Beauty is a multi-billion dollar industry.
Women from developed and developing countries are huge fans of cosmetics and everything beauty-related. Skin care products and tools are popular, especially in France, China, Japan and South Korea.
Meanwhile, in the US and the UK, makeup products are sold by the millions every single day. Average American women, in particular, are believed to spend a total of $15,000 on makeup in their lifetime.
The abundance of beauty-related products on the market creates one problem for the most sensible consumers, however. With numerous options, it’s hard to determine which products are worth your hard-earned money and which are purely a marketing ploy.
It’s worth noting as well that price is never a reliable gauge for quality. A beautifully packaged $180 designer highlighter made with crushed pearls can be a complete dud compared to an $8 drugstore one.
If you need to make sure you’re investing in your physical beauty the right way, lifestyle and fashion experts share eight beauty investments to either save or splurge on.
Table of Contents
Save
1. Highlighter
This is a must in achieving that healthy glow even when it’s been weeks since the sun was fully out. There are many high-end, mid-range and affordable options to choose from. Beauty experts say – save your money. A really good drugstore brand can provide tons of color payoff and long-wear. Plus, you get a lot of product in a single purchase.
If you really want to save and you have a neutral eyeshadow palette with gold, copper, peach, and cream metallics, you don’t need to buy highlighter because these make fabulous substitutes.
2. Lipsticks
If you’re not finicky about texture and scents, you can easily find drugstore dupes for “professional” lipsticks. Also, if you end up with a bad shade that you know you’ll just chuck in the trash bin in the future, it wouldn’t be too heartbreaking if you’d just paid Dhs 40 for it.
[Read: Healthy Skin Tips]
3. Eye makeup remover
Most eye makeup removers you see in the market cost a good amount of money. However, after using them, you still wake up the following day with flecks of black mascara around your eyes.
You don’t really need expensive eye makeup removers if you have extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil at home. These natural options do the trick in erasing eye makeup completely. They even have moisturizing properties to prevent fine lines around the eyes.
4. Mascara
Some of the best performing waterproof mascaras are actually the cheapest in the market. But another reason why you should save on mascara is you’re only supposed to use it for 3-6 months. Nobody really goes through a tube of mascara that quickly.
Therefore, it’s more sensible to purchase a drugstore or mid-range brand.
Splurge
1. Gel manicure
It definitely costs more, but it’s actually better for your nails. Plus, gel nail polish lasts for over a month without chipping. Do choose a smart design or pattern so your manicure still looks fresh even if the base shows nail growth.
2. Facial cleansers
Mid-range and high-end facial cleansers are absolutely worth splurging on. Anything that is compatible with your skin type and effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping your skin of natural moisture is money well spent.
Good quality facial cleansers can prevent a variety of skin woes and most high-end brands use ingredients that can really nourish the skin.
[Read: Rose Water for Glowing Skin]
3. Moisturizer
A really good moisturizer can set back the hands of time. If you’re worried about aging and you’re not keen on undergoing surgical procedures to look young, moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are perfect. The highest quality ones are rather expensive, but faster and more visible results are usually guaranteed.
Likewise, a really good moisturizer is perfect to use when massaging the face for better blood circulation and improving skin texture and elasticity.
4. Ultrasonic skin scrubber spatula
This portable beauty device is a great investment for beauty because not only does it improve blood circulation, it also boosts the metabolism of the skin. This product offers years of service in keeping sebum and wrinkles under control.
In addition, it works with most skin care products such as cleansing foam, toners, cleansing oils, massage cream for the face, and others.
Your beauty needs don’t have to cost you a lot of money. By knowing what to save or splurge on, you can control your cash outflow when it comes to skincare and makeup while still achieving the beauty enhancement you want.
[Read: Skin Hydrated and Toned Naturally]
AUTHOR BIO
Toni Malt is the Middle East’s leading international editorial makeup artist and the woman behind the highly anticipated Toni Malt Makeup Academy in the heart of Dubai, now training the next generation of key makeup artists. From minimalistic looks to freestyle artistic creations, Toni’s creative work has been published in top international fashion magazines around the world including VOGUE, ELLE, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, Harper’s BAZAAR, Grazia and Cosmopolitan.
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