27 Expensive Beauty Products You Won't Regret Buying

Drop that $$$ with confidence and user-backed reviews. The products in this post were updated in March 2018.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

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1. Lorac Pro Palette is the OG of the Pro family and loved by the masses for its 16 extremely wearable, flattering, and buttery shades.

amazon.com, loraccosmetics / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "Surprisingly few pressed makeup palettes contain wearable matte shadows — although I love brands like Urban Decay, all their palettes tend to contain shimmery or glittery eyeshadows. Mattes seem to be a little harder to pull off and cheaply-made mattes tend to be chalky or poorly pigmented. These shadows on the other hand are richly pigmented, long-lasting, easy to blend, and very wearable. This is the PERFECT everyday palette with enough shimmery shadows to pull off more dramatic looks." —tightsandtea

Get it from Amazon for $33. Spinoffs like the Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro Matte are also available.

2. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner will take you from liquid eyeliner noob to pro after a few uses and actually holds up all day, even through intense workouts or humidity.

stilacosmetics / Via instagram.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I wanted to hate this, I really did. I never spend $20 on anything for myself, especially not makeup. But I love this and look forward to putting it on. It goes on so easily and actually stays on! I have very watery eyes so I pretty much gave up on wearing makeup, because no makeup is better than raccoon eyes. I don't have to reapply with this and I don't get raccoon eyes; in fact when I take a shower, just water doesn't take it off — I have to use baby soap. I suck at applying liquid eyeliner because I am new to this, but this stuff is so easy to use. It doesn't tug, glides on so smoothly that I did really great on the first try." —Beth

Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 12 colors).

3. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder sets your makeup like an invisible force field against gross things like heat, moisture, and general life complications.

sephora / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "This is a staple! I have dark brown skin and it blends very well. I can safely say that it is suitable for all skin tones. Just make sure you don't use too much. I've had mine for over a year now and I'm not even halfway through. A little goes a long way and makes a big impact." —Cocoa Love

Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $38 (available in Translucent and Translucent Medium Deep).

4. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer makes under-eye circles quiver in fear and works real magic to make it look like they never existed.

narsissist

Promising review: "Only under-eye concealer I've found that doesn't settle into my fine lines like crazy. I've tried all different kinds of concealer, high- and low-end, to cover my under-eye circles. They all settle into lines, smear around when I'm trying to pat them on, or smudge like crazy once it's time to put on sealing powder. This is the only concealer that does its job and stays all day long, and it blends nicely into my foundation. Still on my first tube and I bought it months ago." —Venusaur

Get it from Sephora (16 shades) for $30 or from Ulta (22 shades) for $30.

5. Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray will not let your makeup — aka a work of art — budge, fade, or slip under any circumstances.

urbandecaycosmetics / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "I can’t believe this keeps my makeup up all day. I worked all day and then went to a rehearsal dinner and I didn’t have to touch up my makeup. It’s already getting humid in Jacksonville, but after the night was over, my makeup looked the same as it did in the morning. I have to give it five stars and I’m using it as a part of my daily routine for now on. It only takes a few spritz and I’m out the door." —amandahoney

Get it from Sephora or Ulta for $15 (1 oz) or $32 (4 oz). Also available in an oil-control version.

6. Beauty bloggers and makeup artists have been singing the praises of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation for forever because its formula creates an unbeatably smooth, flawless, and is-that-really-my-face canvas.

Augusta Falletta / BuzzFeed

Promising review (from this post): "It makes my skin look so even and flawless and, dare I say, silky, that I now refuse to leave the house without it on my face. I fell in love so hard but felt so conflicted about the price that I tried every dupe out there for this foundation and none of them even came close. I'm hooked." —Augusta Falletta

Get it from Sephora for $64 (available in 24 shades).

7. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil is filled with magical* blue liquid that kicks into overdrive at night so you wake up with skin that feels as plump as a baby's bottom.

Sephora / Via click.linksynergy.com

*just in my opinion; not actually, sorry

Promising review: "I'm a 40-year-old Asian male and a smoker. I've used almost every facial product brand imaginable in Sephora to no avail. My skin type is extremely sensitive and oily with redness and dry patches. Luna is absolutely hands down the best clearing, moisturizing, redness-relieving, brightening product I have ever used. Every other day in the evening I rub six drops with my palms and massage into my entire face. Combined with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser and Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer, my skin looks like a 20-year-old's again." —dudereviews

Get it from Sephora for $55 (0.5 oz) or $105 (1 oz).

8. TheBalm Manizers are made up of the Lou Sisters — Mary (gold champagne), Cindy (dusty pink-peach), and Betty (warm bronze with gold undertones) that knock out three steps in your makeup routine all in one go.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review (for Mary Lou): "I started off looking for highlighters at the drugstore, but they always seemed chalky, powdery, and patchy on my skin, so I decided to cave and spend some extra money on high-end highlighters. Let me tell you, I'm so glad I bought [Mary Lou]. It is BEAUTIFUL and a little bit really does go a long way. I’ve been using it almost everyday for ~five months now and I’ve barely scratched the surface.

Although I have oily skin, I find that when you apply it in the right places, it really completes your makeup. It gives my skin a subtle glow and makes it look hydrated and healthy. The formula is very smooth and although it is a powder, it is easy to blend. Comparing Mary-Lou to other highlighters I’ve tried, I’d have to say that the quality comes close (if not the same) to the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors, but at a fraction of the price." —Melissa Doloksaribu

Get them from Amazon for $22.80 each or all three in palette form for $26.58.

9. Clinique Moisture Surge instantly quenches your thirsty skin and makes the hydration last all day with its addictive cream-gel texture.

clinique / Via instagram.com, clinique / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "This product is so well-named. I've used it during trips, especially when I've been outside in cold, windy weather. While it's definitely an excellent moisturizer, it also seems to protect against cold winds, which would normally chap my face. It's not greasy and absorbs immediately, which is why it's surprising that something as lightweight could work all day long. Most moisturizers conk out after six or seven hours, but not this one. It's also great in buildings where it's excessively dry — my skin looks fresh and dewy no matter what." —dreamyone

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ or Sephora for $52.50.

10. Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette offers 14 shades ranging from neutrals to berries that you can combine for equally stunning everyday or sultry looks.

Sephora / Via click.linksynergy.com, ktiemrch / Via shop-links.co

Promising review: "After all the hype, I decided to splurge and purchase this and I am not disappointed. The shadows are very pigmented and buttery and last all day. It has all the colors needed for an everyday neutral or full-on glam look. It made me want to explore other high-end palettes." —candylove84

Get it from Sephora for $42 or Ulta for $42.

11. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer skips the frills and just delivers a sheer tint of color and SPF that hydrates, blends, and protects your skin on days you can't be bothered to slap on your full routine.

lauramercier / Via instagram.com, lauramercier / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "Before I met this tinted moisturizer, I was a total skincare snob. I only trusted the serious SPF and hydrating ingredients of skincare brands, thinking those from makeup brands were mere fluff. Well, I eat my words. This gives my skin exactly what it needs — moisture, coverage and SPF 15 protection — in one easy step. It cut down my get-ready routine by about five minutes (my husband is shocked!). But the best aspect of this product is its coverage. I have very uneven skin thanks to hyperpigmentation and old acne scars and LM Tinted Moisturizer glides over them, making my skin tone miraculously appear even and impeccably natural. I've been getting comments from friends and coworkers about how good my skin looks — which, to a gal who's used to having bad skin, is the world's biggest boon." —Anonymous

Get them from Sephora for $45 each — regular here and oil-free here (both available in 15 shades).

12. Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon delivers incomparable pigment that feels both luxurious (hello, vitamin E and rosehip seed oil) and simple (bye, gel pot and brush).

marcbeauty / Via instagram.com, marcbeauty / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "I've tried literally everything in the book when it comes to pencil eyeliners; I've used the Urban Decay ones for YEARS, but they would STILL smudge on me, no matter how much primer, powder, etc., I would use. This Highliner is a pencil from heaven. You BARELY have to press and you get soooo much pigment — it smudges when you need it to but it also settles down and doesn't budge throughout the day. I'm converted, and this is coming from a girl who's used liquid eyeliner pretty much her whole life. This product is so easy to use. If you've been curious about switching back to pencil liner, this is the one to try. I won't be going back to anything else." —SpecialKcup

Get them from Sephora for $25 each (available in 12 matte shades, one satin shade, and 24 shimmer shades).

13. Nars The Multiple lends a subtle dose of shimmer and color to your eyes, lips, and cheeks that you can also build on for a day-to-night look.

click.linksynergy.com, lilleexoxo / Via shop-links.co

Promising review: "I have been thinking about what is *not* perfect about this product and found nothing. When you hit your forties you finally understand that less is more and makeup is only there to help you look fresher. In this regard light is everything and I think Nars understands this like no other. This product gives you the most beautiful and natural flush of color to your cheeks and the micro-particles of shimmer add light and vibrancy. I use this as a blush, lipstick and eyeshadow base. I have them in Portofino, Malibu (an intoxicating brownish pink), and G-spot. Easy to apply with your fingers or Beautyblender, easy to carry around, and contains an impressive amount of product." —CLovesBeauty

Get it from Sephora for $39 (available in 13 shades and two matte shades) or from Ulta for $39 (four shades available).

14. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has a unique gel formula that literally glides on and smoothes away bumps and imperfections, so your foundation will look extra flawless.

smashbox / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "Since I first started using a primer I have been unable to go back, and this Smashbox primer is probably my favorite. I fell in love with its silky texture (totally not greasy), which provides a thin veil over the skin to make foundation glide on smoothly. It helps concealer not to crease under the eyes and it makes foundation and blush appear much more even and almost air-brushed. I use a powder foundation and it goes on much better with this primer than on bare skin. Some primers tend to feel greasy or take a while to set, but not Smashbox." —Heather

Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $30.44+.

15. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is a volume-booster and dry shampoo-like refresher that smells like heaven encapsulated in a gorgeous gold and black container.

byrdiebeauty / Via instagram.com, oribe / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "Hands down the best hair product I've ever purchased. It makes my thin, fine hair beautifully voluminous. I started using it a little over seven years ago and it's one of the only hair things I still use religiously. Even when I put nothing else in my hair because I'm rushing, I still put a few sprays of this into my roots to give myself a little boost. And the smell is pure heaven. I've tried others and nothing is as well-formulated or good-smelling. It's expensive but damn, is it worth it." —Alex

Get it from Amazon for $22 (2.1 oz) or $46 (8.5 oz).

16. Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask might just inspire you to take your skin care routine seriously because you can LEGIT see and feel results after just one use.

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.

Blue Tansy is an herbal-smelling blue-green gel that goes on clear. It’s not messy like some of the clay masks and peels I’ve used, and it comes with its own spatula so you don’t contaminate the pot with your grimy fingers. No more blackheads, my previously giant pores look smaller, and my skin is noticeably less red, smoother, and brighter immediately after use.

Seriously, after I use this stuff, I cannot stop touching my face. More than once it’s helped me keep a pimple at bay. Plus, it’s mild enough (no alcohol!) to use more than once a week. It’s expensive for a 2.3-ounce jar, but I’ve been using the same one consistently for five months and I still have almost half." —Megan Paolone

Get it from Sephora for $48 or Amazon for $48.

17. Lancôme Juicy Shakers act like miniature cocktail shakers for your lips, but instead of a buzz, you get incredibly moisturized and subtly tinted lips.

lancome-usa.com, lancomeofficial / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "I assumed the colors were more opaque than they really were, but the muted color I chose (Piece of Cake) is quite sheer and makes me want to try other colors. I find the 'shaker' aspect to be a cute step that makes putting on a lip color more interactive. I like that this product goes on in one swipe and I don't have to dip the sponge back in. The color stays very well and I find that it applies super glossy at first but after a while it becomes more of a satin finish. It wears beautifully — no 'butthole' lips you get with other products after eating or drinking." —SydneyPearl

Get it from Lancôme or Sephora for $22 (available in 17 shades and seven new matte shades).

18. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream is luxuriously creamy without feeling like a greasy glob on your face AND it was recently repackaged as a pump-top bottle for more hygienic and non-messy application.

Sephora / Via click.linksynergy.com, sephora.com

Promising review: "I refuse to leave home without using this cream. I have blotchy, oily, and aging skin and this cream makes my skin bright and plump! I use this on top of Sunday Riley Brightening Enzyme Cream and it looks like I've had a facial." —Sumipie

Get it from Sephora for $60.

19. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick comes in 45 creamy and pigmented shades, so it's basically both a blessing and curse for indecisive people who really fucking love lipstick.

bitebeauty / Via instagram.com, bitebeauty / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "I will cut right to the chase — if you are even considering trying these, do it!! I currently have three shades (Pepper, Rhubarb, and Eggplant) and love to daydream about which one I'm going to get next. I have tried liquid lipsticks but got so tired of that dry, chalky feeling you get from most. However, these lipsticks are such a treat to wear — comfortable, smell great, and they come in so many gorgeous colors. The pigment really has staying power, almost like a lip stain. Even once they've faded they look great and they're easy to re-apply. Absolutely worth every penny." —magicloaf

Get it from Sephora for $26 (available in 44 shades).

20. Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Eyeshadow Palette will leave your vanity smelling sweet and your eyes looking glamorously on-fleek.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This makeup palette is beautiful, especially for girls with green to hazel brown eyes. The colors are fun to play with because you can do a smokey eye or an everyday neutral look. Easy to blend and apply. The quality is very high so you can actually use the eyeshadow to create an 'eyeliner' and it stays all day. The smell is a huge bonus, more like chocolate than PB&J, but still decadent." —Edita D.

Get it from Amazon for $34.15.

21. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation is a lightweight full-coverage foundation that covers 40 shades so you never have to opt for one that doesn't match you ~perfectly~.

click.linksynergy.com, Mariana F. / Via shop-links.co, lancomeofficial / Via instagram.com

As 👏 it 👏 always 👏 should 👏 be.

Promising review: "As a woman of color, it can be difficult matching foundation to my skin color and undertone, not to mention trying to keep up with the needs of my skin as it ages. This Lancôme foundation gives me everything I could ever want! The color match is spot-on (thanks to ColorIQ); it wears like dream and keeps my combination skin well-moisturized and matte where I need it. Applied with a beauty blender, the finish is flawless! I have it on now, and I can’t stand the thought of taking it off. I can’t wait to put it on again tomorrow!" —MyLovelyFace

Get it from Sephora for $47 (available in 40 shades) or Ulta for $47 (available in 40 shades).

22. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara has a slightly curved brush that easily grasps lashes from root to end, coats them without causing them to stick to one another, and doesn't flake by day's end.

shop-links.co

Promising review: "I had chemo several years ago and my lashes were all but gone. I have searched for nearly 13 years for a mascara that would allow my lashes to look long, full, and fabulous again. Everything I tried clumped, flaked, and was generally a mess because of my small, thin lashes. I used this mascara and was totally amazed at how fully and long they look. They are almost like before!" —GussiesMom

Get it from Benefit, Ulta, or Sephora for $24 (available in black and brown).

23. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a milky, cucumber-scented wash that won't anger super sensitive skin and actually removes all your makeup without stinging.

Sephora / Via click.linksynergy.com

Promising review: "I am extremely picky about anything I put on my face, as I have sensitive combination skin. I have a looong list of ingredients I avoid and usually spend weeks reading reviews and looking up every ingredient before I buy anything. I've been using this cleanser for a week, and my skin is already better balanced — I don't get as oily or have any super flaky patches. This is a good, simple cleanser that won't irritate or exacerbate any issues. It makes my skin look very smooth and glowy without silicones (which are in freaking everything these days, it seems)." —ossispomarii

Get it from Sephora for $38.

24. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer claims to sell every 26 seconds, but if that fact doesn't impress you, its natural-looking, full-coverage masking abilities surely will.

pjtra.com

Promising review: "The tubes are very generous, the applicator wand is quite large and can apply a good amount of product if needed. I had phenomenal results dotting it all around my face, applying the two colors (fair and medium) where I wanted each shade. I then used a stippling brush, spritzed some MAC Fix+ Spray, and blended everyone all over like foundation. It looked gorgeous. Covered what needed to be covered, evened out my skin tone, and left a gorgeous natural finish." —Brandy

Get it from Tarte for $27 (available in 14 shades).

25. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick will bless you with the killer, stay-all-day pout of your dreams — because who doesn't want to wear shades called "Double Dare" and "Outlaw?"

katvondbeauty / Via instagram.com, katvondbeauty / Via instagram.com, katvondbeauty / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "It doesn't budge, smudge, or transfer (passes the kiss test!). It was always hard for me to wear lip colors around my boyfriend because I'd either have to sacrifice affection or risk us both looking like Ronald McDonald. It's a problem no longer!" —Jillleigh

Get it from Sephora for $20 (available in 44 shades).

26. Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack is a two-fold product: the hot Pore Pack contains charcoal powder to remove sebum and makeup, while the cool Original Pack contains Alaskan glacial water to tighten enlarged pores and calm the skin.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ51V2qAYw3/

http://www.sephora.com/premium-hot-cool-pore-pack-duo-P399965?opi=2427731165

Promising review: "I've tried a lot of pore products that make big claims and don't deliver, but this actually works! And it's a reasonable price! Much more obvious results than any Glamglow mask I've tried. I think there's enough product for at least than 10 full-face applications. It's not too harsh, but I wouldn't use it more than once a week." —Nomad9

Get it from Amazon for $25.

27. Missha Cell Renew Snail Cream has been a K-beauty mainstay for years due to its star ingredient, 70% snail mucin extract, which supports cell regeneration and heals all skin types.

sokoglam.com

Promising review: "This gel cream is light but leaves my skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and supple. I have to use harsh retinol-based medications for my face and this cream does a great job of making up for the loss of moisture and occasional irritation. I also love the scent; it's very light and clean-smelling, nothing harsh or chemical-y." —Anna G.

Get it from Soko Glam for $45.

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

Count 'em, then spend 'em.

TLC / Via giphy.com

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