Products Worth Splurging On
“Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities”
–Frank Lloyd Wright
Although I’m a firm believer in the virtue of thrift, there are certain beauty products that are indispensable. That’s where the idea of quality over quantity comes in — instead of having a vanity overflowing with beauty concoctions, I prefer a tightly edited collection of truly indispensable luxuries.
Clarisonic Mia 2
The price tag may at first seem a bit hefty for a skin cleaning tool, but trust me, just about everyone I know who’s tried it has given it rave reviews. Clarisonic Mia 2 system operates on a sonic frequency of over 300 movements per second, whisking away the day’s makeup and accumulated debris, thus preparing skin to fully soak in treatment serums and moisturizer. I think you’ll find that a consistently brighter and smoother complexion to be well worth the initial investment.
Clarins Face Treatment Oil
Face oils are all the rage these days and one I keep going back to is Clarins Face Treatment Oil ($52.00). Depending on the season, I’ll use either the Lotus or Blue Orchid oil. The former tones and balances oilier skin (perfect for combination skin in the warmer months) and the latter soothes irritated dry skin. These oils are 100% natural, and a little goes a long way—apply it to skin that’s still damp with toner, which facilitates absorption. The essential oils give it a clean, natural smell. Although it may seem counterintuitive to apply oil to oily skin, this oil does wonders in clearing up troubled areas and controlling sebum production.
Guerlain Météorites
Another product that’s been around for years, Guerlain Météorites ($60) multi-colored pearls are justly famed among the beauty cognoscenti for their ability to blur imperfections and impart a delicate glow to the complexion. According to Guerlain, each color provides a different skin-perfecting quality: “mauve catches the light, pink refreshes and yellow counters dullness and redness.” Basically, it has your skin issues covered, but with a pearly translucence like no other.
Shu Uemura Soft Cross False Eyelashes
Yes, the price is steep for a pair of false eyelashes, but the quality of Shu Uemura Soft Cross False Eyelashes ($23.00) cannot be denied. Their craftsmanship far exceeds any drugstore lashes I’ve come across — they’re fluffy, feathery and the individual hairs taper like real eyelashes. If you’re seeking natural-looking lashes, look no further than Shu Uemura.
Chanel Le Vernis
Though Chanel’s recent price hike made me wince, I quickly recovered when I saw their latest seasonal colors. The Chanel Le Vernis ($27) polish goes on smoothly, resists chipping and is formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free. The colors are truly original and unique — Chanel sets the trends when it comes to nail color. I love their subtle sparkle in contrasting undertones, for example, the classic greige shade “Particulière” has unexpected purple glimmer beneath the greyish-beige.
YSL Touché Eclat
The ultimate multi-tasking product, the oft-imitated YSL Touché Eclat ($41.00) lives up to its reputation as a concealer and highlighter. Despite its sheer texture, it conceals dark circles without settling into fine lines. It’s a subtle yet brilliant highlighter to illuminate your eyes, cheekbones and nose. You’ll love the radiant, well-rested look Touché Eclat gives you.
In conclusion, dear reader, when it comes to spending on beauty, sometimes “more is more” (with apologies to Mies van der Rohe). However, I suggest adopting restraint—only settle for the best and do not spend on items that you don’t need. That way, you won’t have to forgo the necessities in life, such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.