Money can’t buy you happiness, but it sure can give you better skin (and a banging #motd!). We spill the deets on our best expensive beauty buys...
We believe in moderation for most things, and that extends to our makeup and skincare preferences. A look at our vanity areas will see a good mix of affordable beauty buys, and totally luxe (and totally worth it!) skincare and makeup products we’ve splashed our cash on. Take a look at the Honeycombers’ best luxury beauty splurges…
La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler
“At $960 for 60ml, is the hefty price worth the sacrifice? After months of trial, I’m glad to report that it actually does. Like a filler in a jar, it restores volume and fullness to ageing skin, and helps to better define your skin contours thanks to the magic ingredient of Caviar Absolute and anti-aging boosters like peony extract and brown algae. The formula is expectedly rich, so if you’re below 30, don’t slather this on – one pump is all you need.”
– Nafeesa, Style Editor
$960, available at the La Prairie counter at Tangs.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
“Hands down, it’s SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. SK-II’s FTE is probably the only product I’ve used religiously, mainly because it’s really all I need as an anti-aging deterrent (for now). And yes, the hype is true – the famous Pitera formula works like a gem. It has kept my skin smooth and radiant, reduced the number of blemishes on my complexion, and there are no visible signs of ageing so far. At $259 for 230ml, it isn’t exactly wallet-friendly, but it’s a small price to pay if you’re looking at great skin in the long run.”
– Chelsia, Creative Services Editor
$259 for 230ml, available from SK-II counters and boutiques.
Tom Ford Private Blend Perfumes
“Starting at around $300, they do hit the flinch point, but Tom Ford’s Private Blend fragrances are so sublime and signature scent-worthy. Plus, they last all damn day long – so when you think about cost per spray, it’s really not that bad. Just close your eyes and hand over your credit card. Besides, who wouldn’t want to smell F***ing Fabulous?”
– Selina, Editor
Tom Ford Private Blend Perfumes, available at Tangs (or better yet, get it Duty Free at Changi Airport!)
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
“Ranging between $118 to $209 to 30ml to 75ml, this potent potion is repeatedly called the number one serum. It fights all signs of ageing through nighttime renewal, softening wrinkles and fine lines, and fading dark spots at accelerated speed. Slather this on before bedtime to wake up to freshly hydrated skin.”
– Chermaine Leong, Editorial Intern
$118 to $209, Available at Estee Lauder ION and counters islandwide, including Isetan and Metro.
Diptyque Vetyverio Eau De Parfum
“At $201 for 75ml, this is definitely a buy that takes some planning but having experimented with so many scents for most of my life, I find vetiver to be one of my favourites. Diptyque’s take is very refined and delicate and features some of my other favourite notes like bergamot, rose, and geranium.”
– Delfina, Lifestyle Writer
$201, available at Escentials.
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette
Cries of joy were heard when Sephora Singapore announced that it was bringing in Natasha Denona. For the uninitiated, the famous makeup artist took the beauty world by storm, winning over other makeup artists, bloggers and the public with her signature healthy glow and pigment-packed palettes. The Star Eyeshadow palette is a heck of a collectible; it features 18 shades, with a mix of creamy mattes, metallic, chrome and silky mattes. Natasha herself has had problems with dry and unblendable eyeshadows, so best believe that this palette is everything they’re not.
$250, available from Sephora.
Chanel Sublimage Le Creme
This powerful cream is worth every bit of your penny. It’s made with rare enriched Planifolia, which transforms skin by giving it extreme hydration and smoothening out any fine lines and wrinkles to reveal brighter, younger-looking skin.
$550, available at Chanel boutiques and counters.
Cle De Peau Beaute the Foundation
“If your makeup priority is achieving the perfect base, splurging on this foundation may be a no-brainer if you’re keen to splash the cash. Made with the same formula as the brand’s renowned La Creme, this one gives my skin medium coverage (don’t worry about it being cakey!) and leaves it looking flawless and luminous.”
– Camelia Khalid, Lifestyle Writer
$430, available at Cle De Peau counters.
