Not everything in beauty needs to be expensive. But some things are worth paying more for, and knowing the difference will save you both money and disappointment. Here’s where I actually stand on the beauty products worth splurging on vs the ones that aren’t.
Worth splurging on
If there’s one product worth paying more for, it’s sunscreen — specifically because you need one that works for your skin tone and that you’ll actually wear consistently. A cheap SPF you hate the texture of will sit unused. A mid-range one you love will become a daily habit. Neutrogena Hydroboost and Black Girl Sunscreens sit comfortably in the mid-range and earn every naira.
Not necessarily expensive, but worth investing in getting right. The wrong cleanser sets your entire routine up to fail. Aveeno Calm + Restore Cleanser sits at a reasonable price point and does the job properly. Worth it.
- Eye cream (if you’re going to use one)
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your face and shows fatigue, dehydration and ageing earlier than everywhere else. But an expensive eye cream used inconsistently will do less for you than a mid-range one used every night without fail.
Not worth splurging on
- Basic actives
Niacinamide, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid. These ingredients are well understood, widely available and do not require a luxury price tag to be effective. The Ordinary built an entire brand on this truth. Paying significantly more for the same active in a prettier bottle is a personal choice, not a skincare one.
- Moisturizer (in most cases)
Unless you have a very specific skin condition that requires a targeted formula, a well-formulated mid-range moisturizer will do everything your skin needs. Aveeno, CeraVe, Simple…these brands consistently outperform their price point.
- Makeup removing products
Micellar water, cleansing balms, makeup wipes don’t need to be expensive. They’re doing a simple job. Spend the money on what goes on after, not what comes off.
The pattern here is simple: spend where formulation genuinely matters for your specific skin, and save where the active ingredient does the same job regardless of packaging.
Hugs and Kisses,
Msglam
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