20150504

Luxury Beauty Products | Which Are Worth It? (+ Cheaper Alternatives)



Over the past few months I've definitely been indulging in more luxury products and my experience has been a bit of a mixed bag; some of them were life-changing, others left me flat. A lot of my purchases were made based on YouTubers and bloggers raving about the products and so many of them were quite good but I just felt the price wasn't justified. So, based on my experience, I've put together a list of a few I think were well worth the price tag and others I think really weren't. To add a little twist, I'll also recommend products to try instead of the pricey ones I thought weren't all that (and even tried to think of dupes for the ones I did like!)

WORTH THE PRICE

Diptyque Candle (£40, standard size) and Eau de Toilette (£75, 100ml)
I picked up my first ever Diptyque candle in the fragrance Noisetier (Hazelnut) and I absolutely love it. I think for this to be worth it you really need to be a 'candle person', but I've honestly never smelled anything like this hazelnut scent. It also burns so evenly, lasts a long time and I think the packaging is effortlessly stylish. The only drawback is that the size is very small for the price. The Philosykos Eau de Toilette is an investment, as the cedar wood and fig leave fragrance is both unique and beautiful.
You could also try: Muji Candles (£3.50)
As I said, I wouldn't be spending £40 on a candle if I thought I could get something similar for less. I even had a look around for a dupe just for this post but couldn't find anything similar. However, the Diptyque candle I was originally going to get - Feu de Bois (Log Fire) - smells exactly like the Muji Log Fire Candle, which retails for just £3.99. Yes, it runs out very quickly but it would still probably work out as cheaper! I couldn't think of anything remotely similar to the fragrance, I'm afraid, but if you know of anything tell us in the comments.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (£28)
When I say this was worth the price, I mean it's worth it for someone who loves blusher and luxury beauty. At the end of the day, if you would never spend so much on a blusher (which is fair enough) I don't think this or any other product will change your mind. Having said that I'm really pleased with the shade I picked up; Luminous Flush. It's just so easy to apply, it's that perfect level of pigmentation and adds a natural flush of colour with a really subtle highlight. 
You could also try: Max Factor Creme Puff Blush (£8.99)
The colour selection isn't the same but these pretty marbled blushers give a similar natural highlight and flush of colour. I think there's a shade in this selection to suit every skin tone. Here I've picked Seductive Pink as the closest dupe to Luminous Flush.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick (£23 each)
The formula of these lipsticks is really like nothing I've ever experienced; it's so comfortable, so smooth, really easy to apply and easy to wear. The shade selection also goes from pinky nudes, to wearable mauves to full on reds and berries. I have Bond Girl, which is a gorgeous mauve and Walk of Shame, which is a berry-red.
You could also try: Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Cover (£1.85 each)
I heard that these were dupes and whilst I think the Charlotte Tilbury formula is completely unique, these have a real smoothness to them. The shade In the Flesh is similar to Bond Girl, whereas Wine Room reminds me of Walk of Shame. I really think these are incredible for the price if you don't want to splash out.

NOT WORTH THE PRICE

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£28)
Controversial, I know! However I really don't see the fuss over this Beauty Guru favourite. Usually with skincare it's quite an individual experience, however I feel like cleansers are a bit different as they either do the job or don't! Used in the morning I feel like it gives a nice cleanse and leaves my skin feeling soft and it does smell nice but it doesn't do anything life-changing. For removing makeup, it works but to be honest it's far from the best I've tried. I also don't really see any long-term benefits to my skin from using this.
Try instead: Body Shop Silky Camomile Cleansing Oil (£10) or Sumptuous Butter (£12)
Once you massage the Oskia gel into your skin it emulsifies into the same consistency as the Body Shop's Camomile cleansers. I personally find the Body Shop's offerings (especially the butter) more effective at removing makeup, especially tough black eye makeup, as well as gentler on my eyes. In this case, it isn't just a case of good alternatives at a lower price, I actually think the cheaper options are better!

This was another 'nice but not worth the price' product. I have Dim Light, which is a neutral-beige (glitter-free) highlighting setting powder. I really like the flattering glow it leaves but it's not something I would've paid £38 for if I could go back and do things again.
Try instead: Makeup Revolution Radiant Light Highlighters (£5) or Bourjois Java Rice Powder (£9.99)
Makeup Revolution do individual dupes of 3 of the powders for £5 each (vs. £38 for Hourglass's version) or in a palette for £6 (vs. £56 for Hourglass's version). Whilst these are more pigmented and more of a highlighter, I probably like them more than the Hourglass one for this reason! Breathe is a close dupe of Dim Light. If you want a highlighting setting powder try Bourjois's Java Rice Powder. If you really want to own something from Hourglass I'd recommend the blush over the powder as I just feel you get more for your money.

Laura Mercier Body Souffle (£45 for full size)
I actually got this mini version in a gift set, however I'm amazed that a full tub costs £45! Whilst they're a generous size I think it's just too much. I have a mini of Creme de Pistache which is a stunning and unique fragrance.
Try instead: Soap & Glory Righteous Butter (£10.50)
I find this Soap & Glory body butter just as moisturising, although it doesn't have the yummy indulgent fragrance. But to be honest, if you love the fragrance, I would recommend just getting the Laura Mercier Eau Gourmande fragrances, which are £42.50 for 50ml (yes, that makes them cheaper than the body butters!) Each of the scents you get in the body butter you can get in the fragrance, and the one I have (Creme de Pistache) lasts all day long and it took me about a year to finish a 50ml bottle after using it every day. This is much better value for money in my opinion.




If you'd like to read more about the products mentioned, check out these links:

Which luxury products have you invested in? Were they worth it or did you regret it? Which are on your wish list?


 


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65 comments

  1. Great post, love the alternatives you found! Really helpful!

    Anika | www.anikamay.co.uk

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  2. the charlotte tilbury lippy is so gorgeous! x
    Hannah | Heyitshannaah

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  3. Great post! I tend to stick to the drugstore with my makeup shopping, but I always love reading about luxury products. This post will be super helpful if I ever fancy making a splurge :) I loved your honesty, I think the Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks would be my favourite out of the bunch xxx

    Alice Red | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you appreciated it :) I hope it helps if you do! xx

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  4. This is an awesome post Jasmine! I wanted to get Laura Mercier's Body Souffle for such a long time, but I also never used anything from Soap & Glory, so I might give that a chance first :)

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

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  5. I am a huge fan of this post because you suggested a few great dupes and it's very helpful for someone like me who usually refuse to splurge on high end makeup. I think I'll be picking up Walk of Shame soon, that shade is seriously pretty!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  6. I am quite surprised that Oskia was on here and Hourglass too. But it's always the case... when everyone raves about it, I personally don't find they work well. I mean after all that talk about Clarisonic we now know that they are actually bad for our skin. Thank god, I didn't invest in one and lose a boat load of money on nonsense.

    Anceeta.com

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    Replies
    1. It's so disappointing when people hype things up so much and they don't work for you :( xx

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  7. Ooh I love all these reviews and swatches!! The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil is my favourite! x

    www.angerawrs.co.uk

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  8. This is a great post! I love that you gave cheaper alternatives. I really need to try the Max Factor blushes, I've heard so many good things. I almost bought the Bourjois rice paper powder but I was worried it would look too glittery?

    Tara Eavan x

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    1. Sorry for the late response! It does look in the pot to have glitter in it but it's not visible on the skin :) xx

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  9. Good comparisons- and the swatches of the dupes are so similar! A higher-end product that I wasn't blown away with was the Laguna bronzer from Nars. Not that it was bad, by any means, just not as amazing as it's hyped to be. Plenty of other good bronzers out there that don't cost as much. :)

    She Likes to Shop

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    Replies
    1. What a shame! When something's that hyped it's hard for it to ever live up to your expectations xx

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  10. Such a useful post - I want to try the max factor blushes! x

    Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x

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  11. Really helpful post :) I didn't know Laura Mercier did fragrances - definitely need to try those as I love the sound of the body products but like you say, so expensive for something that wouldn't last very long!

    Kat | www.kathorrocks.com

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    Replies
    1. They have some lovely ones in the range :) xx

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  12. Wow love that you included swatches! Absolutely great post Jasmine, love that you are honest about what high end things you do like and why. Had no idea about the LM body butters, definitely passing on those.

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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    Replies
    1. Thank you lovely, glad you found this helpful! xx

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  13. The In The Flesh swatch is gorgeous! You can't beat a good dupe but some products you just have to buy high end x
    Emma | Emmys Blog

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  14. I would never have guessed that there is a £1.85 dupe for the CT lipsticks! Two complete opposite ends of the price spectrum lol. I might have to give the Wet n Wild ones a go but there is just something about the CT ones that I just don't think I will be able to pass up on :) xx

    Brenda BusyBee

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  15. I'm so glad I read that you actually weren't too impressed with the Hourglass ambient lighting powder, I've been debating whether I could possible shell out that much money for the palette and to hear someone say that they weren't overly impressed with it for the price and that Makeup revolution do something similar is so good to hear haha!
    cottonandcandie xx

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I wouldn't have bothered if I could go back! xx

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  16. Great post! I love the Makeup revolution Breathe powder so much that after reading your recommendations I definitely stopped dreaming about the Hourglass one :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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    Replies
    1. I love it too - so amazing and affordable! xx

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  17. Thanks for this post Jasmine. There is a lot of high-end makeup/skincare/etc that I'm lusting after at the moment but I will definitely check out the dupes and alternatives you've suggested first as I don't want to waste my money! This was really useful :)
    Rebecca | The Two Twenty Somethings
    Xx

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  18. Loved this post and I really appreciated how you included more affordable alternatives. I actually own In The Flesh and it's one of my go-to lip colors for everyday. The Hourglass blushes are def on top of my high-end list but they're not available where I live so I'll have to order one eventually. Thanks for sharing!

    Do you wanna follow each other? Let me know on my blog! Xo

    MY LATEST POST
    bloglovin

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    Replies
    1. Hope you manage to get your hands on one :) xx

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  19. Those candles are so worth it for me...but then I do spend stupid amounts on candles!

    Annabel ♥
    Mascara & Maltesers

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  20. Thanks for that candle, we are a big fan of candles here it's giving a nice ambiance.

    http://lostinthefairyland.co.nr

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  21. This is SUCH a useful post! I completely 100% agree with you on the Hourglass products, yes to the blushers but no to the lighting powders - they're nice but just not worth the money. So I'll trust you on your advice for the other products! I so want to try the Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, and I'll definitely be looking out for that Muji candle!

    The Makeup Directory

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    Replies
    1. Completely agreed on the Hourglass products! xx

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  22. Another informative post, thanks for sharing! :) I've been wondering whether to bother with the Oskia cleanser, but I love The Body Shop's Camomile range so looks like I'll be sticking with that!:D

    Style Sunrise ☀

    :)
    x

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  23. I've wanted to try some of the Hourglass blushes for a long time, but they are pretty pricey! They all look so stunning though, I'm definetly going to pick one up soon!
    xprincessjas | ♥

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    Replies
    1. They're definitely an investment but it was worth it for me! xx

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  24. I've wanted to try the Laura Mercier Body Souffle for such a long time, was going to save up my Birchbox points and pick a jar up but I know what you mean it's so expensive! Might treat myself to a few of the dupes you've mentioned instead and get the most out of my money!

    Roxie ♥
    thebeautifulbluebird.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. it's up to you really :) the gift sets always go on sale after Christmas so you could always do that! xx

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  25. I know deep down I need to try Oskia and Diptyque products even though I know there are many cheaper alternatives!! I love this post and the alternatives you have listed as well!! Very useful as always!!..xx

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    1. Well Diptyque was well worth it in my opinion ;) xx

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  26. I have been umming and ahhing over the HG Ambient Lighting powder for a while. Hmmm, may have to think twice now. xx

    Julie
    www.rainingcake.com

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    1. I personally think the blushers are better :) xx

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  27. This was a great post. I love how you included alternatives x

    www.pintsizedbeauty.com

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  28. The hourglass blush is a dream and the lipstick is stunning! The packaging of the products is delightful.
    Love your photography, kisses from Hungary xo

    Csenge | Csenge's Point

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  29. This is such an informative post. Definitely going to be checking out those dupe candles! Thanks for sharing :)


    G.J - A Personal Style, Beauty & Lifestyle blog.

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  30. Great tip on getting the Creme de Pistache in the body spray instead. I simply love that scent and utterly indulge in Laura Mericer but only on occassion as it's so pricey. I get her sets as gifts for other people quite a bit though, lol. :-)

    Beauty Isles | An Island Girl's Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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    1. The gift sets are lovely and they always seem to go on sale after Christmas ;) xx

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  31. Oh, what a great post. I slowly making my way into trying out more luxury products. I've had my eyes on Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette for a while, Interesting to read about Dim Light, as it is a part of the palette. Has me thinking... Also, I am still torn regarding the Diptyque Candles, I know they're probably worth it, I just don't know how Id justify to myself spending £40 on a candle.
    -Rumbie Love - xx

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    1. Maybe you could get it for Christmas or a birthday, it always seems more justifiable to get something like that as a gift! xx

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  32. Well maybe you can save yourself a bit of money haha xx

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  33. Lovely post! Thank you so much for the candle recommendation :)x

    Anu | My life as Anu | bloglovin

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  34. I almost purchased the Hourglass Ambient lighting then remembered you saying in a previous post it wasn't worth it, so I never got it! <3 :))

    Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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    Replies
    1. Haha it's definitely one of those 'nice but not necessary' products! xx

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