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As a bargain hunter on a budget, I wince at the steep prices of skincare. In my experience, many beauty products cost an overwhelming amount but deliver underwhelming results. And yet, there are plenty of hidden gems that are worth the splurge!
While I’m a big fan of affordable drugstore beauty, I prefer certain luxury products for premium performance. Save your money on mascara and moisturizer (CeraVe’s cream has always been my favorite!) — instead, consider investing in these items below that will elevate your aesthetic while improving skin and hair health.
Laura Mercier Brightening Under-Eye Setting Powder
Laura Mercier’s cult-favorite setting powder has been my holy grail product for years, blurring my complexion while leaving my makeup perfectly intact for hours on end. And now the beauty brand just launched this under-eye powder that sets and brightens the entire eye area! This silky-smooth setting powder combats discoloration and awakens eyes without creasing concealer. Available in five shades!
Makeup by Mario Blurring Bronzer
Mario Dedivanovic, the celebrity makeup artist most famously associated with Kim Kardashian, never misses with his beauty brand Makeup by Mario. I love every product from the line, from eyeliner to foundation. My latest obsession? Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Blurring Bronzer, a powder that warms and smooths your complexion with buildable coverage. Perfect for the summer!
Augustinus Bader The Elixir Serum
What do Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie, Sandra Oh, Jennifer Aniston and Meghan Markle have in common? These stars all swear by the skincare line Augustinus Bader, known for the iconic Rich Cream. And now the celeb-favorite brand has released a new anti-aging treatment, The Elixir. This luxurious serum reduces wrinkles while improving skin tone and texture for a more youthful-looking complexion. Immediate and long-term results!
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
Is the hype for the Dyson Airwrap real? Absolutely! This multi-styler has dramatically enhanced both my hair appearance and hair health. Hot tools had damaged my follicles, leaving my strands broken and brittle. Engineered without extreme heat, this innovative hair tool dries, curls and smooths my hair like magic. Salon styles from home! On sale now, the Dyson Airwrap is worth the price tag (think of it as 10 blowouts!).
NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit
Another buzzy beauty product that has lived up to its reputation is the NuFace Trinity+. In my opinion, this skincare tool is better than Botox! Powered with microcurrents, this award-winning device sculpts, tightens and smooths your face and neck.
True Botanicals Anti-Aging Face Oil
Beloved by Brooke Shields and Laura Dern, this Pure Radiance Oil is like a facial in a bottle! This anti-aging face oil gives my skin a dewy (not greasy!) glow that makes me feel like I just left the spa. Safe for pregnant mamas!
Urbay Decay Setting Spray
This award-winning setting spray keeps my makeup in place all night long! No fading, smudging or transferring. Highly recommend as the last step in your skincare routine!
Kerastase Elixir Hair Oil
If you’ve seen The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, then you know that Lisa Barlow is a huge fan of Kerastase. Well, she’s not the only one! I am indebted to this beauty brand for keeping my strands smooth, soft and healthy. And I’m particularly grateful for this game-changing hair oil that doubles as a heat protectant.
Skinfix Triple Lipid Eye Treatment
I’ve always been on the hunt for an eye cream that will actually reduce puffiness while hydrating my under-eyes. Enter: Skinfix’s Triple Lipid Eye Treatment! This award-winning gel formula soothes and smooths my skin.
Makeup For Ever Lip Liner
Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Paige DeSorbo are just a few of the ‘It’ girls who love Makeup For Ever’s lip liners. The creamy formula coats my lips without smudging, and the staying power is seriously impressive! I wear the Wherever Walnut nude shade, but others rave about Anywhere Caffeine and Endless Cacao.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
Just like the name suggests, this Charlotte Tilbury cream is pure magic! My go-to moisturizer before a special event, this anti-aging cream hydrates with hyaluronic acid, evens skin tone with vitamins C and E and plumps with peptides. Safe for sensitive skin!