My beauty stash is really a mixed bag. I'm a sucker for high-end beauty and luxe packaging but I'm also a lover of things from the cheaper end of the scale too. Over the years, I've definitely figured out where I love to invest when it comes to beauty and where to save. I've divulged all the details below and included a few favourites too.

SPLURGE

FOUNDATION

When it comes to high-end bases I always feel that you get so much more variety. Not only in formulation but with the colour range available too. They always seem to last so much longer on the skin and, in general, feel a lot more luxurious. There is the odd high-street foundation that will outshine its competitors. But it's rare. Most bases on the low end of the price spectrum are very similar. There isn't much variance and when you do start to go to more expensive brands from the high street the price difference is never that much from a high end brand.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; YSL YOUTH LIBERATOR, CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER AND MAC STUDIO SCULPT

BLUSHER

Like foundation, the same rule applies to blusher. There is so much more variance on the market when it comes to high-end blushes. You can get some awesome options on the high street that do the job of simply adding colour to the skin. But when you go high end you can always find something so much more exciting than that. They also generally tend to have a lot nicer formulations than cheaper cheek options.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; TARTE AMAZONIAN CLAY BLUSHERS, STILA CONVERTIBLE COLOURS AND NARS BLUSHERS

EYESHADOW

When I was thinking about this post. Eyeshadow wasn't at the top of the list when it comes to the items that I tend to typically spend more on. But when looking through my collection I could see that I've definitely leaned towards to more expensive eye options. It's not so much the extensive colour range that comes with high end eyeshadow options. It's the formulation. They tend to last a lot longer, have better pigmentation and are much easier to apply and blend. Cheap shadows can often feel chalky and uncomfortable on the lids.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; MAC EYESHADOWS, TOO FACED EYESHADOW PALETTES AND CHARLOTTE TILBURY SHADOW STICKS

LIP BALM

Whether it's a tinted balm or not. I've always found that more expensive lip balms do so much more for the lips. They actually nourish and protect them instead of just adding a glossy film over the top and nothing else. In general, I prefer to go for a tinted balm over a lipstick so I'd rather scrimp on the lipstick and get myself a really good balm that will help my lips stay in tip top shape.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; FRESH SUGAR LIP BALMS, NUXE REVE DE MIEL AND DIOR CREME DE ROSE

PRIMER

The high street is definitely coming along with its selection of primers. But it's still nothing compared to what the more luxurious brands have on offer. I tend to be quite picky when it comes to the type of primer that I use. I need something that will not only prolong the longevity of my base but help my makeup look fresh throughout the day. As well as creating a smooth even base for anything that I might apply over the top. So in general, the high-end market is where these options typically are.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; TOO FACED HANGOVER PRIMER, PIXI FLAWLESS BEAUTY BASE* AND CLARINS INSTANT SMOOTH PERFECTING TOUCH

SAVE

CONCEALER

My base is one of my favourite beauty areas to apply. But concealer is a product I feel pretty indifferent about. I've tried high-end options and not found them to be any better than my favourite high street products. As I tend to go through concealer a lot more quickly compared to a foundation it's not something I want to get into the habit of spending more on when I go through it so quickly.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; 17 STAY TIME, RIMMEL WAKE ME UP AND COLLECTION ILLUMINATING TOUCH

MASCARA

There are some high-end mascaras that I absolutely adore. But with a shelf life of only six months, it's an expensive habit to get into. Even though there are some absolutely beautiful options out there. My loyalty lies with the more affordable products. As I've found you can still get the same outcome [depending on your wants and needs]. Also, if you get any sort of eye infection then you have to throw the product away. And when a mascara costs upwards of £20 it's even more painful.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE; MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL, 17 DOLLED UP AND RIMMEL LASH ACCELERATOR

LIPSTICK

It's probably because I'm not that much of a lipstick lover [I still, of course, do seriously enjoy a good lipstick] and prefer a tinted balm. That I don't feel the need to splurge on lipstick. There are more high-end lip options that I prefer but in general, I'll head to high street when on the hunt for something new. This one is definitely just a personal preference and I know that the formulations from the higher end of the price spectrum tend to be better. But it's just not where I tend to spend my money.

FAVOURTES INCLUDE; REVLON MATTE BALMS, BOURJOIS ROUGE EDITION LIPSTICKS AND REVLON LIP BUTTER

NAIL VARNISH

Even though I love painting my nails and giving myself a beautiful manicure. I could never justify spending more than £10 on a polish. And even that's pushing the limit. My polishes of choice do generally sit around the £5-£8 mark, anything below that, in general, I've found is never up to a high standard. Apart from the H&M polishes, they are dreamy for the price.

FAVOURITES INCLUDE: ESSIE, SALLY HANSEN AND RIMMEL SALON PRO

What do you like to splurge and save on in your beauty routine?

R x

Check out: Miranda's Notebook, Alexi London, The Sunday Mode, KaylaJane, Maepolzine, Loved By Laura and Mrs James Recommends, you can advertise with me here.

Where To Splurge & Where To Save: Beauty Edition