Unfrugal Beauty: 5 Products Worth Their Pricetag

Last month I shared with you 5 Beauty Products under $20 that I couldn’t live without, so it just seems fitting to share 5 others that are a bit more on the expensive side. I’m all about saving where you can so you can splurge where it counts, and the following make-up and hair products are my favorite indulgences when the budget permits.

1. Ojon hair serum. Sephora, $30. I used to be a big subscriber of Moroccan hair oil, until I got a sample of Ojon and switched immediately. I use this much more sparingly than Moroccan oil, otherwise I find my ends can end up oily (it’s that good!). I run this through my hair before a blowdry to tame fly-aways and salvage split ends. Works like magic!

2. Benefit Coralista blush. Sephora, $36. I feel like I will always be on the hunt for the perfect blush, but this my go-to if I have money to burn (I also love Nars in Orgasm). It’s a soft hue that isn’t too rosy-pink without being too red either. I can’t remember how I originally got hooked on it — I think it was rumored to be the shade Carrie wears for her dewy glow in Sex & The City — but I am glad I found it.

3. Lancome mascara. Sephora, $31. This is my newest beauty find. I know some say “mascara is just mascara” (I was once one of those people), but since making an admirable attempt with $6 drugstore mascara when I last ran out of my tube of MAC, I can assure you: mascara is not just mascara. I tried Lancome Hypnose Drama on the recommendation from a friend of a friend, and it’s pretty fab. This mascara will transform you lashes into long and full eyebrow-touching, romantic-fluttering, face decor. However, be wary of reapplying later in the day lest you want a goopy mess, this formula is too strong for its own good. I use Lancome on my top lashes and the cheap drugstore mascara on my bottom lashes!

4. Benefit Erase Paste. Sephora, $30. I’ve been using this for years. Years and years and years. There’s nothing else like it that can hide dark under-eye circles or an unexpected blemish. This will make your skin pore-less, smooth, and picture-perfect — and you only need the teeniest amount to do so. A small spatula tool comes with it, but I just use a small concealer brush. Note that this is for problem areas only, it definitely won’t do to cover your whole face with it. This is a VERY heavy cover-up, so use sparingly.

5. MAC mineralize foundation loose powder. MAC, $31. This is another new find that I’m rapidly becoming addicted to. It’s the perfect light coverage to even out my skin tone in the winter months. I don’t use foundation, so I like brushing on just a light layer over my face to brighten my skin. This is perfect light coverage that gives you that no-make-up feeling while still achieving flawless skin.

… And that’s it for now. Spend wisely, beauty frugalistas!