lipstick! It’s true, the luxury high-end eye and lip colors simply don’t have equivalents for pigment, color innovations and staying power. On the other hand, Mac lip pencils really are amazing. :)
http://acnewhisperer.blogspot.com/2014/06/makeup-breakout-prevention-cheat-sheet.html
Aurelie | SURFACE 85
August 28, 2015 at 6:02 amThank you for sharing, I loved this post! I didn’t know the Chanel Perfection Lumiere is good for oily skin! I will keep this list in mind. Like you I’ve been disappointed by so many luxury makeup products. So I like to read genuine post like that.
Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
August 28, 2015 at 7:33 amThanks so much Aurelie! :)
coffeeslag
August 28, 2015 at 9:39 amThe Dior Lip Glow is my FAVE. I go through 2-3 a year and bought one once for my Mom’s birthday and she also raved about it. It’s definitely worth the money and one of the few products that I keep running out of and keep buying.
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG Red Hot White Hot
Christina Basil
March 24, 2016 at 4:53 pmYou take the best product photos! These all look so enticing – that nude Dior manicure is perfect!!