I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I'm a sucker for high end beauty. But sometimes, the quality doesn't necessarily match the high price tag, so today I'm sharing a handful of my favourites that I think are really worth every penny.
Marc Jacobs Nail Polishes £15 (Here for US)
Although these aren't super pricey, and incidentally they're cheaper than say Dior or Chanel, the formula on these are exceptional. They're everything I want in a polish - a super opaque colour, a decent wear time, a shiny, almost plasticised finish and an array of unusual and beautiful shades. You may well have seen me talk about Petra from this post, a stunning and complex purple with gold and silver sparkle, but Delphine, White Snow and Le Charm round off my top four, Delphine especially.
Chanel Illusion D'Ombres £25 (Here for US)
It was these that kicked off my one-and-done eye look obsession way back when, and years later I'm still in utter love with them. Whilst the odd, spongey texture may be nothing new now - Colourpop and Maybelline do good, affordable alternatives, Chanel still manage to outdo themselves with the formula and exquisite shades of these 'cream' shadows. Those of you in the US who haven't already, be sure to get the limited edition New Moon from 2015 (my all time fave), which you can still purchase from Chanel here. Same goes for Ebloui, a deep and sophisticated burgundy-bronze. I also definitely recommend Rouge Brule from the latest collection (review + swatches here), it's really intense and pigmented and a great transitional shade into autumn.
Nars Yachiyo Brush £43 (Here for the US)
I'm not one to splurge on brushes. I'm not the biggest eyeshadow wearer, and I think all foundations look better applied with an airpuff, so brushes just get pushed down the priorities list, after base, cheek palettes, mascara, nail polish etc.. but this beautifully crafted little number is an exception. Of all possible brush shapes, tapered is my favourite for applying highlight/blush/bronzer - the Yachiyo brush has a beautiful shape that makes it incredibly versatile and easy to use.
Dior Nude Air Powders (Here for US)
Every Nude Air powder I've had from Dior I love. Whether it's the loose setting powder, or the limited edition highlighters or the Nude Tan powders, each are so finely milled, look ethereal and creamy on the skin, and have a beautiful colour to them. They usually release a couple of compacts with the seasonal ranges, and I highly recommend you pick one up when they do.
Chanel Liners £19 (Here for US)
I don't hear many people talk about the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof liners, but I think they should, as they're most definitely worth the splurge for me. Aside from a super smooth, long-lasting formula that sits well in the waterline, the limited edition colours are so beautiful, and often unusual - Beryl and Or Rose from 2013, Sable and Eros from this year, for example.
Marc Jacobs Style Eye Con Palettes £45 (Here for the US)
I mentioned above that I'm not a big eyeshadow wearer, but after swatching the MJ palettes in Mount St, I knew Lolita was coming home with me. It's the perfect neutrals palette - a mix of matte and shimmery shades, with both warm and cool undertones, all with great colour payoff and silky texture, in sleek, compact packaging. I always take these abroad with me as they slip right into my makeup bag and take up such little space.
Estee Lauder EE Cream £35 (Here for the US)
There was quite a bit of hype with these when they first launched due to the retail-equivalent-of-'clickbait' name but I don't hear many people talk about them anymore. I still love this tinted moisturiser, and even after the countless number of tinted moisturisers that have been release, it's still my fave. It primes and smoothes over my skin whilst giving me an elegant glow and the tiniest hint of colour, perfect for no-makeup-makeup days.
By Terry Ombre Blackstars £29 (Here for US)
I love cream stick shadows. They're easy, longwearing and travel-friendly, and I think By Terry make my favourite ones. The Ombre Blackstars come in the most beautiful metallic shades and the formula is excellent - smooth, pigmented colour that lasts as long as you need it to. Frozen Quartz is my fave shade.
Chanel Les Beiges Powders £39 (Here for US)
These powders are really stunning. Much like the Dior mentioned above, it doesn't seem to matter which product you get, the quality of the powder is the same. The Multi Colour Duo is a strong favourite - it's a sublime blush and highlighter, and the pressed setting powders look smooth and light on the skin.
Stila Stay All Day Liner £14.50
At just over £14, this isn't much of a splurge but it's hands down my favourite liquid liner. I've had mine for yonks and it hasn't dried out, still drawing on the same black, crisp line as always. With a saturated, felt tip, and even flow of liquid, it's really helped me get better at liquid liner application.
What high end beauty products do you think are worth the spend? Encouraging all enablers to leave their faves below!
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I really need to try that Stila liner! I've also wanted to try that Nars brush for ages, but I absolutely hate spending money on makeup brushes - I even resent having to buy new real techniques brushes lol i have no idea now! I definitely think its about time I invest though!
ReplyDeletewhatevawears.blogspot.co.uk
Me too! I don't buy expensive brushes but I love tapered brushes so I thought it was worth the purchase - you don't need to spend this much though! xx
DeleteThe Marc Jacobs eyeshadow and nail polish look so luxurious and beautiful!! I have a mini Lancome palette that's been discontinued that I absolutely love.
ReplyDeleteKiersten
I hate it when you find a favourite and they discontinue it! The palette looks perfect doesn't it? Packaging and all xx
DeleteI haven't tried anything from the Dior Beauty Range but the powders have always intrigued me!
ReplyDeleteEmmysBeautyCave | Bloglovin | Blog Header Services
You should definitely give them a go if you want to treat yourself, they're really beautiful xx
DeleteThat Dior powder looks so beautiful!!! And you take gorgeous photography! Loved reading this :-) x
ReplyDeletehellolaurax.blogspot.com
Thank you Laura, I'm so glad you enjoyed! xx
DeleteGreat products! Have you tried any Tom Ford? I'm wondering if they're worth the splurge? I'd include YSL lipsticks & Mar Jacobs mascara! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
I actually have quite a few Tom Ford items, and all I like but I don't think they need to be that expensive! I personally don't think their lipsticks need to be £38 for example. Are they £12 better than say Chanel or YSL? No. Some of their face/powder products like the blushes I found a bit meh too! And definitely yes to YSL lipsticks! xx
DeleteYou know youre totally right there are somethings that i will always splurge on and go back to time and time again no matter the price
ReplyDeletewww.beautyandtheboy.com
There are just those certain products aren't there? The quality, shade, formula, everything is spot on xx
DeleteI really want to try the Terry Ombre Blackstar sticks! They look so nice. That Marc Jabobs nail varnish is a really cute colour.
ReplyDeleteJaynieShannon Beauty & Lifestyle
xx
They're possibly my favourite cream shadow stick - Misty Rock is a beautiful shade too xx
DeleteLoved this post Jennifer. Marc Jacobs nail paint looks stunning. I have the Fall edition Dior illuminator and it looks so pretty. I always wanted to know how good is stila eye liner and specially how it compares with Kat von D. I don't wear cat flick liners much but the KVD one i feel is very smooth and makes such perfect line. However, i heard kvd dries quickly. I haven't tried stila one yet.
ReplyDeleteAsh | www.mstantrum.com
So glad you enjoyed lovely, I think the applicator on the KVD is a little smaller/thinner but I think the formula of the Stila is exceptional, and it really doesn't dry out for ages xx
DeleteMy last two splurges were the Tom Ford eyeshadow palette in Honeymoon (love this) and the Guerlain Four Seasons bronzing palette. Great post with awesome photos as usual.
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely, I'm fully jealous about Honeymoon! I keep umming and ahhing about it as I don't wear eyeshadow that often. I love Guerlain bronzers too xx
DeleteThe Chanel eyeshadows and Dior highlighter look so stunning! The Stila eyeliner is one of those products I repurchase over and over again :) gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteJasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
I'm so glad someone else is with me on the Stila liner! It's exceptional for the money. There's something about luxe products isn't there? And thanks so much lovely :) xx
DeleteI've been wanting that Nars brush, but was wondering if it's really good. Glad to hear it's worth it.
ReplyDeletexo
www.carinavardie.com
I personally really like it as I love tapered brushes and it's versatile - as well as looking gorgeous! xx
DeleteLovely post and picks! I couldn't agree more about the Chanel Les Beiges Powders and I will definitely check out the Marc Jacobs nail polishes and the Nars Yachiyo brush as well! Just as you, I tend to stay away from expensive brushes, but I have to say that this one sounds really special!
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
I really love tapered brushes so it's been a good buy, I use it all the time! Definitely check out MJ polishes, they're beautiful xx
DeleteYour photographs are absolutely gorgeous! Those products look amazing!! So dreamy :) x
ReplyDeletewww.serenbird.com
Aw thank you so much lovely, that really brightens up my day! xx
DeleteYour photographs are always so dreamy. I hear so many good things about that Nars brush and that Marc Jacobs nail varnish is gorgeous. I love everything!
ReplyDeleteJen | Giveaway | Velvet Spring
Aw thank you! Comments like this make me so grateful! xx
DeleteYour photographs are absolutely beautiful, I love the look! I literally want evertything but I am on a spending ban :(
ReplyDeleteLee | www.thatbellemakeup.co.uk
I need to implement one! Thank you so much :) xx
DeleteI have that same MJ palette and it truly is gorgeous! I love every single look I make whilst using the shades and the packaging is just divine xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♡ Miss Makeup Magpie
It's definitely a big favourite, and I'm not even a big eyeshadow wearer xx
DeleteGorgeous picks, I've yet to try anything from Marc Jacobs and need to jump on that bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteVictoria x
FlorenceandMary.com
I'd definitely give them a go, the shadows feel so creamy and beautiful xx
Deleteomg that nailpolish is stunning!
ReplyDeletexx
BLES Magazine: the brand new online magazine about Beauty Life Entertainment & Style!
It's a beautiful, unusual colour! xx
DeleteLovely post, the products all look amazing xx
ReplyDeletewww.basicallyalice.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you Alice! So glad you enjoyed xx
DeleteI have all these products in my list to purchase! So many products to buy but so little money, sigh....#firstworldproblem
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
Definitely, isn't this always the way?! xx
DeleteI have a fake Yachiyo brush and love it so I can imagin the real one is 100x better!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
I'd be interested to see how they compare, I bet they're not that different! xx
DeleteEverybody needs a good high end splurge every now and again!
ReplyDeleteI love the Chanel Liners, they are well worth the money.
Danielle xx
http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Definitely agree, I'm looking forward to Holiday 2016 and spring 2017! xx
DeleteYour photography here is truly dreamy, just beautiful!! Lovely products too and so many of them on my wish list - that nail varnish for one is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThe Makeup Directory
Aw thanks lovely, I really appreciate it xx
DeleteOh girl your photography is so on point. And now I have another serious wish list/ serious make up envy lol! I've been lusting after that brush for ages- mainly from your Instagrams!! The Marc Jacobs palette is calling me- as is the Dior nude air powders. I'm with you on the Chanel liners I've just picked up a couple and so far I'm loving them!!
ReplyDeleteLisa xx
Beauxdiaries.com xx
Thanks for such a lovely comment gorgeous, I'm the same with your insta! xx
DeleteI am a sucker for high end beauty products so this post is really speaking to me right now lol! I really want to try some Chanel cream eyeshadows and the Dior Nude Air Powders. I totally agree that the high price tag doesn't necessarily means it's a good quality product, but sometimes high end products are worth all the pennies!
ReplyDeletexx
Nida | Caked To The Nines
I secretly really love high end products too, ok not that secretly.. Definitely try some of the ltd ed cream shadows when they come out xx
DeleteGreat picks darling! I love that MJ palette and also the Dior highlighter! I have never tried any of Chanel's liners but if you like them then I might have to just try them!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.hellohimawari.com
Definitely try them, esp the limited edition colours when they come out! xx
Deleteever since i saw nars yachiyo kabuki brush i wanted it! i just recently found out that it can be so versatile, which makes me love it even more. by terry ombre blackstars and marc jacobs palette are also on my wishlist. i'm glad they're all worth the splurge!
ReplyDeletexx http://tanaditya.co.vu
I love tapered brushes and this size is great for blush, bronzer and highlight for me, really enjoy it! xx
DeleteMy budget barely allows me to buy drugstore products but I will definitely refer to this when I'm ready for a really big splurge! The cream stick eyeshadow is gorgeous
ReplyDeleteSarah | What Sarah Writes
Kiko cream shadow sticks are really good, I really rate them! I think they're around £6 or £7 so much more affordable than By Terry if you wanted a drugstore version :) xx
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