If we were smart about it, we'd buy less and only the best we could afford, but LOL, have you *been* to Sephora? For those of us who like to put our money where we can see it (on our faces), we've got a complete guide for how all that beauty spending should really break down.
Body Lotion: Save
The chichi, almond-soufflé-scented ones may come with honey dippers, but there's really no compelling *need* to drop $$$ on body lotion. Drugstore brands work just fine.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $7, target.com.
Eye Cream: Save (with a Caveat)
If you're in your 20s, your main objective is to hydrate the eye area to prevent lines. Beyond that, you'll want to choose a more technical (and probably therefore expensive) formula to undo any damage.
Burt's Bees Sensitive Eye Cream, $9, amazon.com.
Daily Moisturizer: Save
You're layering your skincare, right? So this just acts as a barrier, sealing the active ingredients underneath in. (See next slide.)
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $13, target.com.
Serum: Splurge
...Like your serum, which should go on first so all the good, please-help-me-age-like-Pharrell stuff absorbs. This is not the place to scrimp.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, $92, neimanmarcus.com.
Cleanser: Save (with Another Caveat)
Most complexions should do fine with a mild cleanser—you're washing it off after a short time anyway. But if you've got acne or other concerns, you might consider investing in a cleanser formulated especially for your skin type.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $6, target.com.
Hot Tools: Splurge
When you're applying heat directly to your hair, your goal should be do no harm—or at least no more than needed. Higher-end models reduce the time your hair is in direct contact with the heat, which in turn means less fry-age.
Harry Josh Pro Dryer, $300, bigelowchemists.com.
Lipstick: Save
Mostly in that there are so many new colors coming out all the time that it's *most* worth it to spend on a few classic/favorite shades.
Burt's Bees Lipstick, $9, amazon.com.
Foundation: Splurge
In the hierarchy of makeup, an even-but-still-real-looking complexion comes first—always. But then again, if you're taking care of your skin, foundation is a category you won't need to worry about at all. Hmm...
Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Ultra-Light Skin-Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup, $48, nordstrom.com.
Lip Balm: Save
Pretty much the only difference is that a white ceramic "CD" jar filled with rose-smelling balm looks prettier on your nightstand.
Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm, $4, amazon.com.
Sunscreen: Save
Because you go through so much of it, RIGHT? Though with the recent news, who even knows anymore?
Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, $9, target.com.