I'm a bit of a spendthrift. I hate shopping and I hate parting with my hard-earned money. I buy cereal in bulk and grocery brand juice. There are some areas, however, where a girl just can't skimp.

I'd like to introduce you to my favorite "luxury" products. You know, the ones I pay exorbitant prices for even when I'm broke. I might even say I'd die without them. I have listed them here in order of their importance to my beauty drawer. Omission of #5 may cause me to be dizzy and nauseated, whereas depriving me of #1 would probably lead to my sudden death. Add them one by one to your drawer as you can afford them.

1. Renewal Hair Therapy Polish by Scruples 2 fl. oz., $13

*The Claim
“Renewal Hair Therapy Polish helps restore and renew dry, dull, lifeless hair. Makes hair sparkle and shine while sealing in moisture.”

*The Truth
If I were told that I had to limit my beauty regimen to one product for the rest of my life, it would either be this or concealer. It’s pretty much a toss-up. I have found that this stuff not only lives up to the manufacturer’s claims, but it comes with a few pleasant surprises.

I apply a drop of the Hair Therapy Polish (no more than nickel-sized) to the palm of my hand and then rub my hands over my damp (but not dripping) hair. The polish acts as a detangler without leaving the waxy feeling of build-up sometimes caused by detanglers or leave-in conditioners. Brushes or picks glide through my hair more easily after using this product.

It also seems that Renewal Hair Therapy Polish prevents me from getting as many split ends. My guess would be that this has something to do with the fact that it detangles, seals in moisture and smooths the hair. After being a die-hard user for around six years now, I refuse to be without this stuff.

Scruples products are only available through cosmetologists or Scruples dealers. Visit the link below to find your local distributor.

http://www.scrupleshaircare.com/Locations/locations.html

2. 100% Time Release Moisture Lotion or Crème by Estée Lauder 1.7oz, $35

*The Claim
“This AquaSphere formula delivers immediate hydration then time-releases moisture bursts. Sustains softness and suppleness for up to 12 hours. Exclusive BioMineral Water with over 70 fossilized plant minerals recharges skin's ability to absorb and hold more moisture.”

*The Truth
The claims sound kind of fancy and gimmicky to me. The simple facts are these: 100% is available in a lotion form for normal skin types and a crème version for normal/dry or dry skin types.

I have incredibly dry skin and therefore use the 100% crème. This is the only moisturizer I’ve found that keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. And believe me, I’ve tried everything (including dermatologist recommended moisturizers). When I don’t use 100%, my skin begins to flake by mid-day. I don’t have the guts to continue looking for something cheaper.

As with all moisturizers, be sure to apply 100% to cleansed skin while it is a little moist, but not wet. This seals in the moisture.

Estée Lauder cosmetics are found in most department stores and duty free shops throughout the world.

3. Spotlight Skin Tone Perfector by Estée Lauder 1.7oz, $30

*The Claim
“We call it visual skincare. You'll call it amazing. This sheer lotion gives skin a healthy, even-toned glow you can see as soon as you put it on. Spotlight also works over time to tone down the appearance of discolorations so skin looks even and flawless.”

*The Truth
They’re right. At least, I call it amazing. Spotlight gives your skin a natural-looking glow that makes you look like you’re either in love or six months old. I have found that I forego foundation now in lieu of the healthy, “Neutrogena advertisement” look I get from applying just a tiny bit of this pearl-tinted lotion. It also smells nice and spares you the feeling/appearance of being made up.

Estée Lauder cosmetics are found in most department stores and duty free shops throughout the world.

4. Moisture Scentsation by ABBA 5.5oz, $11

*The Claim
“Your dry, parched, limp hair is only two minutes away from quenching moisture. This remoisturizer's organic, aromatherapy creme formula is essential for permed, tinted or bleached hair. Leaves your hair detangled and feather light with lasting body, remarkable volume and minty-fresh aroma. Stimulates scalp and senses with unforgettable eucalyptus, peppermint and geranium extracts.”

*The Truth
I cannot even describe how amazing this conditioner smells. Moisture Scentsation is the perfect wake-up call in your morning shower. The invigorating aroma actually fills the shower! Just be sure not to touch your eyes after application. The peppermint is quite strong and while the tingling feeling is nice on your skin and scalp, it’s not so pleasant in your eyes.

Moisture Scentsation is perfect for dry hair, leaving it soft and nourished. I have to say, though, that the reason I buy this conditioner is the scent. It helps me feel ready to face the world or, in more prosaic terms, gets the grogginess out of me in the mornings.

ABBA products are only available through cosmetologists or ABBA dealers. Visit the link below to find your local distributor.

http://www.styl.com/abbahair/findabba.htm

5. Diorific Plastic Shine Lip Gloss by Christian Dior 0.19oz, $20

*The Claim
“This rich, creamy and ultra-glossy formula captures light and gives lips intense color and long-lasting shine. The intense, two-tone shade of Diorific Plastic Shine is the result of an innovative technique called monochromatic grinding. Each pigment is ground separately to optimize its individual color strength and purity, giving a more brilliant, even color when mixed. The addition of a "shine-booster" -- composed of silica and titanium oxide -- builds a mirror-like surface on the lips, enabling the reflection of light for an intense, gleaming shine. This also allows a lower wax content, for more comfortable wear. Micastretch, a clay derivative already used for Diorific, guarantees clinging properties and an even, long-wearing finish.”

Whew! That was a long one!

*The Truth
Diorific Plastic Shine adds a nice dimension when applied over inexpensive, regular lipstick of any color. (You can use it over expensive lipstick too, I suppose, I’m just not rich enough to own both.) Plastic Shine provides a nice way to make a subtle change when you get tired of your favorite lipstick, but don’t yet want to retire it to the shoe box under the bathroom sink.

My favorite shade of Plastic Shine is Tender Beige. Yes, it looks a little orange sitting there in the display case, but I never wear it alone anyway. This shade will tone down that bright red shade of lipstick you knew wouldn’t look good on you, but bought anyway. It will also give a little life to brown shades and a nice sparkle to pink. (I know orange and pink don’t go together, but trust me on this one.)

Christian Dior cosmetics are found in most department stores and duty free shops throughout the world.


Most of us can’t afford a beauty regimen completely comprised of department store/salon products. I fail to notice the differences between some of them and good old L’Oreal anyway. The aforementioned products, however, are amazing additions to anyone’s routine. Try any one of them and I promise you’ll love them like I do.



Recommended: Yes