I had a colleague who spent over $200 on SKII facial cream. I had just freshly graduated and was in my very first job.
I thought that kind of expenditure was insane. I thought to myself – I would never spend that much on beauty!
In the years that I have worked, apparently spending that much is a norm! So I simply had to research and find out if luxury beauty products are truly worth the hype. If I don’t, I might be missing out on something good about these luxury beauty products!
La Mer Crème de la Mer vs. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
The Splurge: La Mer Crème de la Mer – $$$$
The Save: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – $$
What They Promise:
La Mer boasts its legendary “Miracle Broth,” promising intense hydration, skin renewal, and a lit-from-within glow. CeraVe, on the other hand, offers ceramide-packed hydration designed to restore the skin barrier.
The Verdict:
If you crave indulgence and a spa-like experience, La Mer’s luxurious texture and scent are unbeatable. But if you’re looking for no-frills hydration with dermatologist-backed ingredients, CeraVe delivers impressive results at a fraction of the cost.
Splurge or Save? If you have the budget and love the finer things, La Mer is a treat. Otherwise, I will say CeraVe is a fantastic, wallet-friendly alternative.
Dyson Airwrap vs. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer
The Splurge: Dyson Airwrap – $$$$
The Save: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer – $$
What They Promise:
The Dyson Airwrap styles without extreme heat using airflow technology, while the Revlon dryer combines a brush and dryer to create smooth, voluminous hair.
The Verdict:
Dyson’s innovation wins for heat protection and versatility, offering multiple styling attachments. However, Revlon’s tool delivers similar volume and smoothness for everyday use at a fraction of the cost.
Splurge or Save? If protecting your hair from heat damage is a top priority, go for Dyson. If you want a quick, budget-friendly blowout, Revlon is your girl.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence vs. Missha Time Revolution Essence
The Splurge: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – $$$$
The Save: Missha Time Revolution Essence – $$
What They Promise:
Both essences promise bright, radiant skin with fermented ingredients that improve texture and tone over time.
The Verdict:
SK-II’s famous Pitera™ ingredient is a cult favorite for a reason, delivering noticeable glow. However, Missha’s formula contains similar fermented extracts at a much lower price.
Splurge or Save? If you want the prestige and proven results of SK-II, it’s worth the splurge. But for budget-conscious beauty lovers, Missha offers great results.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream vs. L’Oreal Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer
The Splurge: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream – $$$
The Save: L’Oreal Age Perfect Rosy Tone – $$
What They Promise:
Charlotte’s Magic Cream hydrates and plumps with hyaluronic acid and peptides, while L’Oreal’s version focuses on brightening and anti-aging.
The Verdict:
While both moisturizers provide hydration and a radiant glow, Charlotte Tilbury’s formula feels richer and more luxurious on the skin.
Splurge or Save? If you’re after that red-carpet glow and luxe experience, Charlotte’s Magic Cream is worth it. Otherwise, L’Oreal is a solid choice.
Luxury beauty products offer that touch of indulgence and often feature cutting-edge formulas and exquisite packaging. But based on the ingredients, budget-friendly options have seriously stepped up their game, offering impressive results without the hefty price tag.
I hope this review has been helpful for you. Me? I’m still a budget gal.
