10 High End Products Worth your Money!
Hello my beautiful Makeup Geeks! All of us have been faced with the dilemma of buying a rather expensive product and wondering if it lives up to the price tag that comes along with it. Since I have already shared with you my top 10 list of products under $10.00, today I wanted to share with you my top 10 products worth spending your money on.
It’s important to know what to spend your money on. Most products have an inexpensive dupe, but there are certain products that are worth spending your money on that have no equal. This list will help you decide where to spend your money and which products live up to their claim of “high end”.
Blow is our list of top 10 high end products that are worth spending your extra bucks.
Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation
Price – $62.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon, and eBay
Foundation makes all the difference in the way your skin appears. Although I don’t recommend wearing this every day because it’s too much, it’s perfect for weddings, proms, or any special occasions. This gives you the perfect airbrushed skin without all the expensive airbrush equipment normally used.
Other recommendations are the Makeup Forever HD Foundation which sells for $42.00 USD at Sephora and on EBay and Amazon and Lancome Teint Idole which retails for $44.00 USD at Sephora, EBay and Amazon.
Diorskin Forever Compact Powder
Price- $49.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, eBay, and Amazon
This creamy powder can be used in a couple of ways. It can be used as a pressed powder or if you get a darker shade you can apply this as a bronzer. The powder has a remarkable buttery texture to it which makes it feel supple when applying. I love the convenience of having this in a compact which makes it wonderful for taking with you on the go. The color I have here is #060 in Light Mocha which I use as a bronzer.
YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) Touché Éclat Highlighting Pen
Price – $40.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon
This multi-action pen does a couple of things. It helps brighten up problem areas like the under eye area but it also works as a concealer to help hide blemishes and dark circles. The lightweight, creamy formula is perfect for the under eye area as it won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer
Price – $31.99 – $35.00
Where to Buy: Makeup Geek, Amazon, and eBay
This is a great concealer for those people with severe under eye circles. It contains 2 different shades of concealer that can be mixed and matched for the perfect shade. The formula is very creamy and easily blended for perfect coverage. It is also extremely pigmented which is great for those of us with blue tinted dark circles as this helps to cancel out any blueness.
Armani Fluidsheer Highlighter
Price – $59.00
Where to Buy: giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com, Amazon, eBay
Some highlighters try too hard by adding an excessive amount of glitter or shimmer in their highlighters. Not so with this weightless, velvety highlighter from Armani. The lightweight formula won’t pull off your foundation or blush color when applied to your cheeks and adds a stunning glow to your skin. It’s perfect for the tops of the cheeks as well as the bridge of the nose and chin. A little goes a long way so this bottle will last a very long time.
Tarte Blushes
Price – $25.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon, and eBay
These highly pigmented blushes are perfect for every skin type and come in a good assortment of colors. Tarte blushes have no harmful ingredients and are made from all natural ingredients. They are creamy and smooth and glide on the skin effortlessly.
MAC Fix Plus Spray
Price – $10.00
Where to Buy: MAC, Amazon, eBay
This is a perfect way to add a dewy finish to your skin and get rid of the cakey look. This works best for people who have dry to combination skin. This helps to calm the skin and give an overall finished look to your makeup. Check out the review “Mac Fix Plus vs. Model in a Bottle
Clinique “Take the Day Off” Makeup Remover
Price – $18.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon, and eBay
This makeup remover quickly takes off makeup without tugging or pulling the skin. It removes long lasting makeup in one swipe so you don’t have to rub the skin to get your makeup removed. It is ophthalmologist tested and is safe for sensitive eyes as well as contact wearers and all skin types.
Makeup Forever Star Powder
Price – $20.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon, and eBay
These come in 26 amazing colors to try. They are very finely milled and can be used for a variety of things. Use on the lids, on the cheekbones as a highlight or on the lips to add a touch of glimmer. Either way these are a must have for any makeup lover.
Beauty Blender
Price – $18.99 – $19.95 (Save Money on the Double Pack)
Where to Buy: Makeup Geek, Sephora, Amazon, and eBay
This little egg shaped sponge is remarkable. It gives your foundation a flawless, airbrushed finish. It can be used not only for foundation but to blend out the color from your blush or to help smooth on cream blushes.
And there you have it, my top 10 list of “high end” products. I highly recommend all of these and have been using them for quite a while myself. I hope this list helps and can assist you when it comes to making a more pricey investment. I hope you all are staying happy and healthy!











Hi Marlena, i love the Tarte blushes to they r my fav, also love your look in this video. Tutoral?
I taped it, but it didn’t turn out well so I will retape for you all
Thank goodness! I was thinking…Ok – I need this look
You are awesome Marlena, thank you. Can’t wait to see it.
Can you do a tutorial on the makeup you’re wearing in this video? It’s amazing!
It’s practically the same as her last tutorial, just more intense. (Gold on lid, more intense coral in the crease, eyeliner.)
Marlena the makeup your wearing is beautiful! PLEASE do a tutorial?
Hey Marlena- Just a quick correction you may want to fix. The MAC Fix+ is $20, not $10. I loove your videos and hope you keep making them for many years to come!! PS- I just purchased the Makeup Forever HD foundation value set from Sephora with the primer and HD powder. Have you tried either of these products with the foundation? If so, what are your thoughts?
MAC now has a travel size of the Fix + for 10 bucks.
Hey Angela, the fix plus is $40 in Austalia… You guys have it worked out in the US!
The travel size is perfect for your purse makeup bag, or even for traveling. IF you use it as much as I do (its magic in a bottle!), its definitely worth the extra to get the full size. Also, I have found most counter MAC’s dont carry the travel size
.
Little aside on the HD powder: It’s just silica powder with a mahoosive markup in price. (In other words, it’s too expensive for what it is.) If you like the powder, I’d suggest buying it in bulk from Coastal Scents or TK Trading.
ELF makes this silica powder also, $6, same exact product, I own them both.
If you’re talking about ELF’s HD powder, it’s actually different. It’s got dry dimethicone in it. Totally different stuff than silica. I have ELF’s HD powder, pure silica, pure dry dimethicone, and a whole lot of other raw ingredients because I mix my own custom powders.
Hi
I just wanted to add my favourite beauty product. I love Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser. So if you like a sheer finish to your foundation this is a great product. It has a slight shimmer so your skin just glows. It’s great for sensitive skin like mine (I suffer from dermatitis) & has SPF 15 so I know my skin is protected from the sun. It is a little pricey $78 (in Australia) but it’s a great quality product & you only need half a pump to cover your whole face so one bottle will last you a very long time!
For all you Aussie makeup geeks check it out at:
http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au/shop/Hourglass/IllusionTintedMoisturiserSPF15/
Not sure if they ship overseas though.
Lisa
Thankyou for the tips!!
Marlena I love your eyes on this video girl please please do a tutorial on your fabulus eye make up
I am dying of envy they look top dollar honey please please tell me how you did it
I love it 100%
Keep on rocking girl and do not stop
Bye !
I love my beauty blender! I’ve been eyeing that YSL concealer for a little while now. I’m definitely picking this up soon!
Hi Francie, hi from Melbourne! I use the MUG stippling brush for foundation and love it… I am curious about the beauty blender and want to know if you think it’s better than the brush and if so, why? I guess I am trying to know if it’s worth getting if I already really like the brush… Just asking your opinion, thank you!
Meant to say Fancie, sorry!
I think they’re both really good
If you like the brush, you probably wouldn’t need the beauty blender. if you do work on clients though, the beauty blender is a little softer and easier to work with. But both are good
I must say that I strongly disagree with you about the YSL Touché Éclat Highlighting Pen. I bought it thinking that it’d be amazing, but I think it’s ridiculously over-priced for what it does. I honestly can’t believe I spent that much money on a sheer, shimmery liquid that didn’t do much at all except make my under eye are look white in photos… oh, how I regret buying that. I completely agree with you about the Tarte blushes though, I only own one but I think it’s amazing! So pigmented and long-lasting, I just love it!
If I use the touche eclat on its own, it’s not very good- I totally agree. I have to use as a highlighter on top of my concealer/foundation just to brighten the area. but as a concealer alone, it’s not good. And yes, the tarte blushes are freaking amazing!
Hey Marlena!!!
So, I am madly in love with the colour Satin Taupe by MAC. It’s stunning. The original 88 palette from CS has a dupe, but I ran out of it a looong time ao. Ive been looking into buying a new palette, because I miss the color and it’s a much better price than mac, however, I also was curious to try MUG eyeshadows. Is there a MUG eyeshadow that is a dupe for Satin Taupe? I was aslo wondering, because I was just on CS, if yuu would say there is a dupe in the new 252 color palette. There seem to be a lot similar, but I’m just not sure, because it has so many different colors in it. Please let me know, especially about the MUG eyeshadows, because Ive been itching to try them!
Thank yuu so much!! It’s been a pleasure to see the site grow.
Love,
Karyn <33
Hey! I just bought a wet & wild eye shadow trio called silent treatment and the lid shade in the trio is a perfect dupe for Satin Taupe. (I own it, and compared the two ) hope this helps!
Hi Karyn
We actually have one that’s very close coming out VERY soon (I already signed off on the color and formula)- it is called “Prom Night”. I think you will like this one a lot
Another one that is close, but not exact is “Moondust”
Okay, good to know, thank yuu!!!
I love Moondust! It’s my favouite shade out of all of the MUG shadows I’ve bought
Hi!
I really want to buy the Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer, but it is so hard to buy things online because we dont know the exact color! Can you tell me which color it is yours? And which color are you in MAC concealer, just to help me find my color on the eve pearl salmon…
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
=)
I’m pretty sure Marlena mentioned she uses tan. I believe she mentioned the color really helps to cover any dark circles she may have. Since it is a corrector she then covers it with her foundation or concealer etc. So I dont believe the color honestly matters, at least not when it comes to the color of your skin. It depends more on the severity of the discoloration beneath the eye area (or where ever needed). I swear by eve pearl salmon concealer! I personally use dark and I’m an NC42 in Mac. It’s so orangey there is no way I can wear it alone but I use either the YSL touché éclat over it or actually I’ve been enjoying the loreal true match concealer lately! I have no idea what she is in mac though sorry! Hope this can help though!!
I agree the loreal true match is a foundation line that does not disappoint! I keep going back to it!
OMG! You look beautiful! What lipstick are you wearing?
Makeup Geek Adorable with NYX’s Tea Rose lipgloss on top
Thanks Marlena awesome as always! Quick question, which shade/number do you use in the YSL Touché Éclat concealer?
Love from Australia!! xo
I bought the Eve Pearl concealer a while ago and i am rather dissapointed. Even the lightest color is too dark for me :/ I prefer the Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier concealers/correctors.
Have you tried putting under your foundation? It’s a corrector, so the color will be quite orange looking. They’re meant to wear underneath foundations or other concealers
Hi Marlena, I think you are such a peach! I love love love your tutorials. Okay, now that I’ve gushed. I am also Italian, and I have the dark circles as well, obviously you made your list of great products under 10, and now the high end products worth buying, but do you know of any drugstore versions of the eve pearl salmon concealer by chance? Or anything that might be comparable?
Thanks for all the videos I love how you have ten cheep and ten highend everything I have Tryed after seeing your videos has been worth my money and I really love the mugs eyeshadow also great job I can’t wait till I can get lipsticks that’s something I hate buying on line because I want to see in person but every time I try lip shades you suggest I have loved loved loved them your spot on and you haven’t disappointed me yet so keep up the good work and keep mugs makeup comming and you look great I would love to know what to do about my fuss it’s got so bad I look like a fuss ball after applying foundation even after I use fix plus do I shave it or wax it I don’t want it to come back thicker or darker but its all over like my high cheek bone on my jaw line over the lip and chin and even temples I just thought I’d ask about it and get some ones advice about what to do thanks for everything you do for your mugs bonbon
Hi Bonnie
Thanks so much for your support! I actually shave some as I hate having peach fuzz in my foundation… It doesn’t grow back thicker
I like Tarte products. I have seven of their blushes and they are nice.
Very nice!!!
I have one blog also and I just posted looks from Los Angeles, take a look:
http://www.thegavlaks.com
I definitely want them all. Nice list!!
Great Job!
<33
I totally agree with you on the clinique makeup remover!!!!!
Can you tell me what color you use for the Armani Fluidsheer Highlighter? Please!!!
It’s in the color #2. It’s also available at Nordstrom.com
I love your look in this video, it means business! Its Diva, Slightly vampy, kickass. Its broad and vivid but very ell done, new on my faves list!
Thanks so much!! I had fun with this- I just need to retape it as the first one didn’t turn out
Marlena, I would love to see a tutorial on your makeup for this video. It is so beautiful. Also, thanks for the video. Many of the products you mentioned I do own and they are amazing, especially the Armani Fluid Sheer. I love love love it!!!
Love your makeup in this video! TUTORIAL! Please
Would you do a tutorial on the Star Powders?
Just purchased the salmon eye concealer in”light”. Love the tat!:)
It looks like the Star Powders are pigments. I’ve never seen them before. Have you ever tried Medusa’s Makeup Eye Dusts and Eye Glitter? They’re AWESOME and inexpensive. I’d love to see a review of Medusa’s Makeup products. They’re cruelty free and have super fun names and colors. Oh, just a note – make sure to get their primer (Stick It & The Fix).
Thanks for being fabulous and sharing your thoughts and tips!
Ooh.. those sound interesting! Do I buy them online?
Yes, you can go to http://www.medusasmakeup.com and check them out. Also, they have THE BEST lipglosses I’ve tried (haven’t tried Nyx ones yet I know you love those). They are currently having a lip gloss sale – each gloss is $4 or you can get all 12 colors for $29. Their glosses are pigmented, very moisturizing and not sticky. I’m a big fan. I hope I helped turned you on to some more fun makeup! Lots of love and have a fabulous weekend!
Hi Marlena! Love your makeup, everything looks good on you. I just saw the price on the YSL and i almost faint, this product is around £20 – £23 in the UK, unbelievable! And girls, the 100 ml Fix+ is £12!!! Oh, and I found this great invisible MAC setting powder which is meant to be better than the prep+prime translucent powder, because this one is not ashy, but what it’s also great is that it comes in a 30g pot! That is a lot of loose powder! And for the same price, the prep+prime is only 8g! You have to go to a PRO MAC STORE if you want it though. It’s only £18.50!!!
A product I love from MAC, specially if you are a makeup artist wannabe like me, are the Face and Body foundations, they’re meant to be sheer coverage, but, wow! They cover a lot! And they are very smooth and leave to your skin such a dewy natural finish. I have combination to oily skin though, but you can really pull it through with some powder around the nose and on the forehead. They are a little bit pricey, £25.50 each in the UK. But you get 120 ml per bottle, and they have a white foundation, which is great for mixing colours, specially if you have a really fair skin client.
Hi Marlena! As always great video. Always super informative to help us out. Which shade of the Armani Sheer fluid do you use? Went to their site to buy it and they have a few. Is it 11-Pale Shimmering Rose or 2-Shimmering Beige?
are there any other types of beauty blenders that work just as well?
Could you please please do a tutorial on your makeup for this video!!! It looks amazing!!! <3
**Which Tarte blush would you suggest is a universal shade that looks good on alot of people?? I want to start with a sure thing!
Marlena I need your help. I want to orde the eve pearl salmon concealer but I don’t know which color to get I wear the nw35 studio finish concealer and I also wear the nc42 select I have also used the Bobbi brown corrector in dark bisc and concealer in honey. . My foundation color is anywhere from nc42-nc44 studio fix liquid.. I am Indian and I also wear the studio sculpt. I have really bad dark circles and I just don’t know what to do anymore I’m crying out to you for help. I just feel that the foundations are not matching up with the concealers. What color do you think I am in the eve pearl? PLEASE HELP ME MARLENA!!!
great video and thanks for the makeup tips
Hi Marlena, love your videos , you said in this video you had the same product for 1 or 2 years, does it mean you can keep your make up over 6 months, i heard someone said that over 6 monts make up turn bad or something…is it true??
thanks
Since you mentioned the MAC setting spray I thought I should say that Urban Decay has a really good setting spray called “all nighter”. I have really oily skin and just a few sprays of that stuff makes my make up stay on all night, even in the club, you should definately try it.
Good Morning Marlena, I went out and purchased a new mascara it is the Loreal Paris Voluminous. Just a quick question I found that this mascara smudges after a couple of hours of wearing it. Do you have any tips or maybe I’m just not applying it properly. I would greatly appreciate any tips you would be able to offer. Thanks again and have a great day
Hi Marlena! I love your site, I have learned so much, I can’t thank you enough. I know you love the beauty blender for applying foundation but you have also mentioned how much you like a stippling brush. I would like to order either one, would you say you prefer one over the other?? I’ve tried to find the answer, but I just can’t figure it out
Thank you!
Marlena – great picks here, I’ll definitely be going out and snatching up a few of these! I bought the Makeup Forever 5 Camouflage cream palette (green) and its working wonders on people’s skin – have you tried it?
@janekolb
markena- my makeup geek queen !
I am in a makeup rut and need some suggestions and help – especially since I have come down with a case of melasma and want a makeup to help camouflage it.
Do u do one on one applications and how tos?
I’m so self conscious and want some fresh ideas –
A million thanks
For the makeup remover, do u have to only use it to remove from lips, eyes & lashes? can u use it for the whole face?
spray foundation looks useful!
hey marlena! have you tried the sephora brand airspray foundations? my friend and i were in there and saw them and thought that they were amazing! (and WAY less than the dior one! hehehe) maybe i see a product smackdown in the future?(:
Love the colour you are wearing on your lips! Actually, love the whole look – please could you do a tutorial? :0)
You pronounced Touche Eclat (tooshay clah) correctly! There are 10 tones now.
I really want a MAC eyeshadow pallete, but i already have the naked 1 pallete, elf palletes, sephora pallate, pixi pallate, inglot pallate and many single eyeshadows. What should i do?
i just bought the armani fluid sheer in #2!!! can’t wait to start using it! i bought this in paris so, i’m waiting to fly home before i start playing with it. <3 great recommendation. swatched it like 10x in the store on different occasions. love the look on my hand. hope it looks even more amazing on the face.