What was the last beauty splurge you made that was worth it? Share!
Dior’s Mono Fusion Eyeshadows definitely come to mind!
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The Naked3 palette! and it was SO worth it. It’s my favorite Naked palette by far!
MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Fairly Precious! $30 isn’t *that* much of a splurge, but for ONE item, it is for me!
I agree totally!
MAC It’s Physical fluidline from Magnetic Nude!
Naked3. I purchased it right after Christmas after WEEKS of debating with myself. And I am so glad that I got it! I have used it almost every day since and it is truly perfect for my skin tone, even though I was afraid it would be too warm for me. In fact, owning Naked3 now makes me almost wish I hadn’t bought Naked2 in September because IT runs a little warm for me. However, I love Bootycall, Half Baked, YDK, and Blackout unconditionally, so it is still worth it.
Recently I am highly considering buying some Besame and Urban Decay lipsticks – both of which feel like a bit of a splurge for me.
ysl rouge volupte in rose culte and spicy pink…..and another thing which is not beauty but fashion.i.e. my chanel jumbo 2.55 bag!!!
YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation! I really like it.
Urban Decay “Vice 2” palette.
Thanks to Christine, the Dior Shimmer Stars in Rose, and Amber Diamond. I love them!
Chanel glossimers-I love them!
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24 hour foundation. So AMAZING! It is awesome for my combination skin. Doesn’t make my oily patches more oily, and doesn’t cling/cake up my dry patches. Truly an awesome foundation.
AMEN. Closest thing to HG Foundation for me!
I have the HG immaculate foundation, and I do really like it, but I find that it does still cling a little bit to my dry/flakey patches in the winter. If I had to choose between the two, I’d definitely choose the Lancôme because it’s wonderful for me no matter the condition of my skin.
I’m most oily and I thought Immaculate was going to be HG. It wasn’t; I disliked the smell and texture of it. Sad. Teint Idole just has that lovely demi-matte, satiny look, gah!
Naked 3! It wasn’t a huge splurge, but for me, it was totally worth spending the money. I truly like every shade individually, and every look I’ve done with it looks nice against my coloring. The green in my eyes really pops with the shades. It’s not a perfect palette, IMO, but still ended up being worth it for me.
Tarte’s cheek stain in Tipsy. I guess it’s not SO expensive, but I was a little unsure about it before I bought it. I use it every day, it’s such a nice natural shade.
I’m embarrassed to say this…. but la prairie’s cream blush in ‘berry glow’
why? It sounds great! I have never tried their products but they look amazing 🙂
MAC powder eye shadows. 5 times $33. Ouch. I got Naked Lunch, Satin Taupe, All that Glitters, Woodwinked and Shroom. But they make shadow easy to wear every day.
Where are you from that it’s so expensive?
I’m from Australia. We also pay $36 per lipstick and I paid $48 for my Studio Fix Powder.
Need to have a friend/ Buddy to help you buy them in the U.S….just as I wish I have friend to buy all the Japonese makeup in Japan.
Holy COW!! You should make a friend in the states that can mail them to you and save you a nice chunk of money. Also, try Makeup Geek shadows, I’m not sure where you live/if they ship to where you live, but it’s worth looking into because I’ve heard they’re VERY comparable to Mac shadows and half the price. Nice color choices, though. 🙂
^^ I totally second this comment, that is obscenely expensive! Even at $15/each I feel the MAC lippies are a bit spendy since the formula can be a little inconsistent. Definitely try the Makeup Geek shadows, such a comparable product!
the marc Jacobs bronzer brush
Man I want that brush!
The Hourglass powders were a bit of a splurge, normally I wouldn’t spend quite that that much fir a single color, but I’ve ended up with all but luminous light, palette included. The day I had my tonsils out, Ulta put the Urban Decay Face Case on special and I had my mom run in and grab it for me. A little silly that THAT was what I worried about post op, but I guess that’s just what junkies do! 🙂
Bobbi Brown’s Old Hollywood collection. I bought the whole collection. I love it.
Beautiful collection! Absolutely LOVE Bobbi Brown
Guerlain Automatique lipstick in Illusion, love it!
I got a bunch of these too! $200 in lipsticks at Sephora. I must have the stamp “insane” written across my forehead!
I live in the USA and had an international order from Harrods this past weekend. There was a 10% off on my entire shipment….and Sisley also had a sale going on. So I bought 3 eyecreams from Sisley, the 2013 holiday Dior powder compact that was not available in the U.S., a Diorific lipstick, again, not available from the U.S. and last year’s Guerlain Wu-Long Meteorite compact. I missed the Guerlain compact when it was available in the U.S. and been wanting it for awhile and I just cannot fathom buying from eBay. I have been hunting for it for awhile and was surprised that Harrods still had it. Hopefully everything is pristine when it arrives Friday….which will take only less than one week to get here. Last year Selfridges, this year Harrods.
Darn you! Fueling my addiction…hit pan today on Wulong (I got it from my cousin so it was half gone when I used it) so am now off to the Harrod’s website. I need someone to blame lol
Ebay sellers are VICIOUS on their pricing for sold out limited edition items. Point on case the Ariel palette (StoryLook Vol. 3). Should have gotten it when I had the chance. *bitter faraway stare*
Probably Butter London’s ‘Come to Bed Red’ polish – fantastic classic red polish, applies like a dream, lasts for ages (on me). Definitely worth it for the $30 a bottle it costs!
Probably the Clarins Forest eye shadow quartet. I really didn’t need it, since I’ve so many neutral eye shadows but I use it probably 3 times a week and it’s so quick and easy to reach for it, especially now that I’m really busy in the mornings and don’t have the time to spend fussing with what to wear and which individual shadows to grab. I keep this one out on bathroom counter and it’s always “right”.
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau. I bought color 04 which is a little too dark (03 was too light), but I mix a little of Revlon Colorstay in 240 to get my color and the look is absolutely flawless. The scent is wonderful and I think my next splurge may be on the meteorites…
Well hopefully the Vice2, because $70 is a lot to spend on any form makeup, but since it hasn’t arrived yet MAC Cranberry. UD Last Call (and Half Baked) was the first eyeshadow I ever remember buying, way back when I was thirteen or so, but I eventually threw my pan away because it was so old and hardened up from applying it with my fingers. I got Cranberry to fill the void (UD isn’t available at shops here) it really feels like I’ve got an old friend back in my life.
Zainab, I nearly put the Vice2 palette as my best splurge because I really was going to pass on it but I am so glad I didn’t. It is a fabulous palette, IMO (far better than BOS III or !V) so I think you will be really happy with it.
Don’t worry, you will LOVE Vice 2 and it is well worth the money! I almost passed it up, but as I got two Naked 3’s for Christmas I went to return one, saw Vice 2, swatched a couple colors and was like “OMG I have to get it, I can’t believe I was going to pass on it!” Got the last one in my Sephora!
La Mer Concealer, poooffff what a waste…I don’t know what I can use it for since as a concealer it does nothing for me?! Any suggestions, anyone?
Well I am gonna say it was a toss up between my new favorite eyeshadow Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow In Zodiac and of course my other two favorites Iam gonna old school since it is Throwback Thursday Buxom Full On Lip Polish Lips Gloss In Celeste and also Sephora Brand Glitter Eyeliner and Mascara Just Perfect.
Definitely Naked 3. Since I got it, I haven’t used any other eye shadow, and (for the first time ever) every shade in the palette seems to work perfectly with my skin tone. It was worth every penny!
Chanel Ombres matellassees eyeshadow palette in Charming and I LOVE it ! It is my favorite, I wear it everyday and I may get one more for back up cause is a limited edition
Definitely my Urban Decay Vice 2 palette! I waited for the UD 20% off sale and it was my birthday month so I picked up a free full size eyeliner with it! It made the splurge slightly more reasonable than it otherwise would have been. Before that was $80 to buy the Sephora Ariel palette and mirror…
The Nars Guy Blurring One Night Stand palette. LOVE IT!!! Also the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in diffused light. Not super expensive but I recently got the URBAN brow box. It is wonderful. I bought Naked 3 as well but I’m undecided. I like it but don’t love it.
Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick – I love, love, love it! And thanks for the great review, Christine. I really was on the fence about this one ($45 – seriously?!) and you just convinced me to get it (and I’m so happy you did :)!).
2 x Chanel Illusion d’Ombres (Initiation, Mirifique) and Dior Rouge lipstick in 028 ‘Mazette’.
Dior Addict Lip gloss in Bed of Roses, it is the best lip gloss I own, its not at all sticky and feels amazing. I’m defiantly addicted!
MUFE HD foundation. It really is worth every penny.
Kat Von D Spellbinding eyeshadow palette! They sporadically make new palettes so it was nice to get more shades from the line.
Naked 3 palette and Laura Mercier’s Luxe Color Wardrobe – amazingly beautiful eyeshadows in both! LM’s was also great value with three tightline pans, 2 subtle blushes and a really beautiful bronzer!
CHANEL Perfection Lumiere foundation and CHANEL Reflexion gloss .. oh my myyyyy ….
My first post!! But I’ve been reading for YEARS. 🙂
Thanks to Christine’s year end gloss list the YSL Rebel Nudes gloss in Fuchsia Fugitive (109). I always swore I’d never pay more than MAC pricing for a lipstick or gloss but when I saw this on Christine I ran out to buy it. Also my Clarisonic Aria – THAT has changed my life!!!!!!!!! I never felt like my skin was clean before owning this.
It was probably something skincare related. The REN Glycolactic Mask comes to mind.
Koh Gen Do foundation and powder – the most expensive makeup I’ve ever purchased! I love it thought – it’s every bit worth the huge price tag to me.
I’ve had some good one’s recently:
1) Chanel Lait Confort Creamy Cleansing Milk. Hands down my favorite makeup remover. I massage one pump’s worth into my face at night and it breaks down all my make up (except mascara). I has a luxuriously creamy texture and spreads so easily over my skin. I actually look forward to removing my makeup at night just because I get to use this.
2) Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadow in Initiation. I absolutely love this and I use it 3-4 times per week. It’s absolutely wonderful to sparkle up a neutral eye look.
3) Chanel Raffinement Eyeshadow Quad. I put this one in my qym bag and it’s been great for a beautiful look on the go.
4) Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder. It’s a great powder and it comes with so much product I think I will last me over a year with daily use.
5) Dior ‘Nude Rouge’ Lipstick in Grege 169. A wonderful neutral lip color.
6) Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! I will be hoarding these during any 20% off sale I find it in.
I’m your evil twin–I also got the Shiseido White Lucent Massage Mask and it’s BEYOND AMAZING, so much so that I went and got the overnight cream and the day lotion. With all this frigid weather it couldn’t have been better to have these. Those products are superb! I love your taste 😉
I also got the Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Fatal and it’s superb, now I’m having second thoughts about Initiation 🙂
Hourglass Ambiant Radiant Powder. Oh, God yes! It has given my 46 year old skin a nice glow. I use it everyday, as a highlighter on the cheeks. I have incorporated it into my must-have steps for clients.
Couldn’t agree more! I bought the powder in “Dim Light” and it never fails to astound me, lol. I’m 55 and CANNOT do shimmer; I really do not understand how Dim Light gives me a hint of color and major glow without any sparkles…even the other Ambient Light powders have too much sparkle, but this one works wonders.
I bought four Armani nail polishes and I love them. The colors and shine are beautiful and they wear exceptionally well.
that would be the guerlain crazy meteorites compact. i liked it so much that i got a back up. holy splurge!
My large splurge that I loved was also the Guerlain meterorites compact. Hmm, I think I need a backup…
The first thing that comes to mind is my Mia 2, but I guess that’s not really beauty (although it does more for my self confidence than any makeup has ever done)
I would probably have to say my MAC studio sculpt foundation. I got sick of drugstore formulas being either too matte, or too dewy. I love the studio sculpt because it looks like skin on me. I may branch out into higher end once I’m through with the tube, but at this rate that might take years.
Givenchy Le Rouge lipstick in Brun Creatur. Most expensive lipstick I’ve bought to date, and worth every penny. Gorgeous formula and colour. Definitely going to pick up more when I go to spend my Xmas gift certificates.
Prior to this the most expensive lipsticks I bought were a couple of Hourglass liquid lipsticks (in Canvas and Muse), I think they are a dollar less than the Givenchy here. Love the colours but find the formula quite drying, but I’m going to give them another chance in the spring and summer, too expensive not to try again!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood light. It’s not THAT expensive, but for a finishing powder that has limited usage, it was pretty expensive. It does work as a nice rosy eyeshadow too.
I was bad this holiday season! I bought two Chanel Illusion D’Ombres, a Dior Monofusion and just got two Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill. They’re SO sparkly and beautiful! I just like to look at them sometimes!
Why do I have to have such expensive taste?
Welcome to my life, sigh.
I bought the Too Faced Pretty Rebel palette which is £40 here… I think that’s like, $60? Which for me is INSANE and totally unjustifiable spending. It’s the best palette I’ve ever owned though – such good quality and versatile colours.
Guerlain’s Wulong – it ‘s been my biggest splurge so far and I love it so much that I would splurge on it again if I could :D!
i recently got 2 dolce & gabbana foundations (matte and creamy) that are working out pretty well for me. i also like the pressed violettes powder by guerlain. yesterday, i got my order of guerlain lingerie de peau compact foundation, so we’ll see how that goes. i used it before and liked everything but the shade match. my skin is a little different now and i got a shade lighter, but i’m expecting good things.
Oh the Dior Mono Fusion eyeshadows are great! My latest “worth it” splurge was Guerlain’s new foundation, Tenue de Perfection.
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua compact cream foundation. 58 dollars is NUTS for foundation, but it is beautiful. And since I ordered from Nordstrom, no shipping, no tax. Still insane 🙂
I went a little wild on the Magnetic Nude collection, purchasing 2 blushes, a skinfinish, and 2 shadows.
I especially love the Amorous Alloy eyeshadow and the Autoerotique blush (great daytime hint of color on me although a strong color on many others). I will definitely use these a lot.
On the same binge, I prepaid for two of the le blush crème de Chanel from the Spring 2014 collection. One is going to be used quite a bit.
Good thing I have dominant cheeks that absorb product and require lots of reapplying (regardless of blush quality). I have so many blushes that I would never make a dent in any if I didn’t use them so much. I guess it’s time for a Blush Project Pan for me.
Serge Lutens… Mascara, and lipstick. I never, ever, thought that the best mascara for ME, would cost over $60.00 US.
Does a massage count? If not, the Naked2 palette (yes, I know I’m late to the game).
Me, too! I picked it up as a Christmas present to myself this year. 🙂
A Tarte set a while back. Don’t really remember the name though! :p
I found a HG product in Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and primer. Well worth the $$ spent on both
I’m not proud of this but I succumbed to all the hype and bought NARS blush in Orgasm which I now wear everyday. Love it! The other splurge was a Burberry lipstick in #5 which I’ve worn everyday since getting it, am loving this too. My final splurge was a Jo Malone perfume (ok so not exactly a beauty splurge ) in English Pear and Freesia. Its summertime here in NZ and its a lovely light summery fragrance that I get complimented on most times I wear it.
I am obsessed with lip moisturizers/conditioners so I splurged and got Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm. It’s $27 for a lip balm which is a little ridiculous, but the smell and how smooth my lips feel after I use it is priceless. Don’t notice the plumping at all aspect though.
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush 72 Rose Initiale. I absolutely adore the rose fragrance the blush emits. Just make the experience that little bit more enhanced. Love the color too. Very versatile. Goes with any other makeup colors. Neither too cool nor too warm.
The new Kat Von D spring Esperanza palette, hope it’s worth it. I haven’t received it yet, just ordered it this morning. Looks cute, so that’s already a good bonus! :). Really trying my best not to buy make up right now, but this palette and the naked 3 palette were my exceptions. Trying to be good until spring. It’s just hard as I have already run out of my brow pencil. (Been using eyeshadow). Running out of my liquids liner. ( think I will try using wet eyeshadow? Could that be used in place of liquid eyeliner?)
The Wayne Goss brushes…..love them!
I want these so bad! But I haven’t been able to talk myself into taking the plunge just yet. I hear they are wonderful!
Chanel Ombre Matelassees in Charming from Holiday 2013 is fantastic, no matter which shades I use, no matter how, they look great and stay put. I also got the Chanel Creme Blush in Inspiration, an easy no-fail no brainer during this cold weather, and the Aqualumiere Compact makeup goes great as a base for it.
I also got Rouge G in Gracia– it is fantastic. I thought, I’m insane paying $49.50 for a lipstick, but it’s soooo goood, smooth, and a great color, now I feel justified 🙂
Marc Jacobs nail polishes in Oui! and Daisy. I don’t normally pay quite that much for a bottle of nail polish but they are truly wonderful. They wear like iron and make my nails look perfect. I’m addicted now!
Tom Ford Out Fleur Perfume
Tom Ford Bronzer Brush to go w/ the new Guerlain Meteorites.
My last real splurge was a small bottle of Perricone eye lid serum many months ago. It was about 115$ and supposed to tighten and de-puff. I couldn’t wait to try it . After using it twice, it seemed empty. I took it back to the store, where I discovered they had probably sold me a tester that had been reboxed ! I went home with a new one. Used it a few times. Now it rests at the bottom of my skincare drawer. (doesn’t work under eyeshadow)
I’m late to that party with this one but now I understand what all the hoopla was about and it was worth the money…..Naked 1 palette.
Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder and Urban Decay Shattered Face Case — which I technically got on sale, so I guess it wasn’t really that much of a splurge. But I love them both. The colors in the Shattered Face Case are perfect for me.
The very last one – Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette. Actually bought over Naked 3 and am very happy with that decision.
Either finally springing for UD’s lip liner in Ozone, or spending $10 on a TonyMoly lip balm when I already have too many good lip balms. I really like the TonyMoly for my night stand, it’s got a nice light fragrance. And Ozone is a clear lip liner, yay.
It’s a toss-up between Tom Ford lipstick in Indian Rose and Armani Luminous and Lasting Silk foundations!
Hourglass Ambient Light Palette! One of the most beautiful things I’ve bought in a while, the powders are a perfect finish – subtle, and the formula is excellent! So glad I didn’t hesitate longer since they sold out so quickly.
Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder and Dior Amber Diamond. Both of which I purchased because of this blog.
The latest Guerlain bubble blush in Cherry, I love it! Also I took a gamble on the Naked 3 palette (the only other Urban Decay makeup item I own is a double-ended liner because this makeup line just never appealed to me) and I’m so happy I did. I love it so much!
Chanel crushed cherries glossimer and accent blush
Nars Sheer Glow and Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, they’re my holy grail products. My colours are Siberia and Chantilly and they’re by far the best colour matches for my super pale yellow skin. I’m dreading the day I run out though, the $44 and $28 price tags nearly killed me the first time I bought them (being a drugstore girl at heart), but it was well worth it IMO!
Sisley l’orchidee highlighting blush (the more bronze-y colored one from summer 2013 collection. Its looooove!