By BR Kellie
If you'd told me five years ago that I would happily slap down over $60 for a bronzer or foundation I would've laughed, long and heartily. It seemed ridiculous to me that you'd spend that sort of money on something that was whacked on at the start of the day then washed off at the end.
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Wardrobe palette changed all that. The setting powder made my skin look like an angel had breathed youthful fairy dust all over it. The bronzer looked so natural. The highlighter didn't emphasise fine lines or texture. I was sold. Then I was sold on NARS Sheer Glow as, once again, it applied heavenly to the skin and didn't emphasise the areas I was trying to hide. These days? If it makes my makeup application faster, easier and makes my skin/eyes/lips look great, I'm all in no matter what the cost.
I'm not the only person who sees the value in high end makeup either. Members of our gorgeous community do too. So what's worth paying the pingers for? Check out these makeup must-haves*:
Primer
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - RRP $80
They say: CLARINS Beauty Flash Balm helps eliminate signs of fatigue in a flash! Instantly moisturizes, brightens and tightens facial contours so skin looks rested and relaxed. Olive and Witch Hazel extracts help smooth the skin’s surface, diffusing the look of lines and wrinkles. Soothing Bisabolol helps restore skin’s youthful glow. Preps skin for perfect make-up application and hours of luminous wear.
You say: I have only one thing to say, AMAZING! My skin looks so much better after using this and then applying make up. My makeup last's so much longer too. BR Member - gtsgrl
Foundation
Estee Lauder Double Wear - RRP $72
They say: Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable. Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day.
You say: This is one of my favourite foundations. It really delivers on flawless coverage, going on smoothly and my personal shade matches my skin tone better than any other, making my skin look amazing! It also manages to stay looking fresh and flawless all day. BR Member - MUAvanessaforlong
BB Cream
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 - RRP $72
They say: CAMERA READY BB CREAM SPF 35 can be used on its own for light coverage and sun protection or as a primer under foundation to instantly create flawless, photogenic and protected skin. This tinted liquid magic evens out your complexion to leave it smooth and radiant without settling into fine lines and pores.
You say: I LOVE this!! It feels fantastic on, light and creamy. It looks great, it doesn't feel or look like a mask as I find traditional foundations often do. It is so easy to apply and blends well. I think I am hooked and there is no going back! BR Member - SarahBlair
Concealer
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat - RRP $65.99
They say: Capture 8 hours of sleep with the click of a pen. With a few strategic strokes of this award-winning complexion highlighter—dark circles, fine lines and signs of fatigue virtually disappear. It’s the one beauty essential no woman should ever be without.
You say: I have never used anything like this before and I cant believe how much it changed my makeup routine for the better! I get so many compliments on how flawless and radiant my skin looks since using this. For the price I say its worth it 100%. BR Member - Lutece
Powder
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - RRP $83
They say: A wardrobe of six universal finishing powders that recreate the most exquisitely flattering light—from ethereal moonlight to luminous candlelight. Each powder captures, diffuses and softens surrounding light with groundbreaking photoluminescent technology.
You say: This is one of the best powders you can buy! It's expensive but so worth it. It blurs pores, makes my skin look smooth and radiant, doesn't emphasize fine lines and feels so light on my skin. BR Member - tannygirl
Bronzer
They say: Bronzing Powder creates the ultimate healthy glow. Diffused powders with golden shimmer create an all-over warmth or contour for the face perfect for creating or enhancing the look of tanned skin. Finely milled powders fills in lines and pores for smoother, more even looking complexion.
You say: This is my ultimate holy grail bronzer - it far surpasses any other bronzers I've had before. I wouldn't buy any others now. The colour is so natural and perfect for giving me a slight glow. Ths glow is just so subtle, it just makes you look slightly sun kissed! Expensive, but worth it. BR Member - Kellyleanne
Blush
They say: The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.
You say: I’ve yet to meet someone who this blush doesn’t look amazing on. It is a gorgeous peachy pink and has shimmer to it but it doesn’t appear glittery at all. It lasts all day for me which is rare with blush on my skin. BR Member - Missxjewel
HIghlighter
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer - RRP $49.99
They say: A seemingly innocent honey-hued luminizer that catches everybody’s eye. This highlighter, shadow and shimmer diffuses light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow.
You say: I would recommend the Mary-Lou Manizer to anyone looking for an amazing glowy highlighter. It is the perfect colour to create a gold silver shimmer just where the sun would shine on your face. It makes me feel like a sparkly princess and it is currently my favourite part of my makeup routine at the moment. BR Member - zoehunter21
Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette - RRP $91
They Say: Naked2 has 12 pigment-rich, taupe and greige neutral eyeshadows. This collection lets you achieve lots of neutral looks, smoky dramatic eyes, and everything in between.
You say: This is my favourite palette ever! The colours are all super pigmented and last all day, you barely get any fall out when applying, the colours are ones you can use for day or night... Ah I love it!! BR Member - severest
Eyeliner
Eye of Horus Liquid Define Liner - RRP $39
They say: The Eye of Horus Liquid Define Eye Liner is an amazingly easy to use liquid "texta" that draws a gorgeous black line on your lid, allowing for perfect definition. The pen-like tip gives you complete control to draw on your line as thin or as thick as you like.
You say: This is amazing, I managed to create awesome flicks and make my eyes look incredible. It's easy to use and it doesn't run, even when i work out at the gym. I would definitely purchase this product again. BR Member - harksgal
Mascara
Clinique High Impact Mascara - RRP $46
They say: Kicks up the volume and length of each and every lash. Pure, deep colour only adds to the impact. Lashes get instant volume and length.
You say: I always get comments on how long and thick my eyelashes are! All thanks to Clinique High Impact mascara! It doesn't clump or go on too thick. It gives a really natural look. I wouldn't buy anything else! BR Member - bcoll
Lipstick
They say: Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous.
You say: I'm a long term MAC user and this lipstick never disappoints! The pigment is strong and I find that it doesn't fade through the day as much as cheaper lipsticks do. The smell is amazing for an extra bonus! BR Member - NicoleKate
Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - RRP $54
They say: All Nighter keeps your makeup looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 16 hours – without melting, cracking, fading or settling into fine lines.
You say: This setting spray is AMAZING! Your makeup will last even if you have been out all night and dancing around! It feels nice on the skin and a little goes a long way! It also helps to finish your makeup and just makes the overall make up look better! BR Member - karenks1
There you have it! High end goodies that have rocked Beauty Review members' world! Is your favourite featured? Is there another high end product that is worth spending money on that we need to know about? Chat away!
* Each product mentioned is Top Rated with a minimum of twenty ratings against it.
I do love Estée Lauder double wear.. it’s the price that pinches me wahhhhh. I use to use it all the time though and it’s still a fave. Will be back on that horse one day.