A while back, Allure ran this article on how much their editors’ faces are worth – and boy, was that an interesting read. As the piece mentions, working as a beauty editor or writer really does mean you’re inundated by avalanches of beauty products all the time. Yes, we know we are very fortunate to get to test all the best and most exciting beauty launches, often before they hit the market, and also some of the most expensive treatments for the face, hair and body, all without forking out a cent, and we never forget to be very thankful indeed.
But as the Allure article also states, this also means that we can end up building beauty regimes that cost way more than any normal person’s should. It’s our job, offering our skin and hair up as testing ground, so we can tell you what works and what doesn’t. We’re not out of touch of reality, however – every day, we use all these products fully aware that, as the article states, “our beauty routines are far exceeding our actual life budgets”. By how much? The answers below.
Adele Chan, Editor-in-Chief
Total cost: $4,118
“Yes I totally expected this amount or more. I’m actually surprised it isn’t more. But it’s still very embarrassing to see that my entire beauty regime costs this much. Having said that, I’m quite sure it’ll be much much less if I wasn’t working in the beauty industry as an Editor.”
Skincare
1. Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula, $115 (450ml)
2. La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion, $850
3. Clé de Peau Beauté Hydro-Clarifying Lotion, $180
4. Chanel Blue Serum, $160
5. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, $92
6. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Eye Concentrate, $75
7. Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Brightening Mask, $198 (6 sheets)
8. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask, $72 (5 sheets)
9. Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Fortifying Cream, $190
10. Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Fortifying Cream, $210
Makeup
1. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 10, $106
2. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 12, $192
3. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 20, $92
4. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $30
5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, $33
6. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 578 New Dawn, $39
7. Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover, $15
8. YSL Beauty Volupté Tint-in-Balm in No. 1 Dream Me Nude, $54
9. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette, $105
10. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation, $88
11. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, $39
12. Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, $116
13. Urban Decay Naked 2, $83
14. NARS Limited Edition Orgasm Blush, $50
15. RMK Matte Mascara, $28
16. Marc Jacobs Beauty Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer, $69
17. Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Defining Longwear Eyebrow Pencil in 810 Brun Profond, $59
18. Kosé Esprique Gel Pencil Eyeliner in BK001, $32
19. Chanel Signature de Chanel Intense Longwear Eyeliner Pen, $51
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. Kiehl’s Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath With Sea Salts and Aloe, $62
2. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub, $51
3. Chanel No. 5 L’Eau Eau de Toilette, $237 (100ml)
4. Kérastase Aura Botanica Concentré Essentiel, $50
5. Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar, $18
6. Aesop Nurturing Conditioner, $67 (500ml)
7. Aesop Nurturing Shampoo, $67 (500ml)
8. Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Gentle Shampoo, $30
9. Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Gentle Conditioner, $30
10. Ouai Matte Pomade, $36
11. Lush Big Shampoo, $47
Tami Lai, Associate Editor
Total cost: $2,242.90
“Oh, damn. Three years of writing beauty sure has spoilt me, huh? What am I ever going to do to afford my face once I stop being a beauty writer? Either have all my money go into buying products and have none left for food, or do a serious downgrade (obviously I’ll choose the latter).
I’m a bit ashamed of how all this adds up, and some of the choices I’ve included. For one, no one ever needs a $600 hairdryer, but does the Dyson Supersonic feel nice and ergonomic in my hands, and dry my hair in half the time of my $100 hairdryer? Indeed it does. Would I ever pay for it myself? Um, nope.
There’s one lesson that I’ve learnt along the way though, and it’s that certain things you should splurge on, and other things, you really don’t have to spend more than $30 on. For example, it’s worth shelling out a bit more for a solid liquid foundation, while all the best liquid eyeliners are found in the drugstores. As for skincare, it’s not as clear, but basically it’s about finding what works best for your current skin condition – and that isn’t necessarily the most expensive line. It could easily be that $20 moisturiser from Watsons too.”
Skincare
1. Laneige Fresh Calming Toner, $40
2. Laneige Fresh Calming Cleanser, $30
3. Laneige Fresh Calming Morning Mask, $38
4. Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, $69
5. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF 50+/PA++++, $18.90
6. Laneige Fresh Calming Serum, $48
7. Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Light Cream, $42
8. Garnier Super-Hydrating Pinkish Glow Serum Mask, $2
Makeup
1. 13rushes Universal Do-It-All Face Brush, $39.90
2. Real Techniques Blush Brush, $18
3. Sigma Beauty F37 Spotlight Duster Brush, $35
4. Kat Von D Beauty Shade + Light Contour Brush, $58
5. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 12, $192
6. NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Jubilation, $68
7. Rimmel The Only One Matte Lipstick in Salute, $18.90
8. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, $33
9. Zoeva Caramel Melange Palette, $39
10. Shiseido Eyelash Curler, ¥1,000 (S$12.40)
11. Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light, $69
12. Heroine Make Impact Liquid Eyeliner Super Waterproof, $18.90
13. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer, $42
14. Kat Von D Beauty Shade + Light Contour Palette, $73
15. Laneige Jet Curling Mascara, $34
16. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Ophelia, $31
17. Laneige Eyebrow Cushion-cara in No. 1 Two-tone Grey, $36
18. Shu Uemura Stage Performer Fresh Tint All-In-One Hydrating UV Cushion, $68
19. Shu Uemura Petal Skin Fluid Foundation, $68
20. Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Coral, $9.90
21. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, $13.90
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. Syoss Silicone-Free Repair Shampoo, $18.60
2. Syoss Silicone-Free Repair Conditioner, $18.60
3. Joico Moisture-Restoring Co+Wash, $36
4. Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar, $18
5. Dyson Supersonic, $599
6. Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery, $42
7. Living Proof Style Lab Instant Texture Mist, $36
8. YSL Beauty Parisienne Eau de Parfum, $189
9. L’Oréal Hair Expert Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $19.90
Amelia Tan, Associate Editor
Total cost: $1,201.70
“First thoughts while listing my products: wow, I’m so spoilt, look at me picking all these relatively expensive skincare products I would never splurge on outside this job. And after seeing the overall price tag, one word: SHOOKED. I’ve never really bothered with looking at the prices of my beauty products (I know, the privilege) – they’re just numbers I have to credit for my articles – so I was definitely surprised to find my Fresh mask costing $144 (no wonder I use it sparingly too). Plus, I feel like I don’t have that full a beauty regimen, not everyday anyway. Hmm.
As for my makeup, I don’t go with a full face daily so I already consider these my essentials – maybe I skimped a little on the variety of products, but I realise my list includes only two drugstore options. Do I really need $53 eyebrow pencil? Nope, there are cheaper options out there, but I save money exploring for them! Thank goodness then for Maybelline and TheBalm (three spectacular blush/highlight shades!). And I totally see why people go for multi-purpose products or palettes now – I’ve always strived for those because I’m usually strapped for time (my fault), but it can actually save a lot of money! Money I can then use to buy more lipsticks… so yeah, guess the spending will never end.”
Skincare
1. Skin Inc My Daily Dose of Vitamins ABC+ Wonder Serum, $98
2. Shiseido WASO Soft+Cushy Polisher, $55
3. Shu Uemura Porefinist Anti-Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil, $115 (450ml)
4. Shiseido Global Suncare Perfect UV Protector SPF50+/PA++++, $59
5. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, $144
6. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, $70
7. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $27
Makeup
1. NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Corfu, $45
2. Shu Uemura Brow:Sword, $53
3. Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner, $19.90
4. 13rushes Classic Blush, $19
5. Shiseido Synchro Skin White Cushion Compact, $55 for refill, $20 for case
6. Burberry Full Kisses in 553 Military Red, $41
7. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer, $50
8. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II, $31
9. Glossier Priming Moisturizer, US$25 (S$34)
10. Glossier Haloscope, US$22 (S$29.90)
11. TheBalm The Manizer Sisters, $51.90
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Shampoo, $15.90
2. Original & Mineral Frizzy Logic Shine Serum, $39
3. Maison Margiela Flower Market, $129
Jade Yeo, Writer
Total cost: $682.29
“I believe my initial response to the tally was, ‘Oh f*ck.’ Now, I know my total damage may be a fraction of our Editor-in-Chief’s, but I’m still appalled by the amount it takes to make me look and feel like a 5 out of 10 every day. The most expensive product on the list was actually given to me in a press kit, and though I am grateful that it came into my life, I also wish we never got acquainted, because now I can’t seem to do without it.
Yup, I’ve been reaching out for the luxurious Kat Burki Face Cream recently in a bid to heal my skin from a nasty breakout, and it’s worked beautifully thus far. Some of you might know that I’m plagued with the double whammy of sensitive and acne-prone skin, which is why my approach to beauty is a steadfast one. If something works, I’ll cling on tight and pray that product never gets discontinued. In terms of makeup, I don’t venture too far from my standard everyday look, which can be boring, I’m aware – but it’s a look that makes me feel most comfortable in my own skin.”
1. Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, $36
2. Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Regular Strength Exfoliating Treatment 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), $41
3. Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner, $38
4. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $20.90
5. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) Liquid (30ml), $13
6. Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30, $72
7. Heritage Store Rosewater, $9.75 (120ml)
8. Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream, $140
1. 100% Pure Super Fruits Healthy Foundation SPF 20 in White Peach, $71.50
2. Glossier Boy Brow in Clear, $31.80
3. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze in Daiquiri, $42.50
4. Hurraw! Night Treatment Balm, $5.91
5. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $8.25
6. NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil in Black, $15
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Lotion 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), $45
2. The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15
3. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil, US$57 (S$77.65)
Patrene Mathieu, Designer
Total: $691.58
“I definitely did not expect my total to climb that high. (by my standards, though the amount pales in comparison to our Editor’s…). Working in the media industry is a dangerous thing – you would gradually become spoiled with all the higher end beauty products that land in your hands. Oh, the agony. Though the number of products on my list is fewer than some of my colleagues’, I still feel like I could omit some things, like the YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation for instance, which I only use as a concealer, and $98 is far too steep a price to fork out for a simple concealer.
Although, there are alternatives that are more budget friendly, without losing its functionality or quality, and I’m always game for a bargain.”
Skincare
1. Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly, $12.78 (12oz)
2. Mary Kay Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner, $19
3. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $41.90 (500ml)
4. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $19.90
5. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $20.90
6.Mary Kay Clear Proof Oil-Free Moisturiser for Acne-Prone Skin, $22
Makeup
1. Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation, $74
2. K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Lash Perm Long Curl Mascara, $25.90
3. Maybelline Eyestudio Hypersharp 0.01mm Liner in Intense Black, $19.90
4. Etude House Play 101 Stick Contour Duo, $24
5. Clio Virgin Kiss Tension Lip Oil Tint in Cinnamon Spice, $22.90
6. YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation, $98
7. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil, $7.90
8. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder, $61
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. L’Oréal Hair Expert Paris EverPure 6-in-1 Cleansing Balm in Rosemary Mint For Colored Hair, $25.90
2. Kérastase Reflection Fondant Chromatique Conditioner, $35.90
3. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint, $30.80 (946ml)
4. The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Calming & Protecting Hand Cream, $9.90
5. Ralph Lauren Ralph Love Eau de Toilette, $119
Phyllis Guo, Editorial Assistant
Total cost: $706.90
“Looking through my colleagues’ beauty routines, and the amount they total to, shocked me. I knew their beauty stash would definitely cost way much more than mine especially since they are earning a stable income and can afford to buy higher-end products, but I was SHOCK-ED. Definitely goals, though. However, I feel my personal makeup stash works perfectly fine for me and if you are interested to try out products from Korean brands, do read on!
For me, I focus more on my makeup and keep my skincare routine to the minimum because I’m a lazy person like that, and also because I have serious commitment issues. In my defence though, I feel I am still young and I don’t think I need to rely on chemicals this early on.
Overall, I think $700 is a pretty decent amount, given that it consists of beauty, skincare, and body care products. I’m actually not shocked at all! Also, most of the items I use have a good amount of product in it, so I don’t have to constantly replenish them. Not too shabby, I must say!”
1. Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion, $18.90
2. Etude House AC Clean Up Pink Powder Spot, $23.90
3. Etude House Pink Vital Water Eye Serum, $28.90
4. Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum, $36
5. Neutrogena Fine Fairness Cleanser, $12.90
6. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, $16.50
7. Etude House Wonder Pore Ultra Clay Pack, $19.90
Makeup
1. Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer, $54
2. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara, $42
3. Estée Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Fig, US$28 (S$38.10)
4. Maybelline Eyestudio Hypersharp 0.01mm Liner in Brown, $19.90
5. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation, $72
6. Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer, $10
7. Etude House Blend For Eyes in #05 Tone and Pink, $17.90
8. Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Pact, $17
9. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in 720 Sunny, US$2.99 (S$4.10)
10. NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow Illuminating Powder, $20
11. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, $13.90
12. Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray, $48
13. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Anti-Aging, $38
Fragrance/body care
1. Clarins Energizing Leg Emulsion, $58
2. Issey Miyake Pleats Please L’Eau Eau de Toilette, $97 (50ml)
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