Splurge or Save

To save or to splurge... that is the ultimate question.

Happy Monday, everyone! Now, in this economy, money isn't exactly the best subject to be brought up and talked about. It's a sensitive subject and people are truly having a tough time just living life day-to-day, having food, or even a house to live in. If you're fortunate enough to be able to spend some extra money on beauty and fashion, money is still something that you don't exactly want to waste. Right now, I'll go over some common beauty products that you do not need to splurge on and can save some money on, and others that you may want to save up and spend some extra money on.

Eye Lash Curler

I firmly believe that you do not need to spend a ton of money on an eye lash curler. No matter how new and inventive they are, it's a beauty tool used for the same purpose no matter what. I know the new Urban Decay lash curler came out and looks really amazing, but I would honestly not spend $20 on a lash curler. I'm perfectly content with my $3 Sally Hansen curler that I know how to maneuver and get my lashes perfect with.

Mascara

Personally, I have a tough time deciding on this one. I have tried both department and drug store brands of mascara, and it honestly just depends on the type of mascara you want. Clinique sells an amazing bottom lash mascara for $10, and then I use Maybelline Falsies on my top lashes. The combination totals to about $16 for mascara, which is in between the price of a drugstore and department store mascara.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is something I think you must definitely be able to spend a few extra bucks on. Save your money until you can buy a quality palette (Urban Decay, Mac, Estee Lauder, etc.) over just a cheap ELF or Cover Girl shadow. The quality eye shadow will last longer throughout the day, and overall be a better buy.

esteelauder.com

Makeup Brushes

Once again, I have to go with another splurge here. Makeup brushes are an investment, and something that should take thought and consideration into buying. Brushes are so expensive, that I suggest always looking online before buying and reading as many reviews as you can; go into buying them with as much knowledge of what you want as you can. For example, if you are just starting out, an angled brush or crease brush are definitely not important. Start with a basic, but good quality foundation and eye shadow brush.

Eye Liner

Eye liner, no matter what color or type (gel, pencil, etc.), is a product that I do not splurge on. Ever. Really, I just feel that eye liner is eye liner and there's no need to get fancy. Now, I know others are going to disagree with my opinions, but I feel like if you can find the right drugstore brand, you can find yourself a nice eye liner.

Foundation

In an earlier post, I described my daily foundation routine, and I talked about mixing drugstore and department store foundation. Like the mascara, I'm in between on this matter. There are definitely some nice drugstore brand foundations, but I do love the feel of a nice department store foundation. This is up to a persons type of skin and sensitivity, so I can't give a real answer on this one.

Jewelry

So this may be an odd one out, but I figured I should include it. Now, I feel like every girl should be able to splurge once in her life on some big jewelry piece, whether it be a pair of diamond earrings or a pearl necklace, but otherwise costume jewelry is the way to go. I'm sure this goes for most people, but that's the type of jewelry I go for first! Unless I have a big night that requires heels and dressing up, I won't really wear my expensive jewelry. I'd rather play with my cheaper Forever 21 jewelry pieces on a day-to-day basis.

A one time splurge
of Tiffany diamond
earrings

What are your opinions on splurging on a quality beauty product versus saving your money and buying a cheaper alternative? Let me know in the comments below!