How to Get the Most Beauty Bang For Your Buck
Complexion Perfecters: Great Steals
"So much of what women spend big beauty dollars on—getting rid of wrinkles and brown spots—can be prevented," says New York dermatologist Elizabeth Hale. "Unless you commit to a strict regimen of sunblock and a retinoid, even the best in-office laser treatment is a waste of money." Hale's top retinoid pick: prescription Retin-A to boost collagen, lighten dark spots, and improve texture. "Most insurance doesn't cover it, and it can cost as much as $300, but ask your doctor to write an Rx for the generic formula [tretinoin], and you can save a few hundred dollars. If you use it on a regular basis, you won't need chemical peels or microdermabrasion," she says. If your skin (or pocketbook) can't tolerate prescription strength, she recommends RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $22.99, rocskincare.com.
Complexion Perfecters: Great Steals
Sunblock every morning is critical, and Hale says some of the best are in the drugstore aisles. "Look for one with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30." Try Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer SPF 30.
Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer SPF 30, $13.99, ulta.com.
Complexion Perfecters: Best Investments
As for deeper, exfoliating cleansers, Elizabeth Tanzi, a codirector of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, in Washington, D.C., says it pays to spend a little bit more. "Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel pads [$88 for 30] have a higher concentration of acids than drugstore brands, along with ingredients that reduce inflammation. Alternate using them with a Clarisonic brush [from $99] and a gentle cleanser every other night, and you probably won't need facials." (Try Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, $6.99.)
Clarisonic Mia 3, $199, sephora.com.
Complexion Perfecters: Best Investments
The higher concentration of active ingredients in costly serums and moisturizers also make them a good investment. "Look for products with a combination of ingredients like retinol, glycolic acids, and antioxidants," Tanzi says. "I like Epionce Renewal Cream, which has hyaluronic acid to moisturize and peptides to support healthy skin."
Epionce Renewal Facial Cream, $94, dermstore.com.
Complexion Perfecters: Best Investments
New York dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank is a fan of Chanel Le Lift Sérum, which contains resveratrol to lift skin.
Chanel Le Lift Sérum, $175, chanel.com.
Complexion Perfecters: Best Investments
And makeup artist Nick Barose, whose clients include Lupita Nyong'o and Kate Mara, loves Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream. "It adds an instant glow so you need less foundation."
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, $95, bergdorfgoodman.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Best Investments
When it comes to makeup, the same rules as those in fashion apply: Invest in a few key neutrals, and save on trendier pieces. "Foundation is worth spending on because you don't get as much color range in drugstore brands and you can't try before you buy," Barose says. His favorite: Sisley Phyto-Teint Éclat liquid foundation. "It feels luxurious and sets to a perfect velvety finish." Luckily, there's no need to spend a lot on a new bottle when your skin tone changes with the seasons. "Blend it with a drop of Illamasqua Skin Base Mixer [$42], and you can make any foundation lighter or darker," he explains.
Sisley Phyto-Teint Éclat, $122, nordstrom.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Best Investments
For eyes, he likes Tom Ford's Cocoa Mirage compact. The colors suit every skin tone, and "you can use it as shadow, on brows, and as eyeliner with a wet brush, so you get a lot for your money."
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Cocoa Mirage, $79, violetgrey.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Great Steals
Makeup artist Troy Surratt, who has worked with the Kardashians and Adele, loves shopping drugstore aisles for staying on trend and scoring a serious steal. "There's so much color happening now, but if you're not sure of your ability to rock a blue eyeliner or a bright lip, buy an inexpensive version first." Try Maybelline New York Master Kajal Eye Liner in Navy Night and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice.
Maybelline New York Master Kajal Eye Liner in Navy Night, $7.99, ulta.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Great Steals
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, $6.39, drugstore.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Best Investments
Barose agrees but advises shelling out for a good lip liner. "Votre Vu Drawmatic Lip Liner has avocado oil in it, so it goes on smoothly and is easy to use. It's also long-lasting, so it will make any lipstick wear better. Get a shade that matches your lips rather than a specific lipstick color so you can use it with all of your lip tints."
Votre Vu Drawmatic Lip Liner, $21, votrevu.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Great Steals
A high-low mix is the way to go for nails as well. A salon gel manicure averages about $40, but it will last for weeks. For DIY paint jobs, fashion-favorite manicurist Michelle Saunders loves drugstore polishes. "My favorites for fall are both by Essie—Style Cartel for a deep navy and Take It Outside for a neutral [$8.50 each]." But, she says, "splurge on a good base and top coat to make polish last longer." Saunders suggests OPI Nail Envy base coat ($17.95) and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($9.99).
Essie Nail Polish in Style Cartel, $8.50, essie.com.
Makeup Must-Haves: Great Steals
Tom Bachik, who has tended the nails of Jennifer Lopez, recommends a nightly dose of cuticle oil to keep polish from chipping. "I actually use L'Oréal's Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil," he says.
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil, $24.99, drugstore.com.
Hair Secrets: Best Investments
"To protect your hair, a good shampoo and conditioner are critical," claims celeb stylist Eva Scrivo. "They have repairing ingredients such as ceramides and lipids found in facial serums, and they're usually more concentrated, so you don't need as much." Her picks are Kérastase Paris Bain Fluidealiste and Fondant Fluidealiste.
Kérastase Paris Bain Fluidealiste, $39, and Fondant Fluidealist, $42, kerastase-usa.com.
Hair Secrets: Great Steals
One thing you can skip: expensive salon conditioning treatments. "Home hair masks are just as effective," promises New York stylist Nunzio Saviano. "Apply the mask after shampooing, and cover it with a shower cap for 25 minutes." Try Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Reconstructing Butter.
Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Reconstructing Butter, $5.99, drugstore.com.
Hair Secrets: Best Investments
Ryan Cotton, who works with Emma Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, likes to mix it up when using styling products and brushes. "Just a tiny amount of Living Proof Amp Instant Texture Volumizer is perfect for a messy, undone look that won't be greasy and flat at the end of the day," he says.
Living Proof Amp Instant Texture Volumizer, $24, livingproof.com.
Hair Secrets: Great Steals
"But I'm also a huge fan of Psssst! Dry Shampoo. It smells so fresh and can make a blowout last longer." Cotton recommends splurging on a Mason Pearson boar-bristle brush (from $120). "You will have it your whole life. It's ideal for smoothing hair, breaking up curls, and even shaping retro waves," he says. "For untangling wet hair, though, I'm addicted to the Wet Brush [$8.99]."
Freeman Psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo, $5.99, ulta.com.
Hair Secrets: Best Investments
Finally, stylists agree that an ionic blow-dryer with a high-powered motor will not only save you precious time but "will dry hair faster and cause less damage," says Tommy Buckett, an in-demand New York stylist. His favorite: Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000.
Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000, $300, harryjosh.com.
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