Worth The Splurge! High-end Skin Care YOU Love!

By BR Amelia

We love a good beauty bargain here at BRHQ. If we can find an affordable product that performs just as well as its high-end counterpart we are all over it. But... BUT... but sometimes, some products are simply worth the splurge. So.... Which products are the Beauty Review community happy to hand over their credit cards for? Check these* out...

Makeup Remover

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - RRP $65

They say:  CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a lightweight makeup remover that quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeup and sunscreen.

You say:  This is another gem from Clinique. It takes off all your makeup, even stubborn mascara. It takes everything off, no fuss, and doesn't require excessive rubbing or pulling of the delicate eye area. I have had this now for nearly two years and there's still well over half left. The best value makeup remover on the market.  BR Member - Pifithrin

Cleanser

Trilogy Very Gentle Cleansing Cream - RRP $46.99

They say:  Calm and protect the weakened skin barrier and care for easily irritated skin with our gentlest cleanser. Thoroughly removing impurities and make-up (including eye make-up), it leaves skin soft and beautifully refreshed. Certified natural, fragrance free, and dermatologically tested for total peace and comfort.

You say:  A little bit goes quite a long way and it feels light and lovely on your skin. It definitely helped soften my skin and make it appear fresh and smooth.  BR Member - rebekahjfraser

Exfoliator

Dr LeWinns Facial Polishing Gel - RRP $45.99

They say:  Provides gentle, yet very effective exfoliation action to the skin's surface. Produces excellent polishing effect. Removes oil from the skin's surface. Helps clean out skin pores. Oil free.

You say:  This is an incredible product. I use it twice a week and I've had the tube for quite some time now - a little really does go a long way, you only need a small amount for it to work. The jojoba beads are really soft, they gently exfoliate your skin - no harsh scratching or drying but still really effective, and no awful tight feeling afterwards. BR Member - SandieNZ

Face Mask

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Mask - RRP $72

They say:  ELIZABETH ARDEN Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Mask is an at-home, spa-inspired treatment that awakens and softens skin. The mask works to exfoliate, retexturise and smooth skin. It dries on the skin in approximately 20-25 minutes, then lifts off easily to reveal skin that looks truly revitalised, smooth and glowing. 

You say:  Wow is first thought that comes to mind! First time I used it I was head over heels in love! Skin was so soft, pores almost non existent and I felt a million dollars! I use this 3x a week and the wee creases between my brows and crows feet have decreased dramatically. I love this and brought some for my Mum who also has fallen in love!  BR Member - ChelsMcNally

Toner

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 - RRP $45.00

They say:  Dermatologist-developed formula helps reveal fresher skin. Sweeps away dulling flakes and excess oil so moisturizer can do its job better. Helps fine dry lines disappear.

You say:  I love this toner. It is amazing for your blemishes/acne, you have fresh clean skin after. I also find the toner is amazing for picking up and excess dirt or make up that may not have came off with a cleanser. I have also noticed that my skin feels firmer and really helps with cleaning pores.  BR Member - mary-annebaker

Serum

Trilogy Age Proof Nutrient Plus Firming Serum - RRP $49.99

They say:  TRILOGY Age Proof Nutrient Plus Firming Serum is a fresh and light formulation to instantly firm, lift and tighten your complexion. Perfect everyday, or for special occasions, it's the ideal skin pick-me-up for a youthful look and feel. Contains hyaluronic acid to help plump and restore firmer skin, licorice and mulberry to brighten and pure plant oils to nourish and help fight environmental free radical damage.

You say:  From the first day I used it I noticed that my skin did indeed feel "firmer" and after the second day of using it morning and night I did noticed my skin looked "brighter" and much more hydrated. By the end of the week I do believe some of the finer lines around my eyes are slightly less visible. BR Member - annalisemehrtens

Facial Oil

Linden Leaves Miraculous Facial Oil - RRP $64.99

They say:  An antioxidant-rich treatment oil to help repair and regenerate skin cells. This natural oil is enhanced with natural ingredients such as rosehip to soften and treat the skin whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. High in antioxidants, this hydrating facial oil  provides an instant boost to skin and delivers a radiant glow. 

You say:  I felt like I was at a spa getting a luxurious facial. This oil absorbs into my skin really well but you can still feel it in your skin hours afterwards in a good way. After using this for a few weeks I could definitely see a visible difference in my skin; my skin was a lot smoother, plumper and brighter.  BR Member - sally05

Moisturiser

Estée Lauder Nutritious Super-Pomegranate Radiant Energy Water Gel Creme - RRP $112

They say:  Lightweight hydration, fresh radiance. Precision-crafted super-pomegranate complex, now with two times the pomegranate concentrate. Protects skin with anti-oxidant power. Gently detoxifies skin while infusing it with moisture for super-hydrated, plumped, glowing skin. Instantly hydrates, energizes, plumps.

You say:  This definitely kept my skin hydrated, it's quite a thick consistency. This left my face looking like it had a glow if I didn't wear foundation. My skin in winter can get really flaky and dry, I found this creme and the lotion really helped and my foundation went on smoother because of it! If you have dry skin I highly recommend buying this.  BR Member - beautygirl

Eye Cream

Trilogy Eye Contour Cream - RRP $51.99

They say:  TRILOGY Eye Contour Cream restores and revives the delicate skin around the eye area. This light, velvety blend of cooling aloe vera and nutrient-rich rosehip, avocado and pure plant oils revives tired eyes while minimising the appearance of fine lines, leaving the eye area perfectly moisturised and visibly smoothed.

You say:  This eye cream ticks all the boxes. it's natural, doesn't irritate the delicate eye area, moisturises and helped to minimise my dark circles/puffy eye area. It feels very soothing.  BR Member - KrystleF

Lip Balm

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick - $43

They say:  Beautiful lips get attention. They also get a lot of sun. Protect yours with this all-weather, SPF 15 treatment stick. It helps moisturize, soften and smooth your lips. 

You say:  I first used this lip balm after I got some nasty sunburnt lips at the Big Day Out. Within 24 hours my lips had started to heal nicely, they were hydrated and plump and the cracks and splits had healed up well. I used it again for 3 months before my wedding and even the makeup artist commented on how smooth they were!  Beauty Review Member - Neenee

The public has spoken! These are the higher end skin care products that New Zealand women believe are worth spending their hard earned money on. So, is your favourite on the list? Is there another product you believe deserves to be on there? Chat away!

*All products mentioned have a minimum of twenty reviews and attained the Beauty Review Top Rated badge.