23 Luxury Beauty Products That Are Actually Worth The Big Bucks

Treat yo face.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

1. Lorac Pro Palette covers all your basics from highlighting, contouring, and eye shadow with 16 gorgeous, smoky shades.

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Promising Review: "This product is amazing! I was a bit hesitant to buy it initially. However, this palette is one of the best investments I have made. It's been more than two years, and in spite of all other high-end palettes, this is the only one I reach for even today. The pigmentation is incredible. This palette is popular for a reason. The shades are so versatile. The shadows are soft, and blend very easily. This is a classic, tried and true palette." —Richa

Get it on Amazon for $44. Cruelty-free.

2. St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse gives you a salon glow without the price tag or time commitment.

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Promising Review: "I absolutely love this self tanner. It is hands-down the best that I have tried. I love that it takes a maximum of three hours. As a busy mom, I especially love that even if you apply in the morning and wear it for longer than three hours during the day, it is okay. It almost smells like a lotion in my opinion! It does not appear orange or fake. I get so many compliments on my 'glow' every time I apply. One bottle lasted 10-15 applications for me." —Hailee Tay

Get it on Amazon for $44.

3. Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation has Argan oil, antioxidants, and vitamin E to improve your skin's health instead of just covering it up.

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Promising Review: "This foundation is so incredible that my skin is actually better after wearing it. At the end of the day, my pores are definitely smaller and less clogged, and my skin is more even in texture. Since I have fairly dry skin, the Argon oil in the foundation is wonderful. It doesn't cling to any dry patches on my skin, and I don't have to worry about it drying out my skin either. The coverage is very good and definitely buildable." —athenali18

Get it on Sephora for $45 (available in 13 shades). Cruelty-free.

4. Jane Iredale PurePressed Eyeshadow blends smoothly and is so light and airy that it'll feel natural.

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Promising Review: "Jane Iredale eyeshadow is the best eyeshadow I have ever used. It goes on smoothly. I can blend it with all the other colors. I get tons of compliments. Plus, I feel like it is making the skin on my eyelids to appear smoother. Yay!" —T. R.

Get it on Amazon for $30 (available in nine colors). Cruelty-free.

5. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation comes in a whopping 40 shades so every single skin type can benefit from this flawless coverage.

instagram.com, sephora.com

Promising Review: "Honestly the best foundation. I have combo/oily skin, and I love it. I've heard it works well for people with all skin types too. I love that there's a pump. The consistency is light, but it covers very well. Does not look cakey. If you're not sure which foundation to buy, get this one. You can sheer it out or layer it for more coverage. Pretty versatile." —EleniV

Get it on Sephora for $43 (available in 40 shades).

6. The Balm Meet Matt(e) Nude Eyeshadow Palette stays with you longer than a stage five clinger and blends smoother than Santana.

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Promising Review: "These eyeshadows wear incredibly well and just stick on your lids and blend so well. They are literally so pigmented and buttery that I was shocked when I put them on for the first time. Even with very high-end eyeshadows I expect to have to pack on a few times to get a decent color payoff but I put on one layer of each color and they were basically opaque on my tan skin! I feel like I'm not wearing heavy eye makeup with this on. These are also HUGE, and I can use the white and yellow as matte highlight colors and the darker browns to do my brows and maybe even contour my face if I'm in a crunch without being afraid of running out. Best, most versatile make-up purchase I've ever made." —Sodaholicgurl

Get it on Amazon for $39.88. Cruelty-free.

7. Elta MD Sunscreen earned every dermatologist's trust thanks to its dependable protection and ability to leave pores unclogged.

amazon.com

Promising Review: "This stuff is AMAZING! I've worked in dermatology for the last 10 years, and out of all the SPF I've used, this is by far the BEST! The product's consistency is smooth, moisturizing, goes on flawlessly every time, and is almost odorless. An added bonus is the size/amount of product you get in a tube. I use anywhere from a nickel to quarter size amount daily on my face, ears, neck, chest, and backs of my hands, and it lasts me a few months, which is insane in my world." —Sharon

Get it on Amazon for $30.

8. Wander On-The-Glow Blush channels Kardashian-worthy highlighting in just two swipes.

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Promising Review: "I am really impressed with this product. It is truly like no other! The consistency of the blush is creamy and moisturizing. It blends into the skin easily and creates an extremely natural flush that can be built up or worn sheer. I love that the illuminator is not too sparkly. It adds the perfect amount of shimmer to enhance the skin, but without being too heavy or shiny. Lately, this has been my go-to blush and highlighter because it is so effortless to apply but adds so much warmth and glow to my complexion!" —madine

Get it on Sephora for $42 (available in four shades). Cruelty-free.

9. NARS Audacious Lipstick lasts against the toughest tests so you can rock the red lip all day and night.

instagram.com, sephora.com

Promising Review: "I had my doubts at first — no lipstick priced this high without a French fashion house's name attached could be this good. But finally, in my quest for the perfect red lipstick, I caved and splurged on it. It is now my most-used lipstick in my collection and goes on creamy and pigmented. Lasts even through eating a messy sandwich!" —DajiRuhu

Get it on Sephora for $34 (available in 35 shades).

10. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour applies in one smooth swipe and won't smudge (unless you go for a smoky look).

Instagram: @lauramercier

Promising Review: "Laura Mercier knocked it out of the park with this one. Application is so easy and flawless, but leaves you with a beautiful finish and put-together look. I like to apply this directly from the stick along my upper lash line and work my way up a bit onto the lid, but not completely covering it with product. Then I get a blending brush and blend the product all over my lids, and then drag the brush back and forth over the crease. The result is a soft, iridescent wash of color. Absolutely gorgeous, and you can't go wrong with any of the shades." —goodnightluck

Get it on Sephora for $29 (available in 17 shades). Cruelty-free.

11. PCA Skin Nutrient Toner tightens pores and brightens skin for a healthy, all-natural glow.

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Promising Review: "I have been using this toner for almost a year now and it has helped me a lot with my breakouts, pores, and scars. I use it every morning and every night and can't go without it. This product is what I've been looking for. Love it." —kaila rachel sayeg

Get it on Amazon for $32.83. Cruelty-free.

12. Blinc Mascara Amplified forms tubes around your lashes that are so smudge- and streak-resistant, it makes waterproof mascara look like a scam.

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Promising Review: "This is by far the best mascara that I have ever used! I have always had a problem with mascara smudging underneath my eyes, even when using waterproof formulas or skipping mascara on my bottom lashes altogether. The mascara goes on beautifully and separates the lashes nicely while also getting down into the roots for a thicker, darker lash line. I have blonde eyelashes and lots of mascara wands don't get deep down into the roots, leaving me with blonde roots showing, which is not a good look. I don't have that problem here! The best thing however, is that I have no smudging at all!!!" —Jnb003

Get it on Amazon for $26 (available in black and brown). Cruelty-free.

13. ELEMIS Rehydrating Ginseng Toner gently nourishes your skin without harsh chemicals for a refreshed complexion.

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Promising Review: "I was so surprised to see how much my skin had changed from the first four to five days. My skin complexion has become more even, the appearance of pores has decreased by 90%, and when I touch my face, it really feel hydrated, soft, and toned." —Melissa C. Philippe

Get it on Amazon for $34.20. Cruelty-free.

14. Jane Iredale PureGloss Lip Gloss has lotus flower extract to both add shine and hydrate.

amazon.com

Promising Review: "I love Jane Iredale's lip glosses. They are a wonderful consistency that does not wear off quickly like so many glosses do. The color is beautiful by itself or over any lipstick or lip dye. They have recently increased the amount of product in a redesigned tube, making it a better deal, but I would buy it at any cost." —DaysOfElijah

Get it on Amazon for $26 (available in 17 colors). Cruelty-free.

15. Urban Decay Naked Smokey Palette makes achieving a dark, glam eye look easy for even beginners.

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Promising Review: "I have several Naked palettes, but I must say that this is my favorite one. I have very fair skin, so I was worried that the dark colors would be too overwhelming on me, but I've found that I can balance out the darker tones with some of the lighter golds and browns. This is my favorite palette that I own, and no matter what other makeup I buy, I always find myself returning to this one!" —FairyBunny

Get it on Sephora for $54. Cruelty-free.

16. Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer lives up to the name by making your brow game look naturally perfect.

sephora.com

Promising Review: "This is my second time repurchasing this brow pencil, and I don't see myself straying. I've tried a bunch of different brands of pencils, and this is the one that I LOVE. The shape of it makes filling in my brows very effortless, and it has the perfect texture — not too soft, not too waxy. The color is very natural." —keitlina

Get it on Sephora for $33 (available in five shades).

17. CHI Keratin Silk Infusion adds life and major lusciousness back to broken, damaged hair.

amazon.com

Promising Review: "This is magic. My hair was so dead from over-coloring. My ends were little straws. I've been using this every day, and can definitely tell the difference. My hair is finally coming back around!" —Amazon Customer

Get it on Amazon for $28.

18. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser gently cleanses every skin type with calming rosewater and brightening amino-acids.

sephora.com

Promising Review: "I have been using a harsh three-step routine for over a decade now. I've tried to stop multiple times and broke out so terribly that I went right back. A few months ago, I read a blog about Pro*active rehab, and it changed my life. Basically, it said if you could be strong during the first four to six weeks, your skin would completely change. The kicker was to find mild products to wash and moisturize you face with and only use soap if necessary. I thought this was completely insane, but HAD to try for my skin's sake. I started washing my face in the evenings with Fresh's Soy Cleanser and followed with Josie Maran's Argan Oil. I'm not gonna lie, the first few weeks were rough, but oh my goodness am I glad that I didn't! My skin is incredible now! I haven't gotten a zit in weeks, and I'm thrilled. This cleanser is amazing! It's very mild, but has no problem removing all my makeup. I highly recommend :)" —kimbrrrr

Get it on Sephora for $38.

19. Clinique Pore Refining Charcoal Mask clears even the toughest skin problems without overdrying.

sephora.com

Promising Review: "Minimizes pores and brightens complexion. I have oily, acne-prone skin and use this about once a week. My skin is clear, and no blackheads. I love how my skin glows after I use this." —jenniferr

Get it on Sephora for $27.

20. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray withstands rain, humidity, sweat — you name it, it fights it.

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Promising Review: "This makes any makeup last forever. I am telling you, I've been pushed into a pool with makeup on and came out, wiped my face, and it didn't budge. This is maybe the greatest setting spray known. It also helps you look oil-free, especially if you go out, get sweaty, and need makeup to stay put." —Reenbeaan

Get it on Sephora for $32. Cruelty-free.

21. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil uses the magic of retinol to restore damaged skin and increase plumpness and vitality.

sephora.com

Promising Review: "I have sun damage from a bad burn as a little kid, and my pores have been very noticeable ever since. It also created these awful dry patches on either side of nose. Put those things with being nearly 40, and my skin needed help. Enter Luna Night Oil. Holy moly. In just three weeks, my pores are nonexistent. The dry patches? Gone. My mother asked me the other night what I was using because she noticed the fine lines that had started to show up were gone. My dermatologist told me I had some of the best skin she's seen on my someone my age. I swear it is all because of Sunday Riley. I will never not use this stuff, it's incredible!" —jencobb78

Get it on Sephora for $105. Cruelty-free.

22. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer completely smooths over pores and creates a matte coverage that you can rely on all day.

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Promising Review: "This stuff is AMAZING. I honestly don't even know how to put it into words. For so long I wasn't even using a primer because I thought it seemed stupid and like something I didn't really need to spend my money on. But I am telling you, if you are wearing foundation without primer you don't know what you are missing. This completely blurs my pores. I really only use this on my problem areas and then I combine it with the Hydrating Primer from Smashbox and they work so well together and it makes my foundation look flawless. I don't know what I was thinking before this primer because I can never go without this again. Will repurchase over and over and over." —grumpykendra

Get it on Sephora for $36.

23. Herbivore Botanicals Organic Blue Tansy Resurfacing Mask uses fruit enzymes and white willow bark as an organic solution to any skin problem.

amazon.com

Promising review (from this post): "Before Blue Tansy, I dreaded taking my makeup off and doing my nighttime skin routine, and now — I can’t believe I’m saying this — I look forward to it. I have dry, sensitive skin with mild rosacea that causes the occasional bout of acne, and this is the only mask I’ve ever used that’s made a distinct, long-term difference in my complexion." —Megan Paolone

Get it on Amazon for $48. Cruelty-free.

When you invest in good makeup:

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The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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