Jun 20, 2014 02:08
by Eleanor Pendleton
Let’s be real – looking good can be expensive business! Here, Gritty Pretty’s beauty editor Eleanor Pendleton discusses what’s really worth shelling out some extra coin on and what isn’t. Our advice? Get ready to bookmark this page now…
SAVE:
Desoto Loop Pin Rectangle Cushion Brush, $8.55, available at Ry.
Hair brush
There’s no need to explain what this bad boy does. We all need a brush and use one daily (or at least I hope so!). Sure, there’s $200 versions constructed from needles of finely spun gold made by leprechauns (OK, I may be over exaggerating here) but come on, spending less than a tenner is being smart for your strands.
SPLURGE:
ghd Air, $199, available at ghd.
Hairdryer
Consider your hairdryer is like a car. If you buy a second hand car with a small engine, it’s likely not to go as fast – the same thing applies to your hairdryer. Investing in one with at least a 2000w motor and ionic technology will not only speed up your drying time but also minimise frizz and fly aways. Plus, it should last for years. It’s win-win, really!
SAVE:
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Fibrology Thickening Shampoo, $5.95, available at Priceline.
Shampoo
Shampoo doesn’t stay on your hair for long (in other words, it gets washed down the drain!) so it shouldn't cost you bucket loads. Instead, save on your shampoo and invest in a quality conditioner or mask that gives your hair all of the hydrating goodness.
SPLURGE:
Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask, $49.50, available at Ry.
Conditioning mask
Ingredients such as argan oil, macadamaia oil and jojoba oil don’t come cheap, which is why a quality hair mask doesn’t either. Although, a little goes a long way so in the long run you’ll get more bang for your buck. And, if your hair could sing, it would be giving you praises as well.
SAVE:
Garnier Pure Deep Clean Cream Wash, $9.95, available at Priceline.
Cleanser
Essentially, your cleanser removes makeup, dirt and grime then gets washed straight down the drain. Instead of buying into labels of products that look good in your shower, save your cash and opt for a budget cleanser instead.
SPLURGE:
Lancôme Advanced Génifique, $95, available at Lancôme.
Serum
Think of serums as the underdog superhero of your skincare routine. For that little bit extra, you’re investing in your skin’s life and protection. Sounds kind of dramatic but it isn’t. It’s true: active quality ingredients cost more but they also tend to penetrate deeper, which in most cases, makes the price tag worthwhile.
SAVE:
Le Tan Classic SPF 30+ Lotion, $3.99, available at Priceline.
Sunscreen
Because we should be wearing at least an SPF 30 sunscreen everyday, companies like The Cancer Council offer excellent formulas that are affordable – as do most supermarket brands such as Neutrogena, Banana Boat and Le Tan.
SPLURGE:
Estée Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme, $72, available at Estée Lauder.
Eye cream
Once you hit your mid-20s, keeping your peepers hydrated with an eye cream will plump and eliminate dark circles and generally make you look more fresh and awake. As the years go on, step up your game (and your spend) with a formula that’s more potent to address deep-set wrinkles.
SAVE:
Australis Concealer, $9.95, available at Priceline.
Concealer
Got a blemish you need covered? Or dark circles? Concealers are like foundation but thicker in consistency and denser in pigment. As concealer can best be applied underneath your foundation, be kind to your bank account and opt for a cheaper option. It’ll do just as good of a job, promise!
SPLURGE:
MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation, $49, available at MAC Cosmetics.
Foundation
The pigment in foundation needs to be very finely milled so it sits seamlessly on top of your skin. Also, formulations with the added skincare benefits of Vitamin E, shea butter and light-reflecting pigments tend to cost a little extra but your skin is worth it.
SAVE:
Ulta 3 Nail Colour, $2, available at Heat Group.
Nail Polish
Trendy nail colours come and go so it’s likely you’ll grow tired of the shade before you use it all. Shop smart and save by stocking up on affordable polishes fewer than 5 bucks.
SPLURGE:
SPLURGE: Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum, from $90, available at Myer.
Fragrance
Top perfumers will agree cheap fragrances usually contain cheap ingredients. Quality raw ingredients imported from Europe might cost a bomb but they will last so much longer than their synthetic counterparts.