While most budget beauty buys are just as good as the high-end versions, there are some products you should never skimp on. If you’re interested in these must-haves, you can find splurge-worth cosmetics with an online search right now.
Certain beauty products that deliver exceptional results or are saved for special occasions can be worth the higher price tags. Your classic clear lip balm shouldn’t break the bank, but some beauty splurges are totally worth it.
Waterproof Mascara
You might not use this every day, but saving it for a rainy day (literally) is what makes this splurge worth it. The one day a month when you have a long night ahead of you, bad weather, or a strong chance of tears at your son’s graduation or your best friend’s wedding, you’ll be glad you have waterproof mascara. Some people use it every day, but if you normally reach for a washable formula and suddenly find yourself in need of something cry-proof, having a backup waterproof option will be a lifesaver. In the summertime, the humidity and days spent outdoors will have you reaching for a waterproof formula more frequently than you might think.
Facial Toner
Washing your face is a given in a morning or nightly routine, and moisturizer is pretty common as well, but the middle step gets skipped quite often. Investing in a toner as Step 2 in your skincare regime can offer great results. No matter what you’re trying to achieve — whether it be less oil, softer skin, combatting wrinkles, or anything in between, a toner can help you get the skin you want. The Body Shop offers a few different options depending on your skin care needs and even though adding an extra step can be a bit of a hassle, it’s worth it to get results.
Cuticle Oil
Whether you have a weekly salon appointment or you prefer to do it yourself, nicely manicured nails are a noticeable aspect in a woman’s appearance. No matter what type of nails you have, or what color you wear, cuticle care is something many women overlook. Dry, brittle, or broken cuticles will be equally noticeable on perfectly painted red nails or all-natural unpainted nails.
Cuticle care is an important part of taking care of your hands, and although it might not seem as essential as a body lotion or hand soap, it can make a big difference in how your hands and nails look. For just a fraction of the price of a manicure, you can get a bottle of cuticle oil and use it on a weekly basis to soften your cuticles and make your nails look healthy and fresh.
Hair Mask
Sometimes, the regular routine of shampoo and conditioner might not be enough to battle dry ends or tame frizzy curls, and although you can try every serum on the shelf, a hair mask is a splurge you might not have considered. Hair masks are special treatments you apply to hair once a week in the shower. Usually, they contain oil and have a thick, creamy consistency that penetrates the hair and helps tame dry, split, and damaged ends. Typically they stay on for a few minutes before you rinse, and the results are well worth it. It may seem silly to spend $20 on something that you’ll rinse out in a few minutes, but the soft, smooth, tangle-free hair that you’ll have is worth the price tag.
Makeup Brushes
A makeup brush can make or break your beauty routine. Whether you use high-end eye shadow or a simple drugstore brand, finding fluffs from the brush or scratching your skin with rough bristles will surely ruin your look.
Makeup brushes can be the best or worst thing for your products. Cheap brushes tend to shed and have harsher materials, which can harm both your skin and your eyeshadow palette. Investing in a few quality brushes for the things you use most frequently is a long-term purchase that will help you apply your products smoothly and safely.
Long-Wear Lipstick
For a special night out, a fancy event, or just a super important date, long-wear lipstick is a beauty buy every woman should rely on. While most drugstore lipsticks tend to smudge or fade after a few hours, there are some expensive brands that have extremely long-lasting shades. These lipsticks stay on for hours like a stain, don’t fade with eating or drinking, and are even smooch-proof! It may cost double or triple the cost of a basic drugstore lipstick but the lasting color is worth the price tag. One great option is the Makeup For Ever Aqua Rouge Liquid Lip Color, which comes in a wide variety of shades that you won’t need to reapply.