The 7 Cosmetics Worth Splashing Out On
I’m all about scrimping on beauty where I can, especially skincare which I believe relies more on a dedicated routine than pricey products. However, there are some standouts that are really worth it. Here is what I would choose to splash out on.
Chanel | Le Vernis Nail Colour
Ultra-glossy with subtle micro-shimmers, this nail polish is in a league of its own. The range of eye-catching, non-traditional pigments helps my short nails strike just the right balance between chic and edgy. Although many brands try, not one has managed to replicate these quirky shades. My favourites include black, dark blue and grey as well as the most perfect and true shades of red, pink and nude.
Iconic London | Illuminator in Original
I’m not surprised this shade of concentrated liquid shimmer is consistently sold out. I either mix it into my foundation for an overall dewy radiance (mainly when sleeplessness results in lacklustre skin), or I dab it on to the upper cheek area and brow bone for a face-lifting glow during the day. Until I was introduced to this beauty, I never thought I’d find such a soft, J-Lo-inspired luminosity for my 52-year-old skin.
Charlotte Tilbury | Light Wonder Foundation & Magic Away Concealer
This is the foundation that wakes up my tired-looking skin most mornings. Sheer yet buildable where I need it most – on pesky sunspots and redness around my nose and chin – the result is always “my-skin-but-better”. Thanks to its formula, it doesn’t sit in my wrinkles, nor does the matching creamy and hydrating concealer. This under-eye correcting wand has a unique pointy-shaped cushion tip which easily auto-corrects the dark area where my eyes meet my nose (this spot gets darker as we age) before blending away dark circles.
Tom Ford | Emotionproof Eyeliner
Apart from the witty moniker, I love that this eyeliner is not going anywhere anytime soon. Rest assured this is not going to transfer or smudge, even if you have hooded eyes like I do. TF eyeliners are on must-buy lists around the world, such is the precision of his pen-like beauties. His liquid eyeliner is another standout beauty product I use for the ultimate cat-eye flick.
By Terry Ombre | Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow
I remember the first time I used this eyeshadow: I couldn’t believe the instant yet long-lasting result. I liken it to colouring in with a Texta! I use it both as a smudgy eyeliner or over the entire lid for all-day colour with buildable intensity. Its crushed pearl formula gives the most beautiful hint of shimmer, too. This game-changer is from iconic French make-up artist Terry de Gunzburg, who invented one of the best-selling beauty products of all time, the illuminating Touche Eclat, while she was creative director at YSL Beaute. Need I say more?
Giorgio Armani | Ecstasy Shine Lipstick
While I find the clicking sound of the magnetic closure to be deeply satisfying, it’s not the only reason I’ve been a fan of this hybrid lipstick for years. You see, I don’t usually wear a regular-style lipstick but this is different – very different. It’s a multi-tasking lip beautifier that’s part lip cream, part lip gloss and part lip balm and delivers a perfect pout. It’s as comfortable as it is glamorous, and the fire-engine red case never gets lost in my handbag.
Chantecaille | Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara
I splurge on this mascara for a number of reasons. Yes, it makes my lashes darker and more striking, but it’s also an olfactory experience. The delicately-scented rose-oil-infused formula nourishes my thinning lashes, while growth-stimulating peptides help create longer and healthier lashes long-term. Its clump-free brush technology and low irritant formula means less chance of watery eyes, too.
Words_ Adriana Donnola, shopwithabeautyeditor.com
Photos_ Pexels + Supplied