I'm a Beauty Editor, and These Are the Products I Would Never Splurge On

Few things in life fill me with more joy than opening up the lid of a seriously luxurious beauty product. It’s shallow, I know, but there’s something about the feeling I get when I know I’m treating myself to something great. I guess that famous advertising tag line sums it up so well: It’s because I’m worth it, right? That’s essentially how consuming luxury beauty products makes me feel, whether that’s treating myself to a nourishing hair mask or taking the time to really massage in my nightly moisturiser.

Having said that though, there are certain products I prefer to buy on a budget. While some high-end alternatives to my budget beauty favourites are wonderful, when it comes to spending my hard-earned cash, the budget buys win. After many years of testing and trialling new beauty launches, I have come to discover that certain products just aren’t worth a great expense—either because the budget options are just as great or because the results just don’t justify the cash.

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(Image credit: @EMMAHOAREAU)

Similarly, luxuries aside, I have also discovered that certain products often require a bit of extra expenditure if you actually want them to work. Take, for instance, certain powerhouse skincare ingredients that are notoriously difficult to formulate with and makeup items that have the edge over budget competitors due to slightly more expensive, but much more efficacious, ingredients.

I have spent years learning about what goes into beauty products, so keep scrolling to discover the items I’d always spend a little more cash on (and those I’d prefer to scrimp on).

Save: Cleanser

Spend: Antioxidants

Save: Mascara

Spend: Eye Shadow

Save: Foundation

Spend: Concealer

Save: Shampoo

Spend: Conditioner

Save: Blush

Spend: Bronzer

Save: Body Cream

Spend: Bath Soak

Save: SPF

Spend: Moisturiser

Save: Hyaluronic Acid

Spend: Exfoliating Acid

Up next, The 5 Skincare Mistakes I've Stopped Making Since Being a Beauty Editor

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.