I’m just going to put it out there right now…. No! It is not always worth the splurge. The drugstore has amazing makeup products and they are constantly upping their game in the quality department and at affordable prices. But even I get curious about those products you hear that are so very popular and that everyone runs out to buy as soon as it hits the shelves at Ulta. Those OG products you’ve been hearing about for years on YouTube and beauty blogs. I’ve spent my money on expensive items to be later disappointed and felt like I was lied to. Not the best feeling! But over the years I have come across a handful of gems that I’d like to say, in my opinion, are worth the splurge. Some may say these prices aren’t too expensive for a drugstore makeup lover, but these prices kind of hurt my wallet :p Here we go…
1. IT Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream, $39
Yikes!!!! I know, the price is ridiculous but not only is this product wonderful but it’s great for your skin too. It’s hydrating SPF 50 is built right in and it has a great amount of coverage without feeling super heavy on your skin. This CC cream was a total splurge for me but after trying a small sample of this, I knew that I had to buy the full size. It is definitely one of those products that I use sparingly, but when I want to look a little “extra” without feeling heavy laden with foundation, this is the product I will go to. Use it alone or add in a dollop of your favorite moisturizer to really make this product go as far as possible.
2. Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer, $30
The only reason I own this bronzer is because the lovely cashier at my local Ulta added it to my purchases as a sample. I love when they do that. 😊Anyway, this bronzer is life and I get the hype I heard so much about for so many years. I’ve owned this sample size for about a year now and I have barely made a dent in it. I love this bronzer because it’s matte and blends effortlessly into your skin. You won’t find a spec of shimmer in this bronzer which makes it suitable year-round.
3. IT Superhero Elastic Stretch Voluminous Mascara, $24
This is by far one of my top 5 favorite makeup products in the history of ever. I’m a mascara junkie so I’ve tried countless mascaras over the years. I am always trying a new mascara and working through several tubes I have open. Once I discovered this mascara, I have not stopped repurchasing it. Everything I want in a mascara is in this tiny expensive tube. It volumizes, it lengthens, it’s very, very black, and it’s one of the best formulas out there. I have gone through several tubes of this mascara and will always have one on hand no matter how many other tubes of mascara I am currently trying out. This is also my favorite bottom lash mascara as well because it doesn’t transfer. What I mean is that, at the end of the day I’m not looking at the face of a racoon with black mascara smeared under my eyes and mixing with my concealer. Even though it’s not a waterproof mascara, it stays put!!!!
4. Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip cream, $21
I can’t say enough of the Buxom lip products. I am a gloss girl through and through. If you are not a fan of tingly, plumping lip products, you will want to stay FAR away from these lip glosses as these lip creams do not disappoint in the tingly department. My husband won’t even kiss me if I’m wearing this lip gloss because the tingly transfers to his lips and my son says its “spicy” if he gets it on his lips. LOL I love these lip creams because they are just that: creamy and they even out the tone of your lips. My favorite colors are Hot Toddy and Dolly. Two perfect nude colors for any skin tone!
5. Nars Orgasm Blush, $30
I have never been a blush person until this small square of goodness came into my life. I have been using this same pot of blush for over a year now and have not hit pan on it and I use every single time I wear makeup. It gives the perfect flush of color to your cheeks with just a hint of shimmer. It’s natural looking and you honestly cannot go overboard with this color. This will definitely be a repurchase if I ever run out of the sample size.