Which high end make up products are actually worth the money?

[Lottapianos]

I'm going to do a mini splurge on Autumn make up. I'm getting a bit fed up of buying cheap lipsticks that wear off in no time at all and are really drying (Revlon is definitely an honourable exception). On the other hand, I've heard really negative reviews of some high end make up products (Chanel nail varnish chips like hell, Urban Decan Naked palettes are no better than the ?4 MUA palettes etc).

Here's what I'm after:

• Foundation - I have dry and dehydrated skin, I like medium coverage, preferably no SPF as I use it separately, glowy but not shiny finish
  

• Concealer - something to use on dark circles, redness and mild melasma, which doesn't look cakey or heavy
  

• Powder - tone down the shine, glowy finish, keep make up in place all day
  

-Lipstick - moisturising or at least not actively drying, good colour staying power, a colour that doesn't transfer onto glasses, mugs etc would be great

I'm willing to spend on the right products so I'm saying no budget limit (eek!). Any recommendations? Thanks

[Deeznutz]

I don't have your skin type but have tried loads of products both high end and high street.

Maybelline dream mousse is the best foundation in covering my pigmentation without turning cakey. I have tried double wear and Revlon Colorstay and found them claggy on the skin. I have tried some Chanel ones but they turn orange on my skin and don't give great coverage. Same with clarins.

I think L'oreal does the best mascaras.

Mac is best for eyeshadows. I used Brule as a cream base and it brightens the eye and stays put all day.

I find Avon glimmersticks the best eyeliners

I don't wear blush as I have no need.

My latest lipstick discovery is from Next. It's called 'true red' and is a blue toned mid red in a semi matte formulation that isn't drying, doesn't transfer much, doesn't bleed and is a shade that I think will suit most people. Revlon matte balm lipsticks are excellent. I like the shade 'sultry' - it's a mid toned rose plum.

I have never found a nail varnish with any staying power.

I have been impressed with Collistar make-up but as it's Italian it is hard to come by.

I think it's worth splashing out on high end perfume though.

[maybemyrtle]

I agree with Chanel Vitalumiere foundation (not the aqua one), not sure about SPF but you've pretty much described it otherwise in your OP. Also definitely worth looking at Chantecaille Future Skin in Space NK if you want a real splurge. God I used to love that stuff!

Not sure what else to suggest; I am super fussy about lippies and am ekeing out three that I believe have been discontinued (Edward Bess, By Terry, Chantecaille). Sad face.

[BetterWithCheese]

I love the YSL Glossy Stain, lasts for ages. I just got the YSL Touché Éclat Foundation but I don't like it as much as Lancome Teint Miracle. My favourite mascaras are the Benefit curling one and No7 Stay Perfect.

[lurkingaround]

See, I really like Chanel Vitalumière Aqua, but then I don't like much make up. It has really nice light coverage with a subtle glow. V nice. Armani luminous Silk is also nice.

Other makeup? Not a great believer. Maybe Babydoll mascara. Honestly can't sya I've found much difference between cheap and expensive mascara, lipstick etc.

Currently using Chanel foundation, Dior glow blusher thing (nice, possibly worth it), a Bourjois powder (love it, last on was Laura Mercier, can't see a whole lot of difference). Doll'd up mascara (really cheap, quite like it), Collection concealer, Mac lipstick. But I don't like a heavy makeup look, depends a lot I what you like.

[FionaGallagher]

Chanel and Giorgio Armani foundations (Vitalumiere Aqua and Lasting Silk - used VA for a long time until I switched to korean CC cream)
Chanel Rouge Allure and Tom Ford lipsticks
Chanel JC blushes

For everything else, you can go drugstore. Urban Decay is fantastic for mascara, and it's not drugstore, but so is Maybelline Hypersharp.

[FrugalFashionista]

I used to be a major Chanel fan and I am still using up my huge stash but I have found that Max Factor and Kiko lipsticks and eye pencils are just as good if not better. Nars have some lovely unusual eye shadow shades but again just about anything is dupeable. I have some Nars blushes but don't love them. I actually prefer a Kiko cheapie and Chanel Narcisse.

Chanel foundations have never worked for my skin type, they go patchy by midafternoon and their shade range does not match my pale cool-toned skin. Dior products were far superior but I developed an allergy to them. Korean BB creams and cushions, Lily Lolo mineral foundation and Revlon Colorstay have been my all-time favorites. They are budget alternatives that work far better than the h/e stuff I have.

[Turquoiseblue]

I love nars foundation- if you re going to splurge then go and get a trial and sample (I had to try a few shades as found it a bit yellow )


Was coming on to suggest Armani silk foundation too- it s lovely.
Love mac for eyeshadows but I ve found recent purchases don't have the same staying power as my older versions , not sure if it s my skin or their formulations.
I ve had some really lovely Laura mercer and Bobbi brown eye shadow palettes - Christmas usually a good time to get them so they re on my list for then (and LM body cream)
Find the UD 'naked' palettes disappointing after all the reviews I read, wouldn't go there again.

Nars concealer - excellent, or also have the Laura mercier one in a little pot - which beauty editor s rave about - I found it too heavy and waxy.

Love nars bronzer and blush for everyday glow.

Have a few mac lipsticks I like but my fave is tom ford - for luxurious packaging and colour and staying power.

I need a good mascara though - might try your recommendations here.

[FrugalFashionista]

I really like the Nars concealer but cheap drugstore options are very close - Revlon Colorstay and Physician's Formula, Collection probably as well (haven't tried it).

[BleachedBarnet]

Nars, Laura Mercier, Charlotte Tilbury and YSL are all fantastic brands and, to me, worth the money. That said I'm a make up fan and half of the joy of it is the beautiful packaging for me

Jouer - which you can get on Cult Beauty - is the best none-high street make up I've used. I'm utterly obsessed with the luminising moisture tint, the cheek/lip tints, the highlighters and more. Fantastic brand!

[MrsMarigold]

Laura Mercier foundation and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer or Chantecaille foundation if I'm feeling rich (£60)!!!

[NeverNic]

Like pp I'm lead by foundation colours. Drug store brands just don't match my skin. I'm fair but with brown freckles and my skin is naturally pink toned. Everywhere seems to do yellow toned foundations and I either look dirty or chalky. I used to use Mac but since having kids I have a warmer complexion and their shades don't match. I swear by Bobbi Brown, which I hardly ever see recommended on Mn. She has formulations for all types, though I think they all have an spf in them. I currently use her tinted moisturiser with her under eye concealer in light bisque. (don't buy the duo pot though - waste of money). I also love her blushers that imo last.

Lipstick I rarely wear. I use Mac, but for colour only. Don't notice it lasts longer but the colours suit ans the consistency is nice. I have a Ysl lip and cheek tint that lasts forever though.

[Flambola]

I spend my money on my foundation. GA Luminous Silk is my HG - I bloody love the stuff. Expensive, but worth every penny.

[SuperFlyHigh]

Dior Star is meant to be a great foundation.

My next buy/tries will be a NARS foundation and the Dior Star.

I've got some Kiko makeup but only been in there once (the other things have been presents).

Pixi (when I'm near the shop) does some lovely makeup too.

also Top Shop - they do a great lipstick/gloss in one - I've got Harness which is a red. very good quality, nice colour and staying power and I think about 8GBP.

[MaryBerrysEyelashes]

high end
its a funny term people only ever write, not say, isnt it?

[MaryBerrysEyelashes]

i am dry - i like chanel vitalumiere, wouldnt bother with anything cheaper

Cream blush always

I like Bobbi brown as a brand generally, once you find a rep you like all the better

[SuperFlyHigh]

Mary - yes I'd say posh/more expensive if saying it in words…

I agree re cream blush my MAC one is great. wouldn't go back to powder.

Bobbi Brown is very good - my old branch in Elys Wimbledon had good SAs/MAs and the great thing about them is you can try stuff, not buy it - so get a 5 minute eye or whatever and there's no hard sell - compared to say Dior.

[MaryBerrysEyelashes]

i prefer clarins new concealer to the Nars or bb ones

[Lottapianos]

Yes kimcat, I've had great success with Rimmel Wake Me Up and Rimmel Match Perfection. I did read a review of MP where they said it was virtually the same as Touche Eclat. That's why I started this thread, because I wonder if a lot of high end stuff is style over substance

[louwn]

My favourite lipstick is the £1 Superdrug MUA matte ones - amazing and stay best out of any I've tried. Obviously still have to reapply with it being lipstick!