Why I Spend $44 on Hairspray (And Other Crazy Beauty Splurges)

Beauty is pain is being broke.

beauty splurge

There goes $721. | Images via Nordstrom, Lush, RevitaLash, Oribe, Saks, Violet Grey, and Santa Maria Novella.

It turns out, here at Philly Mag, we’re suckers for a good beauty product (or twelve). From ultra-luxe moisturizers to concealers that cost their weight in gold, we’ll shell out that hard-earned cash for a few choice beauty boosters. Inspired by the beautiful minds at Elle, here are the products that Philly Mag staffers hate to love. 

Santa Maria Novella Olio Cosmetico ($90)
“This body oil is the best thing ever. It’s crazy and it just feels so freakin’ luxurious like I’m an Italian princess in the 1500s or SOMETHING. It’s amazing.” —Adjua Fisher, Health and Fitness Editor.

Dior Airflash Foundation ($62)
“It’s so good. You spray it on your face, and it stays forever—it doesn’t move. You can’t tell you have foundation on when you wear it.” —Alexandra Nodiff, Corporate HR Manager.

RevitaLash ($98) and RevitaBrow ($110)
“I didn’t even really expect them to work, but about two months after using them, I started getting some compliments…but it actually wasn’t until Christy said, ‘Something looks different, your eyes look good,’ that I realized after that it must be those products!” —Ashley Primis, Executive Editor. (Psst: Read her nine other tips for kicking postnatal depletion here.)

Valmont Clarifying Surge ($325)
“I’m obsessed with it. It makes my skin feel like heaven. I just do a drugstore face wash, but with this moisturizer, my skin feels like I got a facial.” —Rachel Chernaskey, Editorial Assistant.

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer ($70)
“It’s the greatest thing in the entire world. It’s magic. It’s expensive but lasts me a full year.”  —Alexandra Jennings, Corporate Business Manager.

Tom Ford True Coral Lipstick ($52—That’s right, the price went down!)
I rarely wear lip color, but about five years ago, I lost my mind and bought a $68 tube of lipstick. It really is the perfect coral, but again: I hardly ever wear lipstick. It does look great on my vanity, though.” —Emily Goulet, Lifestyle Editor.

Lush Mask of Magnaminty ($25.95)
“It’s really refreshing. It’s also a gritty clay scrub, but it’s natural so doesn’t overwhelm my sensitive skin.— Zoë Kirsh, Research Editor.

Biologique Recherche P50 Toner ($95)
“It makes a big difference with my pores, and I notice my skin looks dull on my forehead and cheeks when I stop using it.” —Christy Speer Lejeune, Deputy Editor.

Bare Minerals Flawless Complexion Essentials ($89)
“I would never ever not use this, ever. I would never get another cheaper product.” —Nicole Scott, Managing Editor.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($44)
“It’s the bomb. It gives you that messy look that actually lasts all day. For me who has no volume in my hair whatsoever, it gives a really nice texture and volume. And it smells really good.”—Emily Leaman, Lifestyle Director.

Biologique Recherche Creme Dermopurifiante ($90)
“I’m ok with splurging on a good moisturizer because it sinks into your skin all night long. This one is really hydrating without feeling super heavy. It smells awful, but it’s worth it.” —me!