6 Luxury Skincare Buys *Really* Worth the Splurge

There’s nothing quite as indulgent as treating yourself to a fancy face mask or an oh-so-extra eye cream.

In fact, if you ask us, luxury skincare is quite possibly the finest form of self-care.

However, one age-old question has taunted many of us while staring wistfully at bougie new beauty buys… Are luxury skincare products worth it?

Well, the answer to this quandary isn’t clear-cut. That’s because whether a particular luxury skincare product is ‘worth it’ depends completely on the item at hand.

Just because something is expensive doesn’t automatically mean it’s better. There are loads of brilliant budget-friendly buys out there too.

That said, there’ll always be room in our bathroom cabinets for a few luxury skincare products that really work… and we reveal them below.

1. An Anti-Ageing Serum to Turn Back the Clock and Reset Your Complexion

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum

What it is: Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum

If you’re looking for a hardworking anti-ageing serum worthy of your hard-earned cash, Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum is one of our top picks.

Its silky-smooth texture feels positively lavish.

On application, it soaks straight into the skin, leaving your face plumper, brighter, and smoother.

Who it’s for: Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Serum is a brilliant option for anyone wanting to target the first signs of ageing.

The formula is suitable for normal-to-combination skin and won’t clog pores.

Why it’s worth the price tag:

  • Take a squiz at the ingredients link and you’ll notice Himalayan gentian extract.

  • Hand-harvested from the harsh, alpine landscapes of the Himalayan mountains, this herbal extract is incredibly rare and is valued for its incredible skin-regenerating properties.


2. An Iconic Facial Essence for Healthy, Radiant Skin

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 160ml SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 160ml

What it is: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Commanding a cult following around the world, this essence is the No. 1 product that luxury Japanese skincare brand SK-II is known for.

Facial Treatment Essence is known for its near-miraculous complexion-renewing powers.

Who it’s for: All skin types will benefit from SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.

It’s ideal for anyone looking to firm, brighten, or balance their complexion.

Why it’s worth the price tag:

  • It contains over 90% Pitera™, a clear liquid derived from fermented rice water. Pitera™ contains more than 50 micronutrients and helps renew and refresh the skin.

  • The reason this luxury skincare product is so popular is because it actually works (just read the reviews!).


3. A Luxurious Facial Oil to Repair the Skin

Yves Saint Laurent OR Rouge L'Huile Yves Saint Laurent OR Rouge L'Huile

What it is: Yves Saint Laurent OR Rouge L'Huile

This luxury skincare facial oil boasts an exquisite combination of 5 precious botanical oils: argan, sweet almond, castor, evening primrose, and safflower.

Antioxidant-rich red algae and saffron pitch in to help this facial treatment repair, brighten, and deeply hydrate.

Who it’s for: Yves Saint Laurent OR Rouge L'Huile is suitable for all skin types.

Those wanting to combat dullness or dehydration will really benefit from its brightening, reparative effects.

Why it’s worth the price tag:

  • In the world of luxury fashion, beauty, and *anything* at all, really, Yves Saint Laurent is legendary for its visually stunning designs.

  • And this packaging isn’t just chic; it’s also refillable and thus environmentally friendly.


4. A Striking, Rose-Dosed Treatment to Refresh the Eye Area

Lancôme Absolue Eye Cream Lancôme Absolue Eye Cream

What it is: Lancôme Absolue Eye Cream

From one of the world’s most-loved luxury skincare brands comes this rich eye cream with rose extracts.

Absolue smells as heavenly as it looks and works to reduce fine lines, crow’s feet, and puffiness.

Who it’s for: Lancôme Absolue Eye Cream is perfect for all skin types, especially those showing signs of ageing.

Why it’s worth the price tag: Although $230 (at this writing) may seem steep for an eye treatment, a small tub of this velvety formula goes a long way.

You need only a little dab of the concentrated cream for good under-eye coverage.


5. A Lavish Overnight Lip Treatment From One of Our Favourite Korean Luxury Skincare Brands

 Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask  Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

What it is: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

K-Beauty star Laneige is home to some of the best luxury Korean skincare products on offer—including this juicy lip treatment.

Apply it before bed, dream the night away, and wake up to soft, hydrated lips.

Lip Sleeping Mask also smells low-key delicious and comes in a variety of ‘flavours.’

Who it’s for: Anyone and everyone.

A good lip treatment should be a staple in anyone’s skincare stash and, if you ask us, it should be *this* one.

We also recommend checking out more goodies from this renowned Korean luxury skincare brand.

Why it’s worth the price tag: At $28 (at this writing), Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is on the pricier side when it comes to lip balms.

But you can count on this one lasting a while as a little goes a long way.

Its moisture-laden formula with vitamin C and antioxidants will have your lips feeling super-lush after just one or two uses.


6. A Decadent, Creamy Moisturiser That Fights Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Giorgio Armani Crema Nera Extrema Supreme Reviving Cream Giorgio Armani Crema Nera Extrema Supreme Reviving Cream

What it is: Giorgio Armani Crema Nera Extrema Supreme Reviving Cream

Costing a cool $540 (at this writing), this luxury moisturiser is on the spennier side of the skincare spectrum.

But despite the eye-watering price tag, its delectable double-silk texture and impressive anti-ageing powers will have you repurchasing in a heartbeat.

 It also happens to be one of our favourite high-end skincare lines. Check out more of the Giorgio Armani Crema Nera range.

Who it’s for: Those hunting for something to nix fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone will love this one.

The formula is suitable for all skin types.

Because it can be used both morning and night, it’s excellent for those who prefer a streamlined skincare routine.

Why it’s worth the price tag:

  • This premium moisturiser does everything you’d expect and more.

  • Besides hydrating your skin, it’s also designed to smooth lines while brightening.

  • And for the aesthetically minded, the dark, glossy jar looks rather divine sitting on your skincare shelf. 


For more bougie as well as budget-friendly options, check out recommendations from AB beauty expert Iain Jeffery in the YouTube below...


We’ve also got plenty more guides to high-end versus affordable products, including our bestselling foundations, mascaras, retinol serums, and vitamin C treatments.

Go on, treat yourself!




Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.




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