The Million Dollar "Is it worth it?" Question
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss Review, Photos, Swatches
One question I regularly receive about products (and not just luxury priced products) is, “Is it worth it?” This is also iterated in other ways, like: 1) “Do I need this?” 2) “Should I save up for this?” and 3) “Should I buy the original or the cheaper dupe?” Sometimes someone will want to be convinced to buy something, other times someone will want to be reminded that it’s totally dupeable or below-the-bar in quality. The problem with these questions is it’s really, really hard for me to tell you if a product is worth it to you or not. It’s undeniably subjective and completely based upon your budget and personal preferences!
I thought maybe it would be a good reference post going forward whenever I review a more expensive product, because “worth” and “value” are measured differently by each of us. Some of us prefer to look at how much you’re getting for the price, others look purely at the price tag because they never expect to go through a product, and others look at price per use (because you expect to use it up). I’m more in the camp of the last one–if you are only going to wear a product once or twice before moving onto something else, there’s absolutely no reason to save up for it. If you’re going to use it everyday for months, then maybe it’s worth saving up for.
From time to time, I re-review one of my all-time favorite products (and thankfully, it’s permanent!) that I continue to love each and every time I wear as much as I did the first time (and I’m often motivated to do a more thorough job reviewing the product each time and with better photos!). There are a few reasons why I love it, but they’re all personal reasons and justifications. I just re-purchased it from Saks a week or so ago.
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss ($48.00 for 0.21 fl. oz.) is a peach and gold shimmered peach-pink with a nearly metallic finish. It’s semi-opaque in coverage–there is a lot of shimmer in it, while the base color itself is fairly close to my natural lip color (warmer and pinker). Le Metier de Beaute Papaya Creme is the closest dupe to this shade, and it has a slightly darker color base (less pink, a little more coral), but it has a very similar shimmer component that gives off the same metallic-like finish. MAC Nymphette is sheerer, more golden (less peach), and doesn’t have nearly as much shimmer–but it is a gorgeous shade and similarly flattering. Benefit I’m With the Band is pinker, less peach, almost gold-copper in shimmer. Chanel Pin-Up is similar but has less shimmer. NARS Orgasm is also similar but lacks the heavy shimmer finish. NP Set Mauritius is milkier and a little less peach.
First and foremost, I’m absolutely in love with the color. It’s warm, peach, and gold; all shades that flatter my particular skin tone and overall coloring. It’s not sheer, but it’s not totally opaque, so it can be layered with other lipsticks but also wore on its own (I usually wear it on its own). There are, however, as you can see from above, numerous shades that are similar to this one–and for most, I suspect, similar enough to opt for a version that’s half or even a third of the price of this one. The only thing that really makes it slightly different is how much shimmer is in the gloss, and the resulting more metallic-like finish (which Papaya Creme also has but the base color is a wee different, though not by much–and still $12 cheaper).
The texture is lightweight and comfortable to wear without being too thin or too thick; it doesn’t slip around once applied, but it doesn’t cling. It’s non-sticky, and there was no discernible scent or taste. I love that it wears five to six hours on me, and it fades evenly and none of the shimmer (and there’s a lot of it!) travels while it’s worn. The formula is moisturizing and never leaves my lips feeling dehydrated, even after wearing it all day. It’s not my favorite gloss formula of all time, but it’s a really good one (though I haven’t tried many other shades beyond #2–I can’t even remember trying another shade on). If it was a poorly made gloss with a stellar color, I would probably end up moving to a dupe with a better formula and only keep my original tube as nostalgia.
I imagine part of the love for this particular gloss is attached to memories; my first luxury cosmetic purchase, which was part souvenir (at my first Barney’s, which was in Vegas) and part reward, and one of those products that has endured over time. It doesn’t matter if others think it’s a waste of money or hate the color or don’t think it’s worth that much–my enjoyment is not dependent on others loving it. Every time I apply this gloss, I smile. My spirits rise. I get a little giddy. I remember the very moment I swatched this and saw the crazy peach-gold duochrome and fell in love and indulged.
One thing that you’ll notice is I’m careful about saying what is and isn’t my favorite. There are lots of products I like and even love, but there are less products I consider true favorites–ones I go back to, ones I would repurchase, ones that I would use over and over again if I was a normal consumer. So when I say something is my favorite, I say it with feeling.
There are a handful of lip products that I always reach for when I travel, this being one of them (others include Chanel Dragon–my power red–and a Guerlain Rouge G, which usually fluctuates between Garconne, Gems, and Ginny at the moment). This also has a permanent home in my purse (along with Jack Black Lip Balm), and if I don’t have a product I’m testing along with me and the product I was originally testing has worn off, I reach for this.
Is there a beauty product that holds a special place in your heart?
The Million Dollar "Is it worth it?" Question
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
I love this lipgloss! Do you suppose the concealer would good to use? I’ve heard that its the best but don’t know
@Jeanen I love the concealer – it’s really thick and creamy without being heavy.
@Christine (Temptalia) I’ve used up all my studio finish concealer from MAC and want to try something new. Is the texture similar to that?
@Jeanen I can’t remember trying Studio Finish! I would suspect Cle de Peau’s to be a little creamier, since it’s in stick form and not a pot form.
This looks lovely! For me, I honestly don’t care about the price. If it makes me happy, then I will make a point to indulge once in a blue moon. You can’t put a price tag on happiness.
“…if you are only going to wear a product once or twice before moving onto something else, there’s absolutely no reason to save up for it. If you’re going to use it everyday for months, then maybe it’s worth saving up for.”
This is absolutely the principle that I live by. It’s how I ended up with a comfortably large array of drugstore lip balms, mascaras, bronzers, blushes …. but also a Burberry foundation and lip product, and Urban Decay’s ‘Naked’ palette:
Because I will use them, and love using them, almost every single day.
Burberry’s foundation is one of the very, very few that work for my neutral and super-pale complexion – while generating the subtle, lively glow that I adore. It’s a workhorse. It’s an everyday. It’s as useful to me as a great pair of elegant, comfortable shoes and some fresh juice every morning. I could try a hundred sorta-similar foundations from any number of mid-level companies, and they’d perform sorta-similarly, and I’d be spending $10-20 less per bottle. But this stuff is perfection – for me – to the tune of $52 every three months. Absolutely worth it.
Burberry’s Rosewood lipstick is perfect for my weird colouring. Cools make me look sallow; warms make me look odd; brights make me look undead. *g* Rosewood is right in the middle: slick when I want it to be, matte-ish when lightly blotted, and as dark or sheer as I want it to be. I use it almost every day, and even at that rate it’s taken me four months to work through nearly half of the thing. At $30 each – yes, that’s easily worth it.
Y’know what’s not – for me? Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. They’re beautiful products: excellent quality, exquisitely packaged, gorgeous colours. I’d wear them once a week – maybe. I’d wear them only under the most casual circumstances. And how could I forgive myself for swiping on Chanel just to run out on errands? For once-a-week, casual wear, I might as well buy Revlon Lip Butters – with their comparable finish, super-moisturising qualities and drugstore pricetag.
I have to mention the ‘Naked’ palette – but purely because I bought it on your recommendation alone, back when I hadn’t the slightest idea of where to find quality eyeshadows in a mix of textures and a wide away of neutrals. You said the magic word: gram for gram, the palette is excellent value *and* the product is great quality. So it was a no-brainer, *g* And I’ve never regretted the purchase.
@Ariane I’m like you – it’s hard for me to shell out a lot on a product like the Rouge Coco Shines. It’s a lot like some of the really pricey lip balms–they can be good, but they’re just not THAT good or even better compared to cheaper ones. I don’t think I’d aspire to purchase the most expensive product in a category – I’m so driven by color and overall formula, but mostly color!
Thank you! I’m so glad you are enjoying the Naked palette 🙂
@Christine (Temptalia) @Ariane It is probably the only palette I’ll ever have to replace – due to hitting pan on most of the colours. *g* Speaking of colour and formula, um… should you ever happen to review Burberry’s Sheer Summer Glow highlighter/bronzer combo, I will be eternally in your debt – *again*. *g* Even the lightest bronzers tend to look stark or strange on me, and I have such hopes for this one.
@Ariane I know that when I lasted talked to Burberry, they didn’t have any press samples but hoped to get some in soon – so if they do, then I might review 🙂
@Christine (Temptalia) Awr, thank you so much! I’ll keep fingers crossed, then. *g*
@Christine (Temptalia) I fully agree. I can’t, in good conscience, spend that much on what is essentially a lip balm.
@Ariane Ahhh I feel so much the same!!! A Rouge Coco Shine was actually the first Chanel product I ever bought, and it broke my heart!! I brought it home and even though it looked great at the store, I realized it was almost INVISIBLE in normal light. Ugh. I felt like such a fool having spent so much money on something I could barely even see. >.< I feel kind of guilty admitting I like the Revlon Lip Butters better than I like the Chanel RCS!!
Is there a beauty product that holds a special place in your heart?
MAC Ever Hip, and any good to excellent primer. even if I’m not using that primer currently i ways remember the ones that work for both face and eyes.
This is EXACTLY how I feel about Chanel’s Magnifique Glossimer. It’s definitely a pricey lipgloss, but it’s the color and the perfect amount of shimmer and shine on my lips. I’m pretty sure there are dupes out there but I don’t consistently look for a possible dupe because I know what I want and I can save for the lipgloss that performs for me and makes me feel confident.
@Kal12 Well said, Kal! 🙂
I have several beauty products that I’ll splurge for:
– Diorskin Forever foundation. I searched for a good foundation for years. I have dry, very sensitive skin and nothing was the right match or consistency. Lots of them broke me out and others left me feeling unimpressed. As long as Dior produces Forever, I will pay for it, even if it keeps going up in price! (Right now it’s at $47, and I feel like every year they increase the prices of many of their products by $1 or so.) This is the only foundation I own or want.
– Chanel lipsticks. I mourned the loss of the Aqualumiere formula. Then Rouge Allure came out and gave me an entirely new addiction! I feel like 95% of lipstick colors are easily duped. But this formula is pure luxury and I just can’t resist them sometimes.
– High end eye makeup in general. I have so many allergies, and I wear contact lenses, so I don’t mess around with drug store stuff. I’ve paid the price too many times. My favorite eyeshadows of them moment are Chanel, Hourglass, and NARS. I also swear by Dior mascaras.
On the flip side, I try to save money on most lipsticks, and all glosses, lip liners, blushes, bronzers, nail polishes, and tools whenever possible. I only splurge if I can’t find a good dupe of what I really want in the HE category.
In general, however, I always ask myself, “Do I really NEED this? Do I need it right now, this moment? Can I wait? Can I find something else that’s better quality and/or cheaper in price?” I usually look at my cosmetics purchases as luxuries. I try to keep my collection well-edited and smallish. I don’t want a ton of stuff lying around, and I hate having too many similar colors. I want items that I will use regularly and eventually use up!
Personally, I factor my satisfaction with a product into the value, which to me encompasses many of the feelings you’re citing in your experience with #2. If I buy an inexpensive “close-enough” dupe, will I be satisfied and stop longing for the higher-end version? Or does what I want go beyond the color or effect of the product, and extend to the experience of purchasing it, the packaging, the experience of applying it, etc…? That’s why I’ll be happy with a close-enough dupe of an expensive Chanel nail polish, but will probably end up purchasing Guerlain Meteorites at some point in time (after I’ve saved up for it)… I know that even though it’s “just a powder,” I really want the beautiful container with the pretty little pearls in it. Sometimes it is very difficult to quantify the small differences in the experience of a product into its value, and I hate being expected to justify purchasing an “expensive” product. Sometimes the justification isn’t logical; it’s just an ineffable feeling that I am sure most cosmetic-lovers have experienced at some point in time. You’re right; something being “worth it” boils down to a very personal judgement call.
Another similar gloss is Jordana Lip Out Loud gloss in TTYL, which is $2.
This is a fantastic post Christine! Really well said. I agree with you completely that it’s (sometimes) worth spending more on something that’s really special. Personally, I’ve been trying to adjust my spending habits so I buy less impulse/ low-quality things (which can be inexpensive or expensive!) and more thought-out, high quality products (which again, can be inexpensive – but I’m willing to spend quite a lot on them also.)
I also find that when I buy “dupes” of something I love and want, I end up spending more than I would if I had bought what I wanted in the first place – because I’ll buy three things to try and replace the expensive item, then might buy the expensive item anyway! Better to just buy what I want, and save by skipping the “I want it, but I don’t REALLY want it” items.
@Emi at Project Swatch I can echo the dupe problem! Too often you try to dupe… and you don’t or you don’t get quite close enough and end up buying the original item.
If it makes you feel so great, then ignore any criticisms and hold your beautiful head up high!
It’s more of a problem for me morally in ANY situation where you’re making a big purchase – makeup, clothes, bags, jewellery, a car etc. – if you don’t respect money. Christine’s admirable donations to domestic violence victims show how much she DOES value her purchases and really believes in the power cosmetics can give to women.
It’s one of the reasons I have followed this blog for so long now – appreciating costmetics doesn’t make you frivolous, spending without consideration of the wider responsibilities in life.
I show my self-respect in the way I present myself, and I would convince anyone who thought I was shallow or wasted money of the opposite.
Okay, that’s WAY gorgeous, and I have gotta check it out!
For most of my life, I felt like I couldn’t afford high end stuff, so I didn’t even look at it. Then one day, I realized I had about $50 worth of drugstore foundations sitting around that I couldn’t use for various reasons and might as well give away or throw out. So I started looking at Sephora and department stores. It took me years, literally, to find my holy grail foundation (at least for winter), and it’s Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation at $56. I get the most unbelievable compliments not just on my skin but on how great I look since I started using it. But thanks to sampling and awesome return policies for high end stuff, my long quest to find the right high end foundation did not result in a bunch of $50+ foundations sitting around that I’ll never use.
@GlowMyWay I think foundation/skincare are areas I wouldn’t be afraid to splurge on as long as they worked well, you know? Too important!!
This was so interested that I ended up blogging about it and running some numbers 🙂 So – the way I calculate it, I’m actually get a better value on a per-use basis out of a lot of my most expensive items than many of my cheaper items (though there are some less expensive items I LOVE and use all the time). But, if I use a $40 foundation until it runs out – or even if I use up half of it!, it works out to be less expensive per use than a $10 foundation that I use 5 times.
Obviously, the cheapest way to go is to buy inexpensive items and actually use them up – but I find that I am so much more likely to use my high end items, esp the more expensive ones. My guess is that this isn’t because they are uniformly better quality – I think it’s because I am more careful about those purchases, I research them, and make sure they are something that I REALLY want and really will use. In contrast, I’ll just pick up a $3 eyeshadow palette because I feel like it with no thought as to whether I’ll actually use it frequently.
@Emi at Project Swatch That’s so true, Emi!
First of all, that’s a really pretty color on you. Would I personally pay that for a lipgloss? Probably not. I’ve only really been into makeup for about a year. When I first started getting into makeup, I never dreamed I’d pay some of the prices that I have in fact paid (like $33 for a Nars Duo or $27 for a blush). So I never say never. I think one of the toughest things about being a makeup consumer is knowing when to spend the big bucks and when to splurge. On a daily basis, my makeup look is usually a blend of HE and drugstore. I rarely wear drugstore blush and I almost never use HE mascara unless it’s a Sephora sample. Everyone has their limits and priorities.
LOL! True story: for a year or two now, I’ve used nothing but mid-to-high-end mascara … samples! From Sephora. Because they always seem to be offering generously-sized samples when I make an order, and I use them all so sparingly that they last for ever so long. It’s a weird little luxury. *g*
@Ariane That’s how I was with foundation primers! Sephora was constantly offering deluxe sized samples of them, so for a good 2 years, I never had to buy! I only just recently splurged on the Korres primer, because I ran out of that one, which I had liked the most.
This looks absolutely beautiful. I feel this way about my Burberry lipstick in Cameo Pink, and my Burberry eyeshadow in Trench. I fell in love with Trench, because of you! It has replaced all the other shadows I used to use as brow highlighters. It’s just the perfect level of sheen and lightness that goes with any look. And Cameo Pink is just the most flattering coral-pink. It’s not too orange, bright, or red. I will repurchase these two things a million times over!
Trench is amazing!! I feel the need to get a second one, even though I have about half of my original one left.
@Christine (Temptalia) It really is! And I love that Burberry gives you a lot of bang for your buck, too. It may be $30, but it’s nearly twice the size of a regular shadow, which makes it cheaper by the oz than my beloved Urban Decay shadows. Which is great, because I use it everyday, and I’ve already noticed a pretty sizable dip in the pan!
Hey Christine, great through post!
I have to admit I find it rather annoying when you get 100+ comments on a post for a very high end brand simply complaining about the price – after all almost all, if not all of cosmetics are superfluous!
I have the same excited feelings about some of the products that I saved up for and bought such as my rouge gs (gemma is my favourite)!
@baby in a corner Gemma is lovely! It has such a pretty sheen.
I was going to click “leave it”, but I wanted to make it clear that it’s entirely because the colour doesn’t suit me. Peach shades tend to make me look dead or jaundiced. I get jealous every time I see you model one, because they unfailingly look beautiful on you. 🙂
As far as pricey beauty items are concerned, I keep an open mind and if I see something I really like, I don’t exclude it because it’s expensive. In particular, I remember buying Sisley’s eye shadow in “Stardust”. It’s not the most expensive beauty item I’ve ever purchased, but considering the size, it probably is the most expensive per gram at $50. Nonetheless, I had been searching for a really perfect pewter shade and this one is IT. I have shades that are close, but nothing nails it quite the way this one does. The texture is amazing- soft, blendable and smoothly pigmented.
I feel the same way about CdP’s “Baby Julia” lipstick, which is my ultimate office-friendly shade. I’ll be honest, I wanted to try the brand after reading your reviews and I picked that shade because my only girl kitty is named Julia. (I did make sure it worked on me first, though.) Although there are a lot of shades like this, “Baby Julia” gives my lips an almost unreal luminescence that even shows in photos. So it’s something I can wear in any situation and still feel very special.
I’m absolutely willing to try lower-priced options where I can, so as a rule, I try not to let price be a factor (within my budget constraints, of course). I do have to consider price a little more when dealing with products that I use almost every day and need to replace frequently (I’m thinking chiefly of foundation), but even then, it seems worth skipping a few things I won’t use very often to get something that I find truly amazing.
@Kate MacDonald Now I need to check out Stardust. I am all over pewter!!
It’s no wonder you love it. It looks great on you.
I don’t think I have a makeup product that gives me the feeling you have about this gloss, but I definitely understand the feeling you describe–where it doesn’t matter what others think of it because you love it. There’s this super old gamecube game, Tales of Symphonia, that I absolutely adore. In terms of gameplay and plot, it’s honestly not all that unique, but every time I play it it takes me back to that very first time, when I was twelve in the middle of a hot spring. In the daytime, I’d go to school and get ready for my middle school ‘graduation.’ Afterward, I’d stay in because of the heat and play my game, and in the evening I’d go out for these long relaxing walks around my neighborhood, just breathe the finally-cool air and take it all in. Every time I put that game on it brings me back to that time in a way nothing else in the world can.
@vijiis Thank you for sharing 🙂 I love hearing stories like this!
I don’t think I’d ever spend that much money on their lip products, especially not a gloss (the most I’d spend is on a Guerlain Rouge G, and I have two right now, Grenade and Gigi) but someday I would love to own their concealer. I tried it on the CDP counter at Takashimaya in Singapore and I fell in love, lol (if I bought it, it would be such a rush of endorphins to the head!). I was afraid to try their lip products because I didn’t want to fall in love with a color and yearn for it, haha.
You def shouldn’t be judged because you think one particular thing is worth it, even if others don’t agree. People have different standards for what luxuries they think is worth it: some like cars, I like handbags and you like makeup, at the end of the day it’s what you want and your (hard-earned) money you’re spending, not theirs.
@uniqlos Hi uniqlos! Quick question for you. Which Guerlain concealer are you referring to? I’m on the lookout for a good one. The Concealer Duo pen? or the Precious Light Concealer? Thank you! 🙂
@wwendalynne Hi! Sorry, I meant Clé de Peau’s Beauté Concealer, the ridiculous $70 one lol. As for concealers, I like the YSL Touché Eclat one, I’ve been using it since I was 16 (tho I have run out since then, and since my country doesn’t have YSL, I’ve been making do with BB Cream lol).
@uniqlos I am (to my wallet’s relief) not so into handbags, shoes, or clothes. It would be tough to spread out the love if I was into all four categories, lol!
@Christine (Temptalia) Haha. And Makeup is relatively inexpensive compared to other luxury items.
@Christine (Temptalia) PS Are you planning to review the YSL Glossy Stains?
I feel exactly the same way. I also find that as I age, I need to use more of the high end products. They are just more finely milled and therefore don’t settle into wrinkles and pores. Lower end products (not all of them mind you, but the majority) just do exactly that and make me look older. I’d rather pay more for products that work for my skin age and will use than waste it.
@BeautyReflectTS This is such a good point. I hadn’t thought about it quite that way, because when I was younger I didn’t take much care with my makeup. But I don’t think I could get away with some of the same brands now that I could years ago.
Everyone has a line in the sand that they don’t want to cross money-wise but it’s up to every person what that line is and for what sort of thing. I know for a fact that I spend *AT LEAST* two to three times more per month on my German Shepherd (if not even more than that) than any one of my friends on their dogs, but for me, there is no price on his happiness or health while, for them, the same thing may apply to their kids’ umpteenth toy, a golf game, concert tickets, make-up, or whatever. It’s not for me to judge what someone’s passion is, though I will if they judge me first. 😉
IMO, life is simply too short and too difficult not to treat yourself occasionally to something that gives you great joy, so long as you can afford it/save up for it and it’s not bad/dangerous for you. If that thing is a $95 eyeshadow or a $48 lipgloss, then go for it. If, in fact, you’ll also use it nonstop *AND* it entails incredible memories as well, then I’d say that one was a fool NOT to get it. What I honestly don’t understand are the judgments and criticisms people fling so quickly around — seemingly about *everything* these days. What happened to live and let live, or the golden rule? Seriously, I think the world would be a much better place if there were Prozac (or vodka?) added to the water supply. /end of stressed, demoralised rant.
@Kafka Very well put! I have to agree, I often wonder why people forget to live and let live. But I think it’s far more likely that the world will become a better place because someone put chill pills in the water than everyone agrees to mind their own business.
@JessicaW Seriously! I’ve been thinking lately I need a t-shirt or a button that just says “mind your business, that’s why,” for whenever someone asks me a dumb “why did you_____[whatever thing they think I shouldn’t have done]?” question.
When I first got into higher end makeup, I would justify the cost with the “Gift with Purchase” being offered at the time. I would buy a foundation, but walk away with several other products, which was how I built up my stash. Similarly, I would buy an eyeliner or nail polish, which weren’t very expensive, if the offer was a “Purchase with Purchase”. Now, I tend to “discover” a brand, and stick with it for a while, mainly for eyeshadows. NARS is my new love, and I recently picked up Pandora. Did I *need* a black & white duo? No. However, I like having the two together in a small compact, by themselves, and as far as I’m concerned, I can never have too many matte blacks. I also like the uniqueness of NARS shadows, and since I really don’t wear lipstick or gloss very often, I justify splurging on HE shadows by using drugstore lip colors & mascara. As for foundation, on the rare occasion I wear it, I tend to go drugstore, as well. My favorite of all time is Max Factor PanStik in Nude Beige, but it has been discontinued in the US. While going through some storage boxes I have, I recently came across 2 sticks (unopened) that I bought just before they were dc’d, but I think I will be willing to order overseas when I need to replace these, regardless of high shipping costs, since it’s something I know I’ll use.
When I first got into higher end makeup, I would justify the cost with the “Gift with Purchase” being offered at the time. I would buy a foundation, but walk away with several other products, which was how I built up my stash. Similarly, I would buy an eyeliner or nail polish, which weren’t very expensive, if the offer was a “Purchase with Purchase”. Now, I tend to “discover” a brand, and stick with it for a while, mainly for eyeshadows. NARS is my new love, and I recently picked up Pandora. Did I *need* a black & white duo? No. However, I like having the two together in a small compact, by themselves, and as far as I’m concerned, I can never have too many matte blacks. I also like the uniqueness of NARS shadow colors, and since I really don’t wear lipstick or gloss very often, I justify splurging on HE shadows by using drugstore lip colors & mascara. As for foundation, on the rare occasion I wear it, I tend to go drugstore, as well. My favorite of all time is Max Factor PanStik in Nude Ivory, but it has been discontinued in the US. While going through some storage boxes I have, I recently came across 2 sticks (unopened) that I bought just before they were dc’d, but I think I will be willing to order overseas when I need to replace these, regardless of high shipping costs, since it’s something I know I’ll use.
@xamyx Those are really great ways to balance your beauty budget, Amy!
I think that nail polish and lipstick are the only things I’ll spend too much (for me) money on and even then I won’t go over a certain price. I think because I never use really high end brands I don’t know what I’m missing and honestly I think I want to keep it that way!
What a timely post. I recently took some flack from a girlfriend regarding a $32 gloss which I purchased. I let it go when she nagged me about it the first time, but the second time, I was really quite annoyed. Nobody has a right to tell you how to spend your money unless they pay your bills or are directly responsible for your welfare. Great post, Christine!
@wwendalynne Very true — it is funny, because I was taught not to talk about money much with others, especially not how they could afford things. The idea of criticizing someone for how they spend their money when they can take care of themselves is mind-boggling!
@Christine (Temptalia) @wwendalynne Right?? I work 60-80 hours a week for the money I make. I will spend it as I see fit, and I will never criticize someone else having different spending habits.
In once stumbled into a really nasty conversation about this on Elle Fowler’s YT channel. The gist was: how dare she throw money away on Chanel when drugstore stuff would do, and kids were starving in the world. I pointed out that Chanel and most high end brands are made in countries where workers are paid fairly, whereas a lot of low end stuff is made in China, which is famous for human rights violations. I’m not at all saying this to shame anyone who buys stuff made in China – I do it myself. I was just illustrating how slippery the moral high ground can be.
@GlowMyWay So slippery in fact, one might fall right on one’s rear end. 😉
@GlowMyWay Good for you to defend her. I don’t think she’s some perfect role model, but it’s absolutely no one else’s business as to how she spends her money. People think she’s beholden to them because their support is what got her money-making opportunities, but it’s not the case. The “people are starving” argument is bogus, everyone spends money on themselves – why should she be any different? She may very well be donating to charities, and even if she’s not that’s not anyone else’s business.
@wwendalynne This has happened to me too! When I bought the Guerlain Terra Inca bronzer last year it cost me about £40 and my friend went on and on saying “I could have fed myself for two weeks with that!”
It made me so mad! I shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for treating myself 🙁 A year later the bronzer is on it’s last legs, but i have not only got immense use out of it, it also makes me smile every time i use it! and that’s the real reason for a luxury buy! 😀
Great post. Often times for me as well, I spend so much money on dupes that just fail to deliver that I could have just bought the real thing too!
I have definitely done that, Yumi!!
The only things I shell out cash for (and never ever that much, unless it’s a set) are things whose formula or color cannot be found in any other brand.
If you like the product, then it is worth it whatever the cost may be or how reasonable it may be. I like Dolce N Gabanna lipgloss and others dont…so each is own.
I just think it’s lovely… probably one of the most lovely lipgloss I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if I’d ever spend that much on a lipgloss but maybe for a special occasion I’d ask for it. Like, I would hope my future husband knows I rather would get makeup I really really want than jewelry 😛
I completely empathize with your point. You give such amazing insight and assessment of products, that we naturally look to you when it comes to subjective value. My first luxury product was Chanel’s Chance perfume. I first smelled it in a department store on my first trip to Paris, but $70 for perfume when I was 14 was just a wee bit much, but the smell always stayed with me. When my 21st birthday came around, my French-American boyfriend bought me the perfume knowing how much it meant to me. Others may think it’s not worth it, but what really matters in the end is what the product means to you. Only you can assess the item’s value. Thanks Christine!!
I can be a penny pincher, sometimes. I don’t shell out for a product if there’s something significantly cheaper with close to the same quality, until you get towards things like unique color choices, that sort of thing. I think that only buying luxury makeup would severely limit your options just as much as only buying drugstore. Also, assuming no other hugely expensive hobbies, even only buying $60 lip glosses isn’t that expensive of a hobby. (Because, at the very least, there aren’t that many of them out there!)
I don’t see myself ever doing it. I try not to ever pay full price for my favorite brand, UD, and that’s mid-end. I’ve got a couple Guerlain lipsticks and an Armani eyes to kill shadow on the way, but that was basically redeemed rewards points. You see, I need to get my beauty fix and afford my videogames. 🙂
Here here!!! 🙂 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It’s nobody’s business how much I make or what I choose to spend my money on. Likewise, it’s none of MY business how much anyone else makes or what they choose to spend their money on either!
It’s my money, I’ll do what I want thank you! And BTW that gloss is wildly pretty! 🙂
@hunterdustin “It’s my money, I’ll do what I want thank you!”
isn’t that, like, a given? do you actually get asked (a lot) how much you make and how much you’re willing to spend on cosmetics?
You’d be surprised.
@Christine (Temptalia) Christine, have you considered posting photos of possible dupe swatches with the products you are reviewing? I for one would very much like to see that, especially with this lipgloss. 🙂 It looks stunning on you!
Forgot to ask, does Mac Prrr compare at all?
@Emme Nymphette is closer – Prrr isn’t really similar!
“my enjoyment is not dependent on others loving it. ”
I think this perfectly sums up how I feel about makeup as well. I love your description of how happy it makes you to use it – I think that’s the heart of it for me. I spend a lot of time taking crap for how much money I spend on makeup, and my response is usually that IDGAF what anyone else might think – I didn’t buy it for them, I bought it for me.
There are so few moments of pure joy in this life, and I am so happy you emphasized the way in which makeup gives you pure joy. Because when you put it like that, I don’t think any price tag is too much.
I think its a nice color but for me, no..its not worth the 48 dollars. Actually no lipgloss is worth that much..I highest priced lipgloss or lipstick I bought was just from mac so far an no other brands. To its worth it cause Mac has good lipstick, lipglosses and WAY cheaper compared to this lipgloss.
It reminds me of the Art Deco lipgloss I’m trying to finish atm. Probably less gritty than said lipgloss though!
I got spoiled early on. My dad used to work for Chanel (corporate) so he would come home with tons of make up and nail polish for my mom and I. When he stopped working there I switched to lower end brands and it was never the same. The pigmentation is only there is select products and the longevity isn’t there. When I started splurging on high end products again I felt like my collection shrunk, but it was all products I loved and used everyday. Instead of spending a fortune on tons of drugstore products and lower end items, i can spend the same amount on higher end brands and get better quality on less items, but I will use them indefinitely.
That’s what it comes down to for me. I am a make-up enthusiast and I’m always looking for that ‘GOT TO HAVE’ product that will make a home in my collection and that I will use frequently so I tend to go for quality over quantity now.
My biggest splurge items are still Chanel 😉
I used to be all about drugstore brands, before when I had a part time job I had tons of time in my hands to research what a good dupe for a certain high end product was, and I enjoyed it too. However after I got my full time job and had to commute a bit longer than usual I just didn’t have enough time to research anything, and I didn’t have time to hunt for things that were limitted in certain areas. I found myself just buying TONS of make up, it was cheap, but very unnecesary, I had sooo much make up, and I can tell you I only truly LOVED a few things. I decided that since I could afford it now, I would invest in high end makeup, I find that some high end products are sooo good, that they require little research, and most high end products you can actually try before you buy, and if you buy in certain stores, you can return the product if you didn’t like it, I still ALWAYS check MUA or this blog for swatches and reviews, and I can tell you by doing that I save myself a lot of time and money, for instance, instead of buying a five different drugstore foundations I have one high end foundation that I love 🙂 I still love my revlon lip products though, those I will never stop buying! haha 🙂
I hope it didn’t sound like I’m bashing drugstore products, I still love and use some drugstore, but I find that (especially with eyeshadows) most drugstore brands have hit and miss products. It happens with high end too at times, but at least with those I have the reassurance that I can return 🙂 Drugstores around my area don’t allow returns or testing before purchase! 🙁
I have a few products that I would be devastated over if I could not get them any more. They are Smashbox Softbox Palette (the one in the black container) and Photo Finish Light Primer, Imju Fibrewig mascara and Joe Fresh Rose Matte lipstick. Joe Fresh makes the best lipstick for only 6$. The matte is incredible and lasts forever and their cream formula is lovely too <3
I have so many product which are close to my heart because it is close to your heart .. for me makeup means “C” and “T” … Christine and Temptalia … i know i am little too emotional when it comes to you but thats how I am and i love and respect you from my heart … i am blessed to meet you and when i see something is close to your heart i immediately ( try to ) buy that thing and that is close to my heart .. the list goes like – sweetie lipstick , nymphette lipglass , echo blush , margin blush , jack black lip balm , dior amber diamonds , and so many things … recent being jealousy wakes .. can you imagine with how much pain i was able to pick one and when my friend was sending my stuff to india he forgot to pack it , when my stuff reached me ( through so many mediators) i was waiting for that only although the my Naked 2 was also there but when i found JW was not there i was like MADDDDD … after 2 days friend confirmed its still with him , i was relieved as i was soooo worried whom to ask coz the stuff came through so many hands traveling all the way from USA to Hyderabad to Bangalore ( my city ) … and you know “C” i still havent touched my Naked 2 … am waiting for my JW … love you dear …. XOXO 😀
@indyabeauty Aww, thank you so much, Rashmi! 🙂 I’m excited to hear what you think of JW!
@Christine (Temptalia) even am excited “C” but now i feel so bad and not even shared with you as its been agesss and am still waiting for it .. but tell you whenever i get it in my hands i will be the luckiest “T” fan in the whole world … hey i like calling you “C” … hope you dont mind ??
@indyabeauty That’s fine 🙂
hey i forgot to add Chanel Dragon which i purchased onlyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy because of you 😀 D: … and now this … it is not avlb. in my country but i will get this sooner or later 😀
The way I see it price = $, Worth= economics and value= enjoyment. All are relative and personal. Very well written Christine! 🙂
I can see why you love this lipgloss so much – it a perfect, classy, nude lip on you. It just works.
Wow this is gorgeous!
I’m part of the same group as you, Christine. I don’t care what a product costs so long as I’ll wear it a lot and love wearing it. My Mother and own experiences have taught me that investing in quality pays in the long run – I’d rather have a simple set of high quality cosmetics (Or clothes, for that matter..) that I wore all the time than all the medium-to-low quality, “okay” things in the world.
Hi Christine! I just bought this gloss and I LOVE it, it’s my favorite gloss by far! It makes me want to try other shades, but I feel like I started with the best, and I can only go down-hill from here. Have you tried any others? I was thinking about N3? I’m fair skinned with red hair and blue eyes. I also like warm tones/peach/warm yellow-pink undertones. Thanks in advance for your input! PS I want to thank you for your blush recommendations in a previous email! I actually just ended up buying Tom Ford’s Lovelust and Frantic Pink and calling it a day. I really only use those, Korres Natural and some other Korres pink. Thought it was fitting to mention that because I decided to invest in the Tom Ford blushes so I could avoid wasting my time sampling other brands. And I’m glad I have them, because they are SO perfect! They really complete my collection, and I find that I want to buy *less* now that I have them, because every time I see a blush I think and realize that it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, because these two blushes really covered all of my needs (along with ones that I own already). I really appreciate how you take the time to respond to all of your readers individually, it says a lot about you both as a beauty blogger, and as a person. Keep up the great work!
@LauraG I truly can’t remember even trying another shade! I know I swatched a couple in store long ago, but I wasn’t SO impressed by any of the colors at the time so I didn’t pick up any. I know this was likely 3-4 years ago when I didn’t feel as comfortable laying down $48 on a gloss, too, so it might have been a “this is not quite impressive ENOUGH for me” at the time.
Thank you!
@Christine (Temptalia) I see what you mean – I ordered N3 N10 and N11. N11 is pretty, but it doesn’t give enough color to justify $50, and I don’t exactly know what to think about the others. I like them, but I just don’t see the money. I’m going to try them out for a little, and if they fill a niche, I’m going to keep them, even if I think they’re overpriced. I’ve been looking for a good nude/brown toned gloss to go with my hourglass suede duo and N10 might just be it! I had MAC spice, but returned it because I wasn’t a fan of the vanilla scent, and the brown seemed a little dull/*too* brown for me.
Well written, Christine! I completely agree. Everyone has their own standard of worth and investment and no one should judge someone else by their own standards!
My absolute favorite,can’t live without lip gloss is BareMinerals Buxom Lips Lip Polish in Sandy.
Christine, How would you compare this to Hourglass Fortune lip gloss. I don’t have a store near me to compare.
Thanks
Meena.
@mdudani It’s similar – at least in the same family!