Recent statistics have found that we're spending more than ever on expensive beauty products - sales of luxury brands grew by four per cent last year, driven by the British beauty lover's passion for prestige makeup, fragrance and skincare. According to global information gatherers The NPD Group, the luxury fragrance market was valued at a massive £1 billion in 2017 - and with sumptuous skincare and high-end makeup brands also reporting huge growth it seems our appetite for expensive beauty won't be waning any time soon.
Trouble is, there's a lot of choice out there on the high-end market - and the decision on where to spend your hard-earned cash can be a tricky one. With serums selling for hundreds of pounds and some makeup items cashing in at upwards of fifty quid, luxury beauty shopping certainly isn't for the faint-hearted. We've tried and tested the best of today's lavish products so you don't have to - here's our round-up of the beauty buys that are actually worth splurging on…
Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara Longest Lash, £62
At an eye-watering £62, you'd be forgiven for running for the hills at the price of this mascara - but with its legion of loyal fans willing to fork out for it, it's earned its place as a worthy treat-yourself item. The wow-factor comes in the product's conditioning ingredients, which boost lash growth and keep strands strong rather than brittle and weighed-down - and give a volumised, fluttery look to boot.
Jo Malone Cologne, £90
Followers of this iconic London fragrance brand will know their pricey colognes are worth the splurge. With a scent that lingers on the skin all day with just one spritz, these beautiful perfumes last all day and are sure to get er, noses wagging. Our favourites are the delicate Peony and Blush Suede and nostalgic Wood Sage and Sea Salt, though it’s worth heading to your nearest counter to try for yourself.
Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil, £150.50
Those with dry skin will thank the skincare gods at Sisley for their ultra-luxurious Black Rose Precious Face Oil, which could be worth forking out for if you’re on the hunt for a plump, glowing complexion (and your budget allows). Instant results, and a little bit goes a long way.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter, £34
We can see why this glow-giver is loved by celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge (who works with the likes of Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman). Arguably the original cult highlighter, this liquid sheen can be applied before or after makeup for a soft, lit-from-within glow. The best thing? It comes in a mammoth seven shades - an impressive feat for a highlighter - so will comfortably suit every skin tone.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer, £39
Housed in a tiny pot, it’s easy to see why many baulk at the high price of Kevyn Aucoin’s cult concealer – but the ultra high coverage of the formula means that happily, you only need the tiniest bit to hide even the most stubborn of imperfections. One pot will last an age, so you shouldn’t need to invest again any time soon – plus the cream can even be sheered out and worn as a foundation.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, £129.99
Many skincare products claim to be a ‘facial in a bottle’ – and this is one of the only ones that lives up to that statement, offering powerful ingredients that soften and resurface the skin like a 60-minute treatment would. With both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (find out what those are here), the solution leaves skin clear and glowing – a result well worth the high price tag. The range is launching in the UK, exclusively at Space NK, this year.
Surratt Expressioniste Brow Pomade, £24
Though not as costly as some of its companions in this edit, this brow plumper is at the higher end of its product category – though it’s certainly earned its cult status. Part of the range thought up by makeup artist and beauty innovator Troy Surratt, this pomade is for those that want to enhance natural brows without adding colour or shape – simply brush through and see the thickening and setting effect instantly.