Splurge alert

I don’t know about you, but I wince when I pick up a product that has a price tag of more than R600. I spend what seems like hours in the store, second-guessing the potential buy, picking the product up and then putting it down, only to pick it up again. But when I eventually allow the saleswoman to pry my credit card from my fingers I make sure the product’s been tried and tested, and comes recommended.

I understand that not all products will work equally well on everyone, as the effect (and final result) of a beauty product is unique to the individual. But if the time does come when you’ve won the Lotto or want to spoil yourself and break the bank, give these tried and tested products are try.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clarity Targeted Skin Tone Corrector

Splurge = R895

Where: Elizabeth Arden counters in major retail stores nationwide
What they say: ‘Are dark spots and discolourations coming between you and that luminous, even toned, youthful complexion you want? Prevage comes to the rescue with a high performance problem solver proven to help minimise the appearance of those all too visible aging signs – existing age spots, dark spots, freckles and discolorations – to give skin a more even toned appearance and a healthy look. Prevage Clarity Targeted Skin Tone Corrector combines the proven brightening effects of Soy Ferulate-C with the antioxidant benefits of revolutionary Idebenone, to help skin regain its look of uncompromised clarity and a youthful looking glow.’
What we say: ‘Two weeks into my test, I went to Thailand for a week and pretty much lived in the sun. Despite applying an SPF every day, all that UV exposure cranked up my pigmentation to the max. The slight pigmentation blotches below my eye go intensely dark in the sun and then gradually fade out within three months. Thing is, as I’ve been using the Prevage product religiously, the marks have faded out three times as fast. In all, I can tell you that Prevage definitely worked out for me. Also, as you only have to use a teeny little drop on each spot and not all over your face, I’m probably not even a quarter through my bottle. If you’ve got mild pigmentation you’d like to blitz, consider trying Prevage Clarity. It worked for me.’ – Leigh

QMS Medicosmetics Sport Active Cream

Splurge = R610

Where: Futurethis 011 022 1658 or www.qmsmedicosmetics.co.za
What they say: ‘A lightly tinted day cream, its unique formulation makes it suitable for all skin tones, covering imperfections, gives a naturally fresh look and leaves your skin glowing. With SPF and an exclusive combination of vitamins, your skin stays fit the whole year round. QMS Medicosmetics Sport Active cream keeps skin firm and healthy and prevents skin ageing as well as premature light-induced skin ageing. It also protects against free radicals.’
What we say: ‘On Saturday mornings I prefer to hit the road instead of pounding the treadmill inside a gym and often bury myself under a long-slung cap in case I run into my hot neighbour. I hate wearing make-up while working out – it just gets in the way. But with this light-wearing tinted moisturiser I don’t have to worry about hiding my imperfections, or my skin getting fried by the sun. My skin feels like it can breathe and after 5kms my wristband doesn’t have those brown foundation marks. I’ve even noticed a slight glow to my skin – and no, that’s not the sweat.’ – Megan

Sensai by Kanebo Prime Solution

Splurge = R1,630

Where: selected Edgars and Stuttafords stores
What they say: A rich, refreshing first step moisturising treatment with an exquisite floral bouquet that leaves skin soft, hydrated and looking revitalised, ready to welcome your subsequent creams or emulsions. Apply Sensai’s Prime Solution in the mornings and evenings after cleansing as the first step of your moisturising routine.’
What we say: ‘I am very impressed with the Kanebo Sensai Prime Solution. I normally test products for about four weeks before I give my opinion on them, but believe this or not, after a few days there were amazing visible results! My skin feels so soft, this is such an amazing product, just a pity about the price – it’s a bit steep but if you take into consideration what this product actually does and the results you get out of it, it’s worth every cent. My face looks younger and my skin feels firmer. You don’t need to apply a lot of this solution on your face or neck, just a small amount, so it can go a long way. And I rubbed some of it into my hand too. Remarkable product.’ – joubert

Lancôme Absolue Premium ßx Advanced Replenishing Cream SPF15

Splurge = R1,495

What they say: ‘Absolue Premium ßx cream is designed to restore and replenish the skin by helping it to regain vitality and firmness, and give spectacular results.’
What we say: ‘Hmm … "spectacular"? Them’s some mighty big claims. Look, don’t get me wrong: I am loving this cream (it’s thick and smells divine, and smooths onto my skin deliciously) but I think ‘spectacular’ is a slight exaggeration. My skin does indeed feel nourished and more elastic, but I wouldn’t call it spectacular. Just impressive. Which is just as well, given the price tag. So for the last few weeks I have been using the Genifique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream and the Absolue Premium ßx, in conjuction with Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector. I am not convinced my wrinkles are any less um wrinkly, but there is a definite improvement in my complexion. It looks sort of glowy. And the random pigment mark (I refuse to entertain the idea that it might have been an age spot) that just appeared above my lip a few weeks ago (LITERALLY overnight), has faded so much it’s virtually gone. Nice.’ – Irene