When it comes to beauty products, I'm all about the high-low. By which I mean, if a low-end product does the job, I'm thrilled to save money on that purchase (I'm looking at you, Nyx lip gloss). But when a high-end product is exactly what I need and has outstanding results, I'm willing to splurge. So today, I'm sharing my favorite premium beauty product recommendations that are worth every single penny.
Let's start with skincare, where it's fine to scrimp on daily cleansers but totally worth it to splurge on a delicious-sounding face mask. I'm also sharing my absolute favorite, go-to, can't-live-without-it hair styling secret. And because premium men's grooming products is a growing category, I'm recommending some of the top-reviewed items, including this manly balm to keep manly lips soft. Take a look at all my premium beauty product recommendations, and treat yourself to something nice!
We hope you find these handy products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: we participate in affiliate programs, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page.
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This Body Cleansing Oil for Soap-Free Showers
I'd been thinking about trying a cleansing oil for my face when I chanced upon this body cleansing oil meant to be used in the shower or bath. I'm so glad I found this fabulous product! This cleansing oil by Bioderma is formulated to moisturize and clean skin with zero parabens, preservatives, soap, or anything else that can be drying or irritating to the skin. It's gentle enough for babies, and has a subtle herbal scent.
Your Hard-Working Hair Deserves a Chi Flat Iron
The right hair tool can make all the difference. Skip the cheap heat tools and invest in a Chi flat iron that will last years, if not decades. I've had mine for over 10 years and it's still good as new! The ceramic and titanium infused plates are strong and smooth, built to endure and to ensure a perfectly smooth result on your hair every time you use it.
Make Your Man's Beard the Envy of All With This Beard Envy Kit
It's so important to keep a beard clean and conditioned! This Beard Envy Kit will help. It includes a hydrating beard wash infused with aloe, an extra-firm boar bristle brush, and a styling product that contains jojoba oil. A little TLC with this kit results in a smooth, hydrated, nicely styled beard. Bonus: Reviewers say it smells incredible.
This Betty-Lou Bronzer for a Subtle, Gorgeous Glow
I used to be mystified by bronzer, assuming it was meant to achieve a suntanned look. Wrong! I finally learned that a dusting of bronzer tricks the light to make skin appear fresh and glowing. This Betty-Lou Bronzer is one of my favorite make-up products now! I initially picked it up solely based on the cheeky packaging, but was delighted to find that the mica-based bronzer is extremely high quality and easy to work with. I like to use a big powder brush and dust this bronzer on my cheeks and forehead for a run-out-the-door glow.
Biotin Thickening Shampoo Volumizes Fine, Thin Hair With No Build-Up
Everyone with fine, thin hair, raise your hand. I see you, sister. I've tried every volumizing product known to womankind, and while many do a good job on day one, they tend to build up and leave my hair limp on day two. I finally figured out that I needed to go beyond styling products and address the issue with the right shampoo. This Biotin Thickening Shampoo gives outstanding results.
This Bliss Lavender and Honey Mask for Intense Hydration
Warm weather means I need to step up my hydration, inside and out. I drink water, apply moisturizer, and when my skin really needs a boost, indulge in this Bliss Lavender and Honey Mask. This stuff is sooo luxurious. It looks like honey, smells like lavender, feels decadent on the skin, and leaves my face fresh and plumped up.
This Butter London Lip Gloss Is the Champagne-Scented Indulgence I Need Right Now
How good can a lip gloss be? Really, really good. This Butter London Lip Gloss is shiny, cushiony, and smells like a freshly opened bottle of Champagne. It's a splurge that won't break the bank, which is why I just ordered it in two different shades: Birthday Suit and Fireworks (oh yeah, their shade names are also irresistible).
One Minute a Day With the Olay Facial Brush Unlocks Your Best Possible Skin
If you only buy one product from this list, please make it the Olay Facial Brush. Listen: I resisted for years because of the price, but when I finally got my Olay, I couldn't believe what a difference it made. I use mine once a day in the shower with a mild cleanser on my face. My skin breaks out less, has zero flakes or dry patches, and looks younger and fresher than ever.
This Coffee Body Scrub Renews Skin With the Power of Caffeine
I've been using face masks for a while, but recently started incorporating body treatments into my self-care time on the weekend. This coffee body scrub is my latest find, and I'm hooked! Scoop out a handful of the scrub--it smells incredible--and gently yet vigorously massage into skin. One Amazon reviewer raves, "This scrub is literally my workout buddy. In the shower, just scrubbing the problematic areas once a week, your cellulite is gone!"
Mix and Match These Clean Layering Fragrances for 120 Customized Scents
Buying fragrance online can be tricky, which is why I love this Clean Rollerball Layering Collection. Not only is it surprisingly affordable, but the scents are mild and, as the name suggests, clean-smelling. Now, hold on tight, because I'm going to do some math. Five layerable fragrances means you can mix and match your way to 120 different scents! (Yep, this English major just calculated five factorial, and it felt good.)
This Color Wow Dream Coat for the Curls of Your Dreams
I wanted to include a curly hair product on this list, so I asked my friend Rebecca what she uses on her glorious, long curls, expecting her to list a half-dozen products. But no, she literally uses just. one. product: Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair. It was one of the most heartfelt personal recommendations I've ever heard. She also uses it on her mini-me 6-year-old daughter who has gorgeous curls of her own.
This Dermablend Quick-Fix Body Makeup Covers Tattoos and Scars
This Double-Sided Brush Set for Travel and Touch-Ups
I love my full-sized make-up brushes, but they take up an outsized amount of space when I travel or tote make-up on a day outing. Enter this handy travel brush set! The double-sided design is so smart, and the six brushes come neatly packed in a pouch that measures 7 by 4 inches. The bright colors are refreshing and make it easy to see if they're clean.
This Essie Strengthening Nail Polish Healed My Nails After They Got Sorta Ruined by Gel Manicures
When the pandemic descended, I stopped getting professional gel manicures and let them go natural. But once the gel came off, my nails were thin, brittle, peeling, and splitting. Turns out gel manicures aren't exactly healthy for nails. I did a little research and started using Essie Strengthening Nail Polish. It's easy--just swipe on for strengthening treatment (the formula includes collagen) and color. My nails looked better instantly, and after a few weeks, were much stronger and healthier.
This Eyelash Separator Removes Mascara Clumps for Flawless Lashes
This English Laundry Fragrance Sampler Makes Your Man Smell Good
This would be a fantastic "just because I love you and want you to smell better" gift. That's a typical gift-giving category, right? I love the idea of this English Laundry fragrance sampler, which lets you try out four different scents at an affordable price and without getting stuck with a giant bottle of a cologne you don't love. The set includes four 20ml bottles in these charmingly named scents: Arrogant, Notting Hill, Oxford Bleu, and Cambridge Knight.
These Green Tea Blotting Sheets Are an Upscale Solution to a Shiny Problem
Blotting sheets are nothing new, but it's fun to see luxury versions hitting the beauty shelves. Like other blotters, these green tea blotting sheets by Boscia are designed to absorb oil and sweat without disturbing make-up. But the quality that sets this product apart is the green tea infusion. Green tea is a natural antioxidant that soothes and calms down skin to leave the face looking fresh, so every blot is a favor to your skin. As an earth-loving bonus, everything from the sheets to the packaging is 100% vegan and plant-based.
These Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels Erase Signs of Stress
There's a lot of stress in the air these days, so self-care is more important than ever. I'm a big fan of yoga, meditation, and occasionally incorporating luxurious beauty products like this into my routine. These hydro cool firming eye gels by Skyn Iceland are a total treat for your skin. Apply and relax for up to 10 minutes to firm, tone, and de-puff, basically erasing all the signs of stress accumulating under your eyes.
Moisturize and Protect Your Favorite Lips With This 3-Pack of Jack Black Lip Balms
I find the idea of lip balm for men kind of hilarious. Is strawberry chapstick really a knock against anyone's masculinity? But whatever--this 3-pack of Jack Black lip balms is a good deal on high-quality balms with SPF 25. Whether they're for your guy or yourself, you'll appreciate the premium ingredients that provide moisture and protection. It's also fun to try all three scents: Black Cherry, Asian Pear, and Natural Mint.
This Japonesque Eyelash Curler Is a Beauty Cult Favorite
There is a small yet rabid following for this Japonesque Eyelash Curler. The compact shape makes it easy to take on the go, but its most loyal users swear it's the only curler they use, period. An extra lash pad is conveniently tucked inside (love that!) and free pad refills are available for the lifetime of the curler (love that even more!).
This Juice Beauty BB Cream Makes Me Presentable In 30 Seconds Flat
I've got three kids and a never-ending list of deadlines, so I need weekday beauty products that get the job done fast. This Juice Beauty BB Cream is my newest favorite. It does the job of four products at once: toner, moisturizer, SPF, and a light mineral foundation. After washing my face, I apply this cream and blend in with a beauty sponge. Add a little mascara and lip gloss and I'm totally presentable and ready for the day.
This Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray Decreases Blow-Dry Time by 50%
I will never stop recommending this product. I use Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray every time I blow-dry my hair, and damn does it work. My method is to let my hair air-dry for about 15 minutes, apply this spray and a volumizer at my roots, then blow-dry. I can get my hair bone dry and styled in under 10 minutes, and my hair looks good for up to three days afterward with very little build-up.
This L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Bath Gel for When You Want to Feel Fancy
I want a bottle of this L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Bath Gel so much. The bottle is gorgeous, and the foaming gel is scented with cherry extract from Luberon, France. Très chic. Amazon reviewers rave about the lasting scent and say = it's so concentrated, you only need a few drops to get plenty of bubbly lather.
This Stupid Love Eyeshadow Palette Inspired by Lady Gaga
Did you know that Lady Gaga founded her own beauty brand? Her premium products are known for intense colors, sleek packaging, and a spirit of being true to yourself. This 18-color eyeshadow palette is called Stupid Love and was inspired by her sixth album, Chromatica. The shades are richly pigmented and designed to be blended and layered for multiple looks.
This Lash Junkie Duo Makes My Lashes Look SO GOOD
I love dark, lush eyelashes for going out or Zoom happy hours, but I'm not a fan of gluing on falsies. This Lash Junkie Duo is my go-to solution. The two-step process is idiot-proof and makes my lashes look much more dramatic than using mascara alone. Simply apply the primer to thicken lashes, then top with mascara to darken and lengthen. Combined with an eyelash curler and separator, this results in an amazing look.
This Laura Geller Hydrating Foundation Is a Game Changer for Dry Skin
I have dry skin, so I struggle with finding foundations that give me a glow without caking up or settling into fine lines. This Hydrating Foundation by Laura Geller is one of my newest finds, and I love it. It has a delightfully thin feeling that spreads easily over the skin to leave a wash of color. It's perfect for summer weather or anytime you want light coverage that leaves skin feeling refreshed and quenched.
This Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder Heals and Conceals Acne
Even the smallest blemish has me scrambling for make-up to cover up, but I'm always worried that my usual make-up products will slow down healing. That's why I was excited to discover this Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder. It's formulated specifically for acne with a sulfur-based powder that absorbs oil and reduces redness and irritation. Apply to conceal breakouts and encourage healing at the same time.
This Self-Tanner Applicator Mitt for a Streak-Free Glow
I have a love-hate relationship with self-tanners. Love the glowy, summery look. Hate the streaks from applying it unevenly. That's why I was happy to discover this applicator mitt designed to make it easier to apply self-tanner. The mitt helps you apply, blend, and buff to get even tone and avoid excess tanner on your hands or trapped under your nails. It includes a plastic pouch for storage between uses, and is machine washable.
This 10-Pack of Sheet Masks for Spa Nights and Self Care
My daughter and I love sheet masks for spa nights. They're funny to look at and take selfies while wearing. They're an affordable luxury that stand out from everyday moisturizing. And, they leave skin looking and feeling fabulous! This 10-pack of sheet masks includes enticing scents like pomegranate, ginseng, orange, and lotus.
This Stila Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Is My All-Time Favorite
I discovered Stila Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner a few years ago and declared my search for the world's best eyeliner over. I own it in brown (for everyday) and black (for going-out glamour). It's super-easy to apply and once dry, stays put all day long with minimal smearing. In my opinion, it's well worth the price.
These That's Incredi-Peel Glycolic Pads Work Overnight to Renew Skin
After having my first baby, my skin was a mess. Changing hormones, lack of sleep, and a breakdown in my skincare routine left me with flaky, blotchy, tired-looking skin. A friend gifted me a facial gift certificate, and the aesthetician recommended I start using a glycolic acid product at night. It only took seconds to apply, but it made all the difference! Within days, my skin looked brighter and fresher.
The Original Make-Up Eraser Cleans Face With Just Water
Removing make-up every night is important, but you don't always need a soapy cleanser to get the job done. Turns out, with the right tool, all you need is water! The Original Make-Up Eraser is a specially woven cloth designed to gently scrub skin and remove all make-up, including waterproof mascara. It earns consistently high ratings from reviewers, with comments like "amazing" and "trust me, it works."
This TimeBalm Concealer Is Ultra-Smooth and Anti-Wrinkle
Tired mornings call for under-eye concealer, but you have to be careful not to end up with make-up settling into fine lines and creases. The TimeBalm Concealer is specifically formulated to be ultra-smooth and anti-wrinkle. Works great at concealing redness and blemishes, too.
This Drying Lotion Targets Whitehead Pimples While You Sleep
Don't pop it--dry it! Apply this miracle drying lotion to whitehead pimples before bed for overnight treatment. The pink formula dries on top of the pimple to remind you not to pick at it, and overnight, it draws out oil and impurities to speed up healing with no scarring.
These TonyMoly Lip Tints Stain Lips for All-Day Color
Remember using a popsicle to give yourself berry-stained lips? Achieve the grown-up version of that look with this set of three lip tints by TonyMoly. Paint the fruit-scented stain onto lips, let dry, then admire the deep, matte color that lasts all day. You can also top lips with a balm or gloss for moisture and shine.
These Toppik Hair Building Fibers Conceal Thinning Hair for Impressive Results
This Zoya Manicure Kit Locks in Color for Long-Lasting Results
With nail salons closed due to the pandemic, I've been stepping up my home-manicure game. This Zoya Manicure Kit is a fool-proof system for making my nails look fabulous (and it's easy enough to use while watching a movie on my laptop). The set includes Zoya's award-winning polish remover/nail conditioner, base coat, top coat, and fast-drying drops. The result is shiny, natural looking nails, or add your favorite polish color for a more dramatic look.