• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact

7 Luxury Beauty Products that are Worth the Splurge

December 7 // 2 Comments // 4 Minute Read

Jump To Recipe · Print Recipe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
While I’m frugal to the core, these best beauty products are ones I just won’t skimp on. Curious to know what’s truly worth the splurge?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

These 7 beauty products are totally worth the splurge. Whether you're searching for the best foundation, the perfect hair, great nail polish, or age fighting miracles, this girl is right on. Spend money on brands that work! #beautyproducts #luxurybeauty #worththesplurge #bestbeautyproducts

Does anyone else get sucked into watching beauty vloggers on YouTube?

I’m simply fascinated by their personalities and talent! Probably because I’m no expert when applying my own makeup or curling my hair.

My attempt at the smokey eye leaves me looking like I just left a bar fight, and after hours of trying to coax my thick hair into the beach wave, I still look like I just woke up with a frizzy bed head. But my philosophy is, if you can’t do something, you just watch other people do it!

Happily, through these videos, as well as recommendations from friends and family, I’ve found a variety of products that simplify my beauty routine, allow me to look my best, and don’t require a whole lot of effort. Mainly because they WORK.

However, they’re not the cheapest options out there.

Over the years, I’ve learned that as much joy as saving money gives me, I should not skimp on products that produce the results I want. Trust me, I’ve tried the cheapest version, and wasted money {even if it was only $3} on items that don’t last.

I choose to pay extra because I’m in love with how the product works, and I’d rather not penny pinch my way into frustration because cheaper products continue to fail.

7 Best Beauty Products You Can Invest In With Confidence

1. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color {$14}

Powder eye shadow rubs off the moment I touch my eyes, but this cream eye color from Mary Kay stays on all day. I still use a powder for the crease and toward the end of the eyelid to create depth, but this creamy version is my go-to base before applying the powder.

My favorite color is Beach Blonde with a chocolate-colored powder around the edge, but I’ll also wear Metallic Taupe alone.

Don’t have a Mary Kay consultant? Send me a message and I can hook you up with my sister-in-law!

2. Naked Foundation by Urban Decay {$40}

Lauren from The Thinking Closet is a close friend and also part of my mastermind group. Every time we meet up, I can’t help but admire her makeup! One day I just came right out and asked, “What do you use to make your skin look so flawless?” Her answer changed my life: Naked Foundation by Urban Decay.

Instead of feeling cakey or heavy, this weightless formula feels like a natural extension of my skin. I apply the foundation with a concealer brush, and it lasts at least 8 hours. That’s 6 hours more than my previous brand!

You can get the foundation at Sephora {there’s normally one inside JCPenney}, and I recommend getting your color tested so you can get the right shade before making that investment. Mine is 3.5.

3. Kenra Shampoo and Conditioner {$35}

A few appointments ago, my hairdresser used Kenra Shampoo and Conditioner to wash my hair. She’s always trying different brands, but this time I could not believe the difference in how my hair felt. It blew out and straightened so nicely! Usually there are a few stubborn waves that take multiple attempts to tame.

Not with Kenra. A bottle lasts about 6 months, and because they are color-safe, my investment in root touchups and highlights does not {literally} run down the drain.

4. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder. {$28}

I first heard about this brightening powder from Kate at The Small Things Blog, but hesitated to click the official “Add to Cart” button for months. With a price tag this high, I had no idea whether or not it would be worth it! Well, Kate has yet to steer me wrong because when I dab this powder on top of my concealer with a small brush, my under eye area looks noticeably lighter and brighter. It also keeps my concealer from settling into my 30-year old wrinkles, too—double win!

I did a test on each eye (one with and one without) and both my mom and Joseph noticed that the one with this powder looked brighter and more blended. So it IS worth it!

I dab it on with a small brush on top of my concealer (another perk: it keeps concealer from creasing!)

 

5. Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner {$26}

I wish the bottle wasn’t so tiny {and expensive!}, but this leave-in conditioning cream softens and smooths my hair without feeling heavy, making it my favorite frizz-defying splurge. 

I squirt about a dime-sized dollop in my palm, rub my hands together, and work it through my hair starting with the ends and moving my way up top. I also focus on my crown area since I have a lot of “chicken hairs” {the tiny strands that stick straight up}!

6. Essie Nail Polish {$9}

After trying multiple nail polish brands out there, I discovered Essie is hands down my favorite. The formula {especially the gel couture collection} is AMAZING. It’s not clumpy. Not watered down. The colors are true to the bottle, and the polish stays on for at least 5 days if you use their fast-drying top coat.

I used to not paint my nails very often, because I would have to redo them after one day. But not with Essie. Now I am obsessed with keeping a pretty polish on my fingertips!

7. My Hair Dresser

While technically not a product, I can’t finish this post without mentioning my hair dresser. I pay a LOT for her, but she is worth every penny! After multiple terrible hair cuts that resulted in tears and frustration, I swore to myself that quality would always trump price.

Having someone who knows hair—and continues to educate herself about it by going to conferences and trade shows—is totally worth it. Because it’s such a big chunk of our budget every 8 weeks, I budget for it just like I would with any monthly bill. That means I always have money for the hair cut/color when I go.

A Tip on How to Find Beauty Products that Work

Here’s the thing—if you are frustrated by beauty products that don’t work, you may need to increase your budget until you find something that does. I know, I know, it may be painful, but it will be worth it in the long run.

I still use some amazing, inexpensive products  {I have a $2 eyeliner that I LOVE!}, so hear me when I say I firmly believe there are cheap options out there that can make us look and feel beautiful. 

However, I would rather spend money on a quality item that produces results, rather than waste it on a cheaper, less-effective alternative.

What Beauty Product is a Splurge for You?

 

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
« Previous Post5 Super Easy Ways to Save Big on Movie Tickets
Next Post »Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars


Comments

  1. Melody says

    July 8 at 3:52 pm

    IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation. It’s $65, but it lasts a long time since I dont wear make-up every day. I’ve never had a flawless look before, but this stuff is amazing. It also lasts the entire day.

    Reply
  2. Nicole says

    July 9 at 9:57 am

    So funny that the first comment is about the same foundation I was going to mention – obviously it’s really good! Love my Bye Bye Foundation, and it’s SPF50.

    My other note is about Mary Kay. I have been using it since I was a teenager, and now in my early 40s, I swear I look younger than my peers. It definitely works. And if you have a few people you know who can band together to order, it’s totally worth become a personal use consultant. I think enrollment is a one-time fee of $99, and then you get everything at wholesale – 50% off. I order for myself and my parents about 3 times per year, and that’s how we all afford to keep ourselves in good skincare and makeup. 😊

    My other beauty hack is a new product called Color Street. Nail polish strips that are 100% nail polish but go on 95% dry so no salon or dry time. It’s amazing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

New? Start Here!

  • Take a Tour
  • Become a BFF
  • Favorite Recipes
  • The Printable Library
  • Just for Bloggers
  • Visit the Shop

kalynbrookeco

👩‍💻 | I help value-driven women lead manageable + meaningful lives.
💬 | INFJ / Enneagram 1
🚙 | RV Life @openroading
👇 | Resources + Links

Kalyn Brooke | Virtual BFF


Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find m

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find most people resist minimalism because they can't wrap their head around "having less." People tend to equate this movement with blank walls, white IKEA furniture, and decluttering everything in your home down to practically nothing so you can live full-time in an RV. Like me. 😉⁣
⁣
But, while minimalism could be all that, this mindset misses the point. Minimalism is not only about “having less.” 🚫⁣
⁣
It’s so much more than that.⁣
⁣
This week on the blog, I'm sharing the REAL definition of minimalism (that people who love their stuff can totally get behind!) as well as practical ways to incorporate minimalism into your life. 🎉⁣
⁣
Drop a heart emoji in the comments below and I'll send the link to your DM's! 💖

I love lazy Saturday mornings…as long as I have
I love lazy Saturday mornings...as long as I have a book and a cozy blanket! 😍

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣
⁣
“I’ve been thinking about what tech boundaries I want to instill, including boundaries related to work and productivity. I’ve become less careful about my media consumption, and it’s having a negative affect on my mental health.” 💞⁣
⁣
Have you ever felt a similar tug? ⁣
⁣
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I pick up my phone because I’m bored or lonely or jealous or unhappy. It almost always makes me feel worse. And yet...I struggle to stop. 😝⁣
⁣
Here are the ideas I’ve been trying this month and I’m already seeing a positive effect:⁣
⁣
➕ No logging into social media after 8pm. I need to wind down for the night, not get lost in my phone! 📲⁣
➕ Open Instagram with a purpose—either to post or to interact. Stop endlessly scrolling.⁣
➕ My only screen time before 9am should be for Bible Study apps or News. 🗞⁣
➕ Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb during Tiger Time (when I need the most focus for work) 💪⁣
➕ Work no more than 4 hours on my business per day. If a task isn’t complete, push it to the next day. This time frame has really helped me prioritize! 💻⁣
➕ Watch one show per day (or two if they are short!) and leave movies for the weekend. 📺⁣
⁣
What tech boundaries have you set up? Are any new as of this year? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😃

What’s one thing you budget for that other peopl
What’s one thing you budget for that other people might not? I always find those interesting. 😃⁣
⁣
You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣
⁣
See, we’re all different! ⁣
⁣
Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣
⁣
Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣
⁣
What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣
⁣
But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣
⁣
As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣
⁣
Why? ⁣
⁣
No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣
⁣
And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣
⁣
There are too many good ones out there anyway.  Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣
⁣
This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣
⁣
Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣
⁣
What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
T

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
These small but mighty sidekicks will be my saving grace this year. 📚⁣
⁣
1️⃣ Bullet Journal (Blue) - for everyday planning and goal setting⁣
2️⃣ Regular Journal (Yellow) - to track gratitude (5 things a day!) and to process ALL the feelings⁣
3️⃣ Growth Journal (Sand) - a space for me to brain dump everything I learn from books, podcasts, sermons, etc ⁣
⁣
That last one is new to me as of this year and I can't wait to flip back through all my notes come December! 📆⁣
⁣
What planners/journals are you using for 2021?


Load More…


Follow on Instagram


ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?

Privacy Policy
You’ll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Copyright © 2021 · Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?
Privacy Policy
You'll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy