beauty

10 rather expensive makeup brands that are actually worth the money.

While you can never go wrong with affordable beauty products (there are so many goodies on the market these days), there's something about spendy makeup products that just make the whole doing-your-makeup thing feel like an absolute treat.

Lipsticks in magnetic packaging, weighty gold mascaras, shimmery shadows - there's no better way to treat yourself than by splurging on some swanky new makeup products.

Watch: Speaking of makeup... check out this handy hack for near-empty products. Post continues below.


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In saying that - buying luxury makeup is obviously bloody expensive - and you really want to make sure you're getting more than just a brand, right?

That's why we've pulled together 10 of the best luxury makeup brands that are actually worth the splurge - plus, the best products from each brand.

Ready? Let's go!

Giorgio Armani Beauty.

First up, Giorgio Armani Beauty. And as IF we're going to talk about Giorgio Armani Beauty and not mention Luminous Silk Foundation ($105). Ha! Nice one, fellas.

Have you tried it? No? It's bloody good. The formula is beautifully lightweight and silky and blends in like a dream (no streaks or funny business). It honestly feels like you're wearing nothing at all - that second skin kind of stuff.   

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Offering light to medium coverage, it's perfect for everyday wear - so, if you haven't tried it and looking for a foundation that's a little swankier than your usual, we highly recommend. It just makes your skin look... better. 

Another best-seller is Giorgio Armani Eye Tint, $48, a fool-proof formula that offers intense colour payoff - whether you want to wear it as an eyeshadow or a liner. The Eye Tint formula also has that iconic lightweight feel (similar to the foundation). No drying, flaking and settling into fine lines. 

Image: Adore Beauty  

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Gucci Beauty.

Since it's launch in back in 2019, Gucci Beauty has delivered a whole range of colour-rich formulas and long-lasting textures that guarantee quality - from mascaras and lipsticks to foundations and powders.

And in our honest opinion, this is one spendy brand that's definitely worth it.

Let's start with the packaging shall we? Because it's pretty AF and guaranteed to look good in any bathroom vanity. Like, you almost don't want to use the products. Almost.

Featuring lots of gold tones, pastel pink hues and intricate details, the Gucci Beauty product designs just ooze individuality and that old-school/retro luxury. 

One of our faves? The popular Gucci Beauty Rouge A Levres Voile lipstick, $64. Because, excuse us, but have you ever seen a lipstick as gorgeous as this? No. The answer is no. 

If you're not big on matte lipsticks, this sheer lipstick is the perfect option. It delivers the most incredible shine and a pop of colour in a lightweight non-drying texture. 

We also really rate Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur, $60 - the brush is the perfect size to catch each lash, while the formula is buildable without going all clumpy and gross. Plus, it wears brilliantly throughout the day without flaking off.

Image: Myer  

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Westman Atelier.

Founded by makeup artist Gucci Westman, Westman Atelier products are as DREAMY as they get. From blushes to contour sticks, these creamy, easy-to-use formulas are iconic.

When it comes to the products - it's hard to pick favourite. But we've said it before and we'll say it again - the cream blushes are the s**t. 

Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, $68, is a firm favourite thanks to the velvety smooth formula, buildable colour and sleek packaging. You'll honestly never want to be without it.

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The same creamy, velvety kind of formula can also be found in Westman Atelier Eye Pods Eyeshadows, $125. 

These cute little pots are filled with luminous shades that offer rich colour payoff. Applied with your fingers or a brush, they're a beautiful addition to any makeup routine (psst... the little posts are magnetic, so you'll never lose 'em).

Image: Mecca  

Chanel Beauty.

Chanel advent calendars aside, the brand really makes some seriously stunning makeup. Starting off with the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, the brand has since expanded to create some of the world's most popular makeup products.

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From shimmery eyeshadow palettes to creamy highlighters and luminous foundation, the brand is elegance and luxury at its best - from the packaging right down to the formulations.

And if you're looking for what's good, you can't go past Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick, $71 - it's such a stellar product. Dabbed onto high-points of your face, such as cheekbones, bridge of the nose and Cupid’s bow, this multi-tasking stick sculpts the face, moisturises lips and eyelids, while adding lit-from-within glow. 

Another great pick is Chanel Beauty Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, $91, for a beautiful, sun-kissed glow. Easy to blend and buff over your face, the velvety formula is another great multi-tasking product.

Image: Myer  

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Dior Beauty.

Launched in 1946, Dior Beauty is an iconic French brand that absolutely oozes luxury. Just as popular as the iconic Miss Dior fragrance, the brand's makeup offering is definitely worth being on your radar.

Great for those with dry skin, Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation, $70, is one of our favourite products from the brand - and it's earned itself a cult following. A liquid foundation that's both creamy and buildable, it has a long-wear finish that makes your skin look radiant and fresh.

The second on our list? The popular Dior Backstage Palette, $88 - these are the absolute bomb. Featuring a primer, eyeshadow, highlighter and eyeliner, these come in a range of different shades - but it's definitely one of those palettes that you always go back to. 

Image: Sephora US  

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Yves Saint Laurent.

When you think of YSL makeup, we guarantee you think of the Touche Eclat Illuminating Pen, $72. The cult highlighting pen launched almost 30 years ago, and at the time, it really was the first of its kind. 

These days, it's just as impressive, with six Touche Éclat pens being sold every single minute somewhere around the world. With its radiance-boosting formula and convenient click-pen, it's no wonder Touche Eclat is still so iconic.

Another goodie? Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick, $59. Ultra-moisturising, this lipstick is available in over 30 shades, delivering high shine, smoothness and comfort. It's one of those staples everyone should have in their kit.

Image: Adore Beauty  

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Chantecaille.

Heard of Chantecaille before? No? Ooft, do we have a treat for you!

What once started off as a French fragrance house, the New York-based brand moved into makeup and skincare, before becoming one of the biggest beauty brands in the world.

A luxurious botanical makeup brand, at the core of Chantecaille's formulas are plant-based ingredients combined with science-backed research and innovation.

Some of our favourites include Chantecaille Just Skin, $113 - a lightweight, tinted moisturiser that leaves skin feeling smooth, velvety and even (you just gotta try it). 

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Another firm favourite is the Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Colour, $50 - a range of shimmering cream-to-powder eyeshadows that are highly versatile and effortless. 

Image: Chantecaille 

At Mamamia, we independently choose and write about products our writers genuinely recommend. We have affiliate partnerships so if you use these links to buy something, Mamamia may earn a small commission. 

Feature image: Mamamia. 

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