When to Spend, When to Save: Makeup

Worth the Splurge

Got a few extra bucks to blow on beauty? Use it on these products:

If you want to look like you're not wearing any makeup, finding your perfect match is worth every cent. "Prestige brands have a larger shade range with varying undertones and tend to contain more natural-looking pigments," says Tina Turnbow, a celebrity makeup artist for drugstore.com.

"All powders are not created equal," says celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes. Quality formulas are finely milled so they feel ultra-soft going on and the hues stay vibrant without creasing.

"High-end lipsticks often contain more pigment, so the color adheres to your lips longer," says makeup artist Tiffany Bartok. With pricier lipsticks, you may also get more product, so your favorite shade lasts longer.

Spend some cash on full-size, easy-to-handle brushes for the makeup you use most, like foundation, blush, eye shadow, and eyeliner. Invest in synthetic bristles, which won't hold on to bacteria like natural hair can.