So since my last blog post was primarily about my most inexpensive favorites, I'll dedicate this post to the beauty products I have absolutely no problem dropping some serious dough on.
So lets start off with skincare! Skin care is super important to me because I know my skin is the first thing everyone sees, and my makeup will only ever looks as good as the skin underneath it, no matter how great of an artist I am. As most of you may know from some of my earlier blog posts - my skin has always been a never ending battle that I just cannot win, however I think we're finally compromising with each other thanks to some really great products I've finally gotten my hands on.
I've said this before and I'll say it again, Sonia Roselli's products have been a SAVIOR for me. She created an amazing line of skin care products with beautiful ingredients suitable for almost all skin types. Because she is a Makeup Artist, she also formulated these products with MAKEUP in mind. That means that not only am I taking care of, hydrating and healing my skin, but I am also preparing it for makeup. At first, her line consisted of only an oil cleanser "Japanese Cleansing Oil" a liquid exfoliant "Sex-A-Peel", and a moisturizer "Waterbalm", but she has since added a facial oil "Water Oil" and a lightweight serum like moisturizer "Water Elixir". I recently was able to get my hands on the two new products and let me tell you! GAME CHANGER!
Her products are definitely on the higher end of beauty - but she does sell them as a bundle which gives you the ability to save a bit by buying all of them together. The products do last quite a while - I replace most of them every 3-4 months. You can purchase the whole set directly through my website (www.facebykaty.com/shop) or through this link http://www.soniaroselli.com?p=SyNA6u9FN for $219. I use her products on myself everyday, and also reserve them for my Brides. These products allow me to pamper my Brides and give them a luxurious experience on a morning that can be super stressful. Having a mini facial can be just the treatment they need to make them feel extra special.
Another brand I've recently fallen in love with is Drunk Elephant. One of my favorites is the Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer ($68 at Sephora). This moisturizer is great for almost all skin types - however beware if you are very acne prone because it does contain Coconut Alkanes which are a known pore clogger. I have very breakout prone skin, but this product didn't really break me out which I was surprised by. Its extremely nourishing, my face feels so soft and plumps right up when I use it. I like this product particularly at night before bed.
I'm not sure if my favorite foundations would exactly be considered "Splurge-Worthy".. but they are definitely on the pricier side. My daily foundation routine in the Winter consists of "It Cosmetics CC cream" ($39 Ulta). This CC cream is super moisturizing and on the approved list of makeup for those with severe acne prone skin. In the Summer time when it is super humid or I need my makeup to last me 14+ hours, I prefer to use "Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation" ($42 Macy's). This makeup seriously will not budge all day long. It is an essential for all of the oily girls.
My favorite "Splurge-Worthy" setting powder is the "Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder" ($46 Sephora). This powder has such a beautiful luxurious finish. I typically reserve this product for my brides. The hourglass powders are also on the approved list of makeup for those with acne prone skin. The "Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders"($48 Sephora) which are available in finishing powders, bronzers and blushes are also gorgeous and well worth the price tag.
For blush, cult favorite "Nars Blush in Orgasm" ($40 Sephora) is absolutely my "Splurge-Worthy" Blush. This one is pretty well known and self explanatory. The shades and finish are absolutely gorgeous.
This one is a real treat with a $54 price tag, but the "Tom Ford" lipsticks are so creamy and highly pigmented. The finish is a beautiful satin and I really enjoy the shape of the lipstick itself. This one is definitely reserved for super special occasions! Worth it if you really want to totally spoil yourself!
Last but not least by any means is my favorite higher end mascara. "Diorshow" ($29.50 Sephora) is by far my favorite "Splurge-Worthy" Mascara, although its really not much more expensive than my everyday mascara which is "Benefit Roller Lash" ($25 Sephora).
What are everyone else's "Splurge-Worthy" favorites? What are your guilty pleasure beauty products (drugstore or high end)?