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What beauty tools are worth splurging on?


What beauty tools are worth splurging on? Share!

Brushes that you use every single day – the ones that you always reach for; not just quirky shapes that work for such and such product that you don’t really use often, but the foundation brush that gives you that airbrushed finish and the blending brush that makes your eye makeup look flawless–those are the ones worth paying for. The Clarisonic is fantastic, and I thought that was well-worth the splurge.

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rebecca Avatar

I agree with you, Christine 🙂 I love, love, love my Hourglass brushes, especially #2–I use it for everything, and I’m almost considering buying another one just because it’s such a multipurpose amazing brush. I don’t have a Clarisonic but I want one.

I’d also say that it’s worth splurging on things when there’s a clear difference between high-end and low-end products. Like hair dryers – the T3 Featherweight is pricey, but it’s also light years better than a $15 hair dryer you get at Walgreens (so I understand; I don’t blow dry my hair so if I’m wrong tell me). I’d rather spend $50 on a tool once than spend $20 on the same tool and have to buy it twice more if it breaks or stops working or whatever. I’d also rather spend $50 on something that *works* than spend $15 on something that only sort of works.

Jackie Avatar

Totally agree on the Clarisonic and the core collection of your brushes. I have a Lancome powder brush that is to die for but I find the Real Techniques brushes to be divine as well (buffing brush and all shadow brushes!).

Although I loooove to splurge on high end I tend to be more a “deals and savings” gal that loves to experiment with drugstore brands and only snags high end stuff on sale. I think some actual makeup items are worth a bit more. Foundation being one of them.

I haven’t ever found a drugstore brand that I like enough to use. The and color and the way it feels on my skin is always wrong. It’s worth it to buy my favorites (Missha BB in No.13 and Juice Beauty in Ivory) Take note neutral toned pale girls out there!

Tshering Avatar

My ELF studio line flat top powder brush is the best brush ever for finishing off my daily makeup. As I’m a contour lover this brush is so great for buffing in powder and blending contour powder into the skin for that natural finish. Also my real techniques stippling brush is a staple for applying liquid foundation.

Dusty Avatar

I’d go with tools/brushes as well. I have been SOLD on Shu’s Kolinsky sable brushes – mostly the tiny blending brush because its unique and a brush shape I’ve been looking for for years. They’re probably the most expensive brushes I’ve seen but that little guy is amazing… worth the $$$ IMO.

Kesha Avatar

Have to agree with brushes. Good quality brushes are a great splurge even if you’re not a MUA. I also agree that a Clarisonic is a good tool worth splurging on. Once upon a time I wouldn’t have thought so but I’m definitely a believer now! I also think that quality hair tools (flat iron or blow dryers for example) are worth the splurge. Sometimes cheaper means subjecting your hair to more damage than you have to. You want to limit heat styling of course but a quality tool can help shorten your exposure to damaging heat if that makes sense.

Kica Avatar

I’m sooooo on the fence about buying a Clarisonic brush. I’m trying to justify spending that much cash on a facial brush.

CJ Avatar

Try buying the Oil of Olay version. I was reluctant to jump on the Clarisonic bandwagon because it just seemed unnecessary, but I caved & bought the Olay version of it and now I’m a complete convert & totally addicted. I may eventually get the real thing, but right now I’d rather save my money for product…

Alison Avatar

Agreed, the Clarisonic is fantastic and I love mine to this day!

I also think that its well worth splurging on any beauty tool that you use every day – if it’ll improve the look of your makeup and the level of enjoyment and comfort in your day to day routine. I think that if you get the best possible tools early on, it is an investment – but its an investment in quality., If you get it right the first time, your purchase will last you for years and years, and you won’t have wasted any time trying out cheaper dupes/duds.

Malia Avatar

I totally agree with brushes- I’ve thrown so many out its not funny. A nice mirror is a good investment in my opinion, and good tweezers. For hair, I’d also say a great flat iron that heats up quickly and works the first time. A good hairbrush as well.

Layla Avatar

Agreed with the Clarisonic! Been using it twice a day, 2 minutes each time for more than a year – it is so worth the price coz good skin is pricesless!

Christen Avatar

Def my Clarisonic. Would be lost with out. Brushes are another key thing for me, I mean my Bobbi Brown Blush Brush was expensive but it’s amazing and gives flawfless finish. I use it every day and wouldn’t be without it. But since some of the things I end up splurging on are so expensive I like to stock up during sales like FF, and Sephora’s 2 sales each year.

Zoe Gruss Avatar

Sephora offers a fantastic range of brushes, especially their Pro Foundation brush as it offers perfect foundation application every time. Also the MAC 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush for flawless fluidline application. These two brushes are a must have!

Danielle Avatar

An eyelash curler. And I do agree that the brushes you use everyday are worth the splurge, particularly the eye brushes from MAC. And I think hair tools are definitely worth the splurge if you use heat on your hair regularly.

Robin Avatar

My Clarisonic – it was the last attempt to help clear up my skin before I would have gone to a dermatologist. It made a huge difference. I wish I’d bought it sooner.

Dede Kotler Avatar

Hi Christine,

What is your #1 foundation brush (I always use my fingers!), #1 eye makeup blending brush and blush brush?

Thanks so much,
Dede

Brittney Avatar

I agree with the Clarisonic! So necessary if you’re into trying new makeup out or wearing makeup everyday. I would also have to say my ” acceptable splurge” would be a high end foundation. I don’t use them everyday but I never regretted paying the extra money for my NARS or Chanel foundations.

Geneva Avatar

Great makeup bag, organization system (Helmer), mirror, brushes that you will use often (absolutely love my Real Techniques buffing brush), makeup brush cleanser, tweezers, nail polish remover I use Zoya Remove + my nails love it.

Jackie Avatar

I also agree with a good storage unit! I have a nice wooden desktop unit and it makes organizing and using the makeup so much nicer and faster. I’ll have to try the Zoya remove + once my old remover is out.

Yasmin Avatar

I would say my compressor, im no makeup artist, and i dont use it on other people. Its just for me only and i love it. I know it may sounds strange but i spend less time applying my foundation with the compressor than i do with brushes. I think the compressor works well with my skin type, i get oily around my nose and the rest of my face is blotchy dry patches. So using a brush was a mess for me because i feel like im aggravating the dry sections with the brush and spreading the oil around with it too! I use less foundation because its not being sucked up in a brush, and the coverage is even.

Sandy Avatar

I agree about the brushes, and I have to add skin care in general. If your skin looks good, you feel good, and you can focus on other aspects of your life!

Anna Avatar

I agree that it can be worth it to splurge on make up brushes. I have a few that I spent quite a lot on. That said, I am not sure if I think it is always necessary. One of my favorite brushes is a totally unknown brand. Not even a brand but just a shop that suddenly made their own brushes. It cost almost nothing and I use it every time I wear make up as a finishing brush.

Kristen Avatar

Could not agree more with brushes and the Clarisonic (I stopped using my Clarisonic for a few days and my face was so rough and dry :S. Went out and replaced my brush head today).

I also thing tweezers are something that should be invested in. It seemed ridiculous to me to buy Tweezerman tweezers — $20?! Come on… But there really is a difference. they show how really do hurt less when you pluck your eyebrows with them as opposed to cheaper tweezers.

Susan Nevling Avatar

Clairsonic Face brush. I prefer the Mia 2 as it takes up less space when charging. I use either the delicate or pore cleansing brush and wash them after each use and replace every 3 months.

David Nuggets Avatar

Honestly brushes are one of the few things I DONT feel bad splurging on. Because a good brush will last *almost* a lifetime, where as cheaper brushes tend to break down over the years.

I don’t think I could put down over $50 for a single makeup product, knowing that it will either be used up eventually, or worse, expire before it could be fully used up.

Been contemplating making the investment in high end brushes such as Hakuhodo or Suqqu brushes, but I’ve been finding that some of the more budget brushes from Real Techniques, Sonia Kushaik and Royal & Langnickel have been exceeding my expectations and needs and are darn good brushes.

Melissa Avatar

I love my Clarisonic. It was totally worth the investment. Im considering getting the Clarisonic Opal. I also think, just like you mentioned, brushes that you reach for constantly. Thinking about all the tools I use makes me want to buy more! Haha!

Nikki Avatar

The only beauty tools I feel are worth the splurge are tools I use every time I apply my makeup. In my collection, these tools would be my foundation brush and blush brush.

bellagorbakova Avatar

I would say-a nice eyelash curler (Shu Uemura, Kevyn Aucoin) and a blending brush (like MAC 217/224).These two items will bring your makeup on a new, more professional level.

Phyrra Avatar

I completely agree that the Clarisonic is worth the splurge! I also agree that great blending brushes are a must. I still love my MAC 224 brush for blending.

Erica Avatar

Mother knows best – my Mom bought me a Clarisonic last year (unsolicited) for my birthday and I gave her the side eye. Well, after leaving it in the box for a month, I tried it at her insistence and now I’m hooked. My skin and my makeup are Awesome! I could kick myself for not getting one earlier. With my Clarisonic, my Hakuhodo brushes and my MAC brushes, I’ve become a 40 something glamour girl….

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