Beauty Products Worth the Price

BY Laurel Meleski

Sometimes it is nice to indulge yourself. To buy something regardless of price because it feels good to be pampered. I have found a few products that are nice, not only because they are high quality, but because they are worth the price.

Available at EvaBeauty.com

Enjoy Conditioning Spray I have very long hair, and I love for it to feel silky and conditioned. Along with regular washing and conditioning I use ENJOY Conditioning Spray. It helps to lock in moisture and detangles, but is very light. It can be used on dry hair to tame frizz and will even reactivate product already in your hair. Price $17.00 for 10.1 oz

Available at Widu.com

Oval Ashwood Wild Boar Bristle Brush Another thing that makes hair look and feel great is a 100% boar bristle brush. There are many on the market at a huge range of prices. The boar bristle stimulates the scalp and spreads your natural oils through your hair. Blond bristles are for thin hair, or someone who likes a light touch. Black bristles are for thick or coarse hair and will work deeper to remove tangles. If you’re worried about our porcine friends being harmed for your beauty, don’t sweat it. There are companies out there, like Morrocco Method and Widu, that are cruelty-free and shear the boar like sheep. Widu goes one environmentally friendly step farther by using only sustainably forested wood for the base. Price $50.00

Available at MACCosmetics.com

Studio Fix Starting with a clean and well-moisturized face is important. After going to all that trouble, why not put something special on it? M•A•C has some wonderful products, and one that I love is Studio Fix. It is a powder foundation with silica to absorb oil, and talc to provide a matte finish. It gives light, tone-evening coverage and can be applied either with the included sponge or with a brush. It is available in a wide range of tones and the people at the M•A•C counter are always happy to help. Price $25

Available at Sephora.com

i.d. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation Another face favorite is i.d. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. It is made of pure crushed minerals and is applied with a brush. It gives complete coverage while remaining fairly light on the skin. It has no additives. People with sensitive skin have fewer problems wearing it than with conventional make-up. There are other mineral make-ups on the market now, but this is the original. They also have products that add a little sparkle or warmth to the skin. Price $25.00

Available at MACCosmetics.com

MAC Eye Shadows M•A•C has the most fantastic range of eye shadow colors that I have ever seen. If you can think it, they already have it. At 140 shades and counting, plus seasonal specials, they have something to fit any mood. Their colors are highly pigmented so you can get a range of looks, from a light blush of color to deep and bold. For application types, they have: pressed powder, cream, stick and loose powder - all with their own range of colors. Pick up a coordinating (or contrasting) liner and you’re good to go! Price $14.00 - $19.50

Available at MACCosmetics.com

MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush I could not mention eye shadow without talking about how to apply it. Specifically, the M•A•C 224 Tapered Blending Brush. If you buy one really good brush from M•A•C, this is the one I would suggest. It works great for sweeping color onto the entire lid, and because it is tapered it gets into the crease as well. You can load it up with color, or tap it out to a barely-there trace. A quick wash on a regular basis keeps the brush clean and your colors pure. Price $28.00

Available at BenefitCosmetics.com

benetint For those of us who need to add a little red to the apple of our cheeks, Benefit has the answer. Benetint is a rose-colored cheek and lip tint that is sheer and water-proof. Apply a little to the apple of your cheeks, blend, and voila! This multiple award-winning product has the strength to last all day and can make even the most sophisticated lady blush. Price $28.00

Available at BenefitCosmetics.com

high beam If you would like to brighten up your face a little try highbeam, again by Benefit. This is a soft pink, pearlescent liquid with an applicator brush. It is applied to the cheekbones to highlight and give a soft glow. You can also mix it with your moisturizer or liquid foundation to light up your whole face. This is a great product to add a bit of that “healthy glow”, so you can fake it even if you’re not feelin’ it. Price $24.00

Available at Amazon.com

Vincent Longo Original Lip & Cheek Gel Stain Last, but certainly not least, our luscious, lovely lips. If you want a long lasting sheer wash of vibrant color, Vincent Longo has the answer. Their Original Lip & Cheek Gel Stain is a water-based stain that is just as beautiful under a sheer gloss as it is as a lipstick base. This is the most comfortable stain I have ever used, because it does not leave my lips tacky. You only need a little for a great effect, so the product lasts for quite a while. As an added bonus it has a very pleasant light vanilla scent. I am never without this stuff in my purse. That way I know that even if I am having a blah day, my lips don’t have to be. Price $22.50

Available at TooFaced.com

Too Faced Lip Injection Sometimes it hurts to be beautiful. At least that is my theory about Too Faced Lip Injection. This is an amazing lip plumper that not only adds fullness, but color too. After applying a thin layer to your lips they start to tingle for about five minutes. That is how you know its working. Some people experience a more intense “tingle” than others, so try before you buy to make sure you like it. The plumping effects last for about four hours. Lip Injection contains vitamin E and is the only lip plumper I have found that delivers dramatic results without any lip drying. Price $18.50

I am sure that everyone has a favorite indulgence to pamper themselves with. Whether yours is a sinfully dark chocolate, a decadent full body massage or scandalously priced make-up, always remember that you are worth the price!