Splurge or Save? The Smartest Beauty Buys

Which products are worth paying more for―and which you should get for a steal.

How to Judge Expensive Beauty Products

Who hasn't been tempted by the outrageously expensive beauty product? The $60 body scrub that promises immediate thigh firming? Or the wrinkle cream with wild Himalayan yak's milk that costs more than your last phone bill? Sometimes these indulgences turn out to be worth every dime, "but a lot of times, much of the cost is hype―the marketing, the packaging. Most expensive doesn't always mean better," says Stuart H. Kaplan, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills.

But then, neither does least expensive. A $3.99 tube of lipstick is a cheaper pick-me-up than a new cocktail dress (or even a cocktail!). But all those inexpensive tubes, pencils, and cases at the bottom of your handbag do add up. Sometimes it's better to invest in staple colors that are integral to your look and avoid impulse buys.

So what's worth the money? Here, experts reveal where to invest and where to save, from facial creams to hair products. You may be surprised at what items you can scrimp on―and those for which it might just be worth disconnecting your phone.