Splurge vs. Save: When to Spend on Beauty Products

For high-quality color and moisturizing properties (and since you’re putting it near your mouth), you want the best ingredients in your lipstick. “I have tried some cheaper brands, and they dried my lips out like Leo Dicaprio in The Revenant,” says Randi Packard, a fashion and beauty brand consultant. “For a product that I am going to wear all day, I want the best ingredients possible on my lips.” Packard swears by NARS Lipstick ($27, pictured left) and Tarte ($24). Charlotte Tilbury ($32) is another expert favorite.

According to Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, lip balm is an essential to preserve your pout — but basic ingredients work magic. “Look for something with vitamin E, an antioxidant that naturally protects against sun damage, pollutants, and loss of elasticity,” she says. Sephora, Burt’s Bees (pictured left) and eos all boast Vitamin E balms for $5 or less.

All our makeup experts are in agreement: Mascara is a verifiable save. “Focus on the descriptions of the mascara rather than brand,” says celebrity makeup artist Marni Burton. “Do you want length? Volume? Thickness? Curl? Many times it’s the same formula and only a different wand but they would never reveal that.” Burton is a big fan of CoverGirl’s formulations, Morgan opts for L’Oreal Voluminous ($8, pictured left), and Packard says “there’s no going back” after discovering FLOWER Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara ($8).

Since foundation is a base layer in your cosmetic routine, applied directly to your sensitive complexion, it’s best to choose a pricier formula with high-quality ingredients and smooth swear. “Your skin drinks these ingredients first,” says celebrity makeup artist Julie Morgan. “Let radiant skin be the frame for sweeps of color.” Burton says to “steer clear of parabens” and look for non-comedogenic formulas. Expert picks include BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisture Gel ($29.50), NARS All-Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ($48) and Chantecaille Future Skin ($76, pictured left).

Quality setting powder is the difference between luminous, long-wearing makeup and streaky, blotchy-looking makeup. “Even if you think you don’t need it in your makeup routine, powder is awesome for every skin type to set makeup and eliminate shine,” says Burton. She recommends the oil-free, non-pore-clogging Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder ($35), with nourishing ingredients to protect skin from environmental stressors. Morgan uses Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish ($45, pictured left) for her clients’ glow.

With blush, you’re seeking great pigments that go on smooth and stay all day – and usually, spending a little more goes a long way. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t use NARS,” Packard says, who opts for the brand’s cult-classic ‘Orgasm’ shade ($30). “It has good pigmentation, and therefore doesn’t wear off too quickly.” Our experts love for DiorBlush Vibrant Powder Blush ($43, pictured left) )and Jouer Mineral Powder ($32) for powder blush, and Tarte Cheek Stain ($30) and MAC Cremeblend ($22) for cream formulas.

Burton says there’s a very important reason to splurge on your shadows: “The silkier the shadow, the more awake you’ll look,” she explains. “Avoid cheap formulas that are dry – they will accentuate fine lines.” Her go-to pick is Bobbi Brown’s “silky, matte, smooth and blendable” formula ($25). Also try Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette ($60) and Chanel Les 4 Ombres ($61, pictured left). Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown it the editor in chief of Yahoo Beauty.

Whether lip or eye, you can save some dough on your liners. “Cream eyeliners and eyeliner pens tend to dry out really fast,” Burton explains, recommending Revlon COLORSTAY Eye Liner ($6, pictured left). “The product is best when newly opened, so it’s better to save and be able to purchase more often.” Packard says ditto on the lip pencil. “I like a no-color lip liner to outline your lip so your lipstick stays on better,” she says. “Sephora’s eponymous one is $10.”

The most potent anti-aging serums contain the most active ingredients. “You’re paying for those,” says Engelman. “Their molecular concentration is different than a cream’s consistency, so they’re able to penetrate the skin for better results.” Look for serums with vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid) for environmental protection, to safeguard collagen breakdown, preserve skin elasticity and brighten complexion. Hyaluronic acid will also help with deep hydration. “It holds 1,000 times its weight in water,” Engelman says. Her picks? Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid ($162, pictured left) and Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Brightening Day Serum ($75).

Don’t shell out a lot here, says Engelman. “There are great inexpensive moisturizers with good basic ingredients — like Cetaphil ($8 pictured left) and Dove ($7),” she recommends. “If your skin is not particularly dry, you can combine your sunscreen with your moisturizer.” If you are planning to splurge on a moisturizing product, Engelman says, it should be on an anti-aging cream with ingredients like retinol to fight fine lines and wrinkles, as well as peptides, vitamins C and E. Try formulas like Lancer ($125) and Creme de la Mer ($85).

The good news? Engelman says a lot of great drugstore-brand cleansers wipe away makeup gently without irritating skin, like Cetaphil ($13) and CeraVe ($12, pictured left). “All great for those with sensitive skin to oily skin,” she insists.

Maybe you’re mom told you that you age around your eyes first. If so, then she’s right, and your eye cream is worth a splurge to fight wrinkles. “Because the skin is so much thinner, and because of our recent technological addictions, crow’s feet, under-eye bags, and squint lines are more prominent than ever,” Engelman says. Opt for a strong formula like Dr. Brandt Needles No More ($89) or Colbert MD Nourish ($125).