Hi Belle –

I pretty consistently a drugstore make up girl, but my dad just gave me a $50 gift card to Sephora. What items (hair or face) would you spend this on?

– emily 

What you buy depends on which products are essential to you.  But some words of caution:

1. Don’t spend your money on mascara.  It goes bad so quickly, you’ll be in need of a new tube in no time at all.
2. Don’t buy anything without trying a sample first.  This isn’t the time to guess.
3. Don’t splurge on anything that gets washed down the drain – cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
4. Don’t get addicted to any product that you can’t afford to replace.

The best skincare splurges are serums and masks.  The best makeup splurges are foundation and concealer.  If you like perfume, that’s a worthwhile option as well.

My face mask of choice is the Origins charcoal mask to treat acne and decongest pores.  If dryness is your issue, Kiehl’s overnight hydrating mask is a good choice.  My favorite serums are the affordable Ordinary Buffet serum and the pricier Ole Henriksen Night Transformation Gel.

For foundation, my Sephora favorite is the Kevyn Aucoin Etherealist Foundation.  I also like Clinique Superbalanced makeup.  For concealer, the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is the best.

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