Beauty Opinion: Splurge or Save?

I am not sure about you, but I don’t have a money tree. If you have one, I’d appreciate it if you could send me some seedlings. The problem I’m faced with is – I’m a serious beauty junkie. Addict. Whatever you want to call it. I wake up and I am always entranced by the latest beauty product offerings that scream ‘Lusher! Firmer! Glossier! Long-lasting!’.

Alas, I then find out that my wallet unfortunately isn’t like a bottomless pit. So I’m going to share with you some secrets that I’ve found along the way. Which products should you shell out your moohlah for? And which budget products rival their expensive counterparts?

1. Foundation, Concealer and Powder: SPLURGE

I’ve never really found a budget foundation that ticked all the boxes. I have quite warm, yellow-based Asian skin, and unfortunately, the shades available in the ‘budget’ category are always too pink, had a very limited shade range or just downright hideous. The more pricey brands tend to have a vast shade range, with both warm, cool and neutral undertones. Favourite pick: M.A.C Studio Fix Plus Powder Foundation, RRP $49

2. Mascara: SAVE
Well, considering that you have to throw these out every 4-6 months (check out my Beauty Products Expiry article), there’s not point shelling out your life savings on this product. And Maybelline has been at the forefront of mascara technology – lusher, thicker, more voluminous… you name it, they’ve done it. Favourite pick: Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies Mascara, $16.95

3. Eyeliner: SAVE
Can’t tell the difference between your Lancome or Australis one? Not surprised. Unless you have seriously oily or hooded lids that are prone to smudging and creasing, most eyeliners will perform well, especially if you set them with a dark eyeshadow on top.
Favorite Pick: Australis Liquid Eyeliner. $10.95

4. Eyeshadow and blush – SPLURGE

I love the pigmentation, finely milled texture and quality of more expensive eyeshadows and blushes. It makes blending simply a dream, and the vast colour range and counter assistants will help you to select the colours that truly complement your complexion.
Favorite pics: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow $20.00, RRP $32, Clinique Blushing Blush, $49

5. Primer – SPLURGE

I’ve found most lower end primers seem to be moisturisers masquerading as ‘primers’. They’re not only watery, but many that I’ve tried seem to have less silicones, and more pore-clogging ingredients, like ispropyl palmitate. For me, nothing beats a great silicone based primer that leaves your skin feeling smoother than silk.
Favourite pick: ModelCo Face Base, $34

6. Lipstick and lipgloss: SAVE
As much as I love high-end lipsticks and lipglosses – Clinique and M.A.C, I am looking at you, I don’t think you need to spend a heap on this product. Lower end brands have a kaleidoscope of shades that will satisfy your urge for smooth nudes, sultry reds or innocent pinks. Revlon’s Super Lustrous lipstick range has 24 shades, and Maybelline’s Colour Sensational Range has 44 shades. And, if you can’t find a suitable colour…well, you’re probably a freak of nature. Just kidding.
Favourite Pick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, RRP $22.95.

What do you save or splurge on?

Image: WeHeartit