Beauty lovers are coming together in a growing Reddit thread to share the truth about which hair, makeup, and skin products are expensive but oh-so-worth it for their results.
Reddit user @Ella77214 kicked off the convo on Jan. 29, 2025 by asking fellow users to share "The product(s) you own that cost too much money that you theoretically could part with/downgrade from but you WON'T."
She went first, admitting that she "can't live without" the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Cream Contour Duo. "When I wear it, I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world," she wrote. From there, other beauty fanatics started chiming in, revealing the sometimes pricey but life-changing hair, makeup, and skin buys that they love. From skin-smoothing serums to miracle hair tools, these picks have earned cult followings for a reason. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your routine or finally invest in a viral product, here's what beauty lovers say is 100% worth it.
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1. Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Oribe
"Oribe Dry Shampoo. It’s ridiculous to spend $50 on dry shampoo that does not very long but it’s so perfect. I constantly get compliments on my hair and how I smell and it’s usually from that. (I use other Oribe products too but I think the dry shampoo specifically is the most ridiculous to spend on)" - @Affectionate-Cup200
Another user, @whitepawsparklez agreed that they love Oribe's Texture Spray, too.
Other hair products mentioned included: Hydrolyzed hair protein, K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer, and MoroccanOil Treatment.
2. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum and DayWear Moisture Creme
Estee Lauder
"Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair and DayWear Moisturizer. Been using them for 13 years. I’m obsessed. They did discontinue my favorite day time serum and I’m still mad about that. Was called idealist and felt so good on my skin 😩🪦" - @kittybabylarry
Other moisturizers mentioned include: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Rich Barrier Moisturizer, Dieux Air Angel Daily Moisturizer, and VaniCream Moisturizing Skin Cream.
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3. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer
Bobbi Brown
"I converted into a believer of the Bobbi Brown face base. I always thought products like that are superfluous but my make up looks so much better with that product underneath (even though I have a decent skincare routine and my skin is generally not dehydrated)." - @Recent-Huckleberry17
Other base makeup mentioned included Chanel Longwear Concealer, Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer, and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick.
4. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Olaplex
"Olaplex no. 05... I ran out and only didn't repurchase because I was gifted another conditioner that does a similar job. But the no. 05 is a godsend for my (very) damaged hair. I don't have to use much either, a little goes such a long way" - @No_Mountain4074
Another user, @Background-Fig6019, also recommended Olaplex Shampoo, noting that a little goes a long way.
Other hair shampoos and conditioners mentioned included Paul Mitchell Shampoo One and The Conditioner, TIGI Bed Head Recovery Shampoo & Conditioner, Sisley Paris Revitalizing Nourishing Shampoo, and Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Shampoo.
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5. La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche Posay
"For me, La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is a must. It keeps my skin hydrated and plump without feeling heavy, and I love how soothing it is. Even when my skin is acting up, it never irritates, it just makes everything look healthier." - @TeslaOwn
Other serums mentioned included: Rituel de Fille Creature of Light Full-Face Serum Illuminator, SkinCeuticals serums, Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum, and May Lindstrom Youth Dew Serum.
6. Tretinoin - available by prescription only
Shutterstock
"Tretinoin, I don't care that is $100, I haven't had acne in 5 years, my previous acne scars are gone and I never wear foundation anymore." - @stressandscreaming
User @graceanatomy agreed, saying, "My skin never looks better than when I only use prescription tretinoin with a very basic moisturizer."
If you struggle with acne, talk to your dermatologist about your options and whether or not Tretinoin could be right for you.
7. Charlotte Tilbury makeup
Charlotte Tilbury
"Charlotte Tilbury make up is silly expensive (to me) but certain products are really worth it. I use their foundation, face powder, blusher and highlighter religiously. I then buy really budget make up for eyebrows/shadow/lashes etc to balance it!" - @swansw9
Other makeup favorites mentioned included Anastasia Beverly Hills brow powder and gel, Chanel mascara, Dior Diorshow Pump 'N' Volume Mascara, and Lancôme Hypnose Volumizing Mascara.
8. Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Grown Alchemist
"Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser... I know it's overpriced for a cleanser that's going to be washed off 60 seconds later, but I love the texture and how it makes me skin feel" - @Interesting_Rent_296
Another face cleanser mentioned was Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser.
9. Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer
Victoria Beckham Beauty
"VBB Primer, it's absurdly priced, but I love it and keep using/repurchasing it." - @Master-Reference-775
10. Valentino Born in Roma Donna Eau De Parfum Intense
Valentino
"Valentino Donna Born in Roma Intense perfume. I think it makes me more beautiful." - @New-Connection-7401
Other perfumes mentioned included Michael Kors Gardenia Petale, Tom Ford Beauty, Ariana Grande Cloud Eau De Parfum, and Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums.
11. Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation
Giorgio Armani Beauty
"Armani luminous silk foundation, it's $90 dollars here in Canada. I've tried other foundations but nothing comes close. It’s just magic in a bottle and sits perfectly on my skin." - @No_Ad3198
User @flection-non-frangi also named this pricey foundation a must because it's "unfortunately stupid good."
Other foundations mentioned include Haus Labs and Sephora Collections Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation.
12. Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lip Balm 24H Hydration
Givenchy
"Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lip Balm. There are probably alternatives, but it comes in an absolutely gorgeous pink leather case. Style counts here." - @X_stellar_Merc
Other favorite lip products mentioned include: YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick, MAC lip liners, Lancôme Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm, and Gucci lipsticks.
Did your favorite products make the list?
