Where to Save vs Splurge in Your Beauty Routine
If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle wondering, “Is this really worth it?”—you’re not alone.
Welcome to Part III of my Save vs Splurge series, where we’re diving into skincare, makeup, and all those little products that promise big results.
Because just like your home and your closet…
it’s not about spending more—it’s about spending smart.
If you missed the first two parts of the series, you can catch up here:
Before We Start: A Little Beauty Truth
Beauty is personal.
What works for one person might not work for another—and sometimes your skin (and your budget!) gets the final say.
So here’s your friendly reminder:
Your face, your rules.
The Core Principle
Splurge on skincare and products you use daily. Save on trends and fun extras.
Or, said another way:
Invest in your skin. Have fun with your makeup.
SPLURGE: Where it’s worth it
These are the products that support your skin long-term—the ones that actually do something.
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1. Moisturizer + Serum
Game changer.
At the suggestion of my dermatologist, I added a serum under my moisturizer—and wow. My skin felt dewy, hydrated, and for someone who has always struggled with dryness… this was a huge win.
And here’s the bonus:
a little goes a long way.
2. Sunscreen
If there’s one non-negotiable, this is it.
But here’s the key: it has to feel good.
If it’s thick, greasy, or leaves you looking like a ghost… you’re not going to use it.
As my dermatologist says:
“The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear.”
For me, finding a lightweight formula made all the difference. And a little reminder from my mom (that I wish I listened to sooner):
👉 Don’t forget your neck and hands!
3. Eye Cream + Lip Treatment
Ah yes… the fine lines.
Lucky me, I inherited my Grandma Lucile’s lip line (she smoked like a chimney—me? just a brief clove phase in high school 😅).
This area can be stubborn, so investing in products that target it is worth considering.
4. Hair Tools
While I haven’t quite pulled the trigger on a high-end blow dryer yet (hello, Mother’s Day 😉), I did invest in a quality flat iron years ago—and over a decade later, it’s still going strong.
Better tools = better results + less damage.
Hot Tip: A little It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product goes a long way in protecting your hair and taming frizz and flyaways.
5. Fragrance
Full disclosure: my allergies say no thank you to perfume.
But if you can wear it? A signature scent that makes you feel amazing is absolutely splurge-worthy.
For me, I’ve found a workaround—I use a lightly scented lotion instead. My go-to is Moonlight Path Body Lotion by Bath & Body Works. It’s affordable, not overpowering, and I get compliments on it all the time.
Sometimes it’s not about skipping something altogether—it’s just about finding what works for you.
SAVE: Where you can have fun
These are the areas where you can play, experiment and not feel guilty about switching things up.
1. Trendy Make Up
Bold colors, glitter, seasonal palettes…
They’re fun—but they come and go.
No need to overspend here.
2. Basic Make Up Staples
Let’s talk mascara.
From a girl who has tried just about every one to avoid the dreaded raccoon eyes… I can confidently say drugstore options hold their own.
And honestly? Some are just as good (if not better).
That said—if I ever find a miracle mascara that completely solves the problem, I will happily splurge 😄
3. Nail Polish
A great place to save—and still get salon-worthy results at home.
Two game changers for me:
They help polish last longer and keep everything looking fresh.
4. Bath & Shower Extras
This is your “treat yourself” category.
You can absolutely save here—but it’s also a fun place to indulge once in a while with a great soap, scrub, or mask.
Hot tip: My daughter swears by Shani Darden Skin Care Signature Nourishing Facial Mask. She says it makes a huge difference in an active breakout and reduces redness.
What I Actually Use (Real Life Edition)
At my dermatologist’s suggestion, I’ve leaned into a few tried-and-true products—and kept the rest simple.
If you’re curious, here’s a little peek into what I’m currently using day-to-day. Nothing fancy—just what works for me (and yes, all of it was dermatologist-approved 😉):
- Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
- Serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
- Moisturizer + Eye Cream: La Roche-Posay (a consistent favorite in my routine)
- Toner + Daily Exfoliant: Dermalogica
- Sunscreen: Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen + Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
- Lip: Maybelline SuperStay 24-Hour Lip Color
Subject to change depending on hormones, humidity… and how much sleep I got the night before 😅
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- If it doesn’t feel good, you won’t use it
- Drugstore finds can be just as effective
- Some products last forever—others expire quickly (and yes… those expiration dates can be eye-opening 😬)
- More product doesn’t always = better results
The Bottom Line: Beauty That Works for You
At the end of the day:
- Invest in your skin
- Save on the fun stuff
- Pay attention to what actually works for you
Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s feeling good in your own skin.
Wrapping Up the Series…
From your home… to your closet… to your beauty routine—
It all comes down to making thoughtful choices that fit your life and your budget.
And if you missed Part I (Home) or Part II (Closet), they’re worth a peek for even more smart splurges and savings.
Because let’s be honest… we’ve all had a few “what was I thinking?” purchases along the way 😉
Wanna Stay in Touch…
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Thanks for revealing your beauty secrets Shelley! I got some great info and ideas much appreciated 🤗
So glad you picked up some hints 🙂
I will be picking up Trader Joe’s sunscreen on my next visit!
Thank You for sharing your skin care routine.
TJ’s also has a mineral version but it leaves a bit of a white cast on the skin. Both great though. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂