Ask Belle: Favorite Splurge Beauty Product

Mar 12, 2015

Hi Belle,

My roommate and I were discussing all the expensive beauty products out there, and we started talking about products worth the splurge.  If you could pick just one pricey product, what would be your must have?

Love the blog! Good luck in school! Cami

When I started school last summer, I decided to cut back on some of my big beauty purchases.  One of the first things that I gave up was my Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm ($130).

Within two weeks, I noticed that my skin was drier and less vibrant.  Then, my pores seemed more visible.  I tried a few less expensive products, but nothing gave me the same effect.

To cut back on costs, I only use the product during the day and I make a concerted effort to use as little as possible.  Through my conservation efforts, the 1.9oz jar now lasts approximately three months.

Do you have a favorite product that you splurge on?

Ask The Edit, Makeup

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  1. Katie says:

    I love to have a glowing (fake) tan, and after trying 8 million products, nothing beats St. Tropez (about $54 at Sephora; I love the mousse formula). It’s a lot more expensive than drugstore products, but when I’m tan I feel a lot more confident and I wear less makeup! So I justify the expense 🙂

    Love the blog Belle!

  2. Jennifer D says:

    This is not the answer you will expect, but I spend up to $156 a year on Conair rat tail combs, which equals one comb per week. I have thick, wavy, kind of frizzy hair that I tame with a large barrel curling iron. Rat tail combs are great for sectioning my hair, then I comb through each section several times to align the hair shafts as much as possible before using the iron for the smoothest result. I only use shampoo and conditioner – no mousse, thickening spray, heat protector, etc. – but inevitably the tines get gunked up with product residue. BTW, this happens regardless of the brand or price point of the product. You can’t really clean the comb, so I go through about 1 a week. If my comb needs to be discarded after a couple of days, I stop using the shampoo and/or conditioner and go find something else. Favorites are Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo and Pantene Color Preserve Shine, supplemented by Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3 (clarifying) and sometimes a teaspoon of baking soda in my regular shampoos (your DIY clarifier). Alternative suggestions welcome as I would rather spend my funds on something much more luxurious and fun!

    • Kate says:

      I don’t understand why you can’t clean them, especially since you’re not using heavy products. Have you tried running them through the dishwasher? If it’s just not worth it I totally understand, but I hope you at least recycle them : /

    • Noreen says:

      Not sure why you can’t clean them – like the idea of running them through the dishwasher but also setting them in a tall glass of ammonia with a little H20 will clear up all the gunk.

  3. La Mer during the dry winter months. I just bought the Guerlain Meteorites Perles and brush. It seems so steep for just a finishing powder but I love how smooth my skin looks – plus it makes getting ready fun since it’s sort of whimsical. With or without anything underneath is gives a subtle sheen and nice finish w/o looking glittery or shimmery.

  4. Crystal says:

    Jennifer D: You could probably order a barber’s jar and Barbicide to disinfect your combs. (The jar is only about $20-$25.) You just leave the barber-grade disinfectant in the jar and drop your comb in there once you’re finished for the day. Should save you a lot of money and waste!

  5. Lexi says:

    My splurges are: Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream, which is a rich, creamy $55 eye cream, and lip balm. I’ve tried cheaper alternatives, but the skin around my eyes feels tight and uncomfortable without a rich cream and I don’t need as rich a cream for the rest of my face. In the past couple of years, my lips have gotten really sensitive and peel easily in winter, so I’ve splurged on Hourglass’ Lip Oil ($42!!!) and have actually bought the By Terry Baume de Rose ($55!!!). The rest of the year, I’m more of an Aquaphor lip balm girl, but need more oomph in winter (and I don’t even live someplace where it snows). I’ve learned where I can save money on other things, and within my arsenal of effective skin care products have not been able to find cheaper alternatives that are as effective.

  6. Addie says:

    This isn’t that expensive, but considering that the rest of my makeup and hair products are all drug store brands, my $27 Clinique foundation is the biggest splurge. Nothing else looks as good on my skin. I also buy Bath & Body Works body wash even though it’s more expensive than what I could get at Rite Aid. It just makes my shower feel more luxurious!

  7. E says:

    Armani Maestro foundation ($64). I can stretch it to 4 bottles/year if I build in some non-makeup/yoga pants days but I find it’s the absolute best look for me so I try not to beat myself up! I also go into Nordstrom each time I need a new bottle because I like to keep the color updated to my skin tone depending on the time of year. Actually, I would love for you to do a post where you educate women on how not to have an orange face and a white neck…

    • Armani foundation is pretty much the best. I don’t know what I would do if they discontinued face fabric. I’ve been using it for over a decade and nothing else comes close for me.

  8. The European says:

    Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – I feel its done a lot to even out my skintone and make the pores tighter. But 3-4 bottles a year sure is expensive..

    Love the blog, keep up the good posts 🙂

  9. Michelle says:

    Kate Somerville’s Anti Bac Clearing Lotion saved my skin. At the time, I didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t afford a trip to the dermatologist. At $42, I use it every other day and I bought it three months ago.

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