15 Beauty Buys That Are Worth It for the Pretty Packaging Alone
1/17We’ll come right out and say it: In the world of beauty, it’s nearly impossible not to judge products based on their packaging. When something so exquisite-looking lands atop ours desks, how can we be expected not to fall totally head-over-heels? Sure, we know we shouldn’t judge a book, er product, by its cover, but real talk — haven’t you ever been drawn to a lipstick, liner, etc. primarily because of its next-level packaging? Hmmm, that’s what we thought.
Now, obvi, there’s totally no shame in that. It's one of the main reasons brands spend ample time making sure their packaging is on-point — because it’s almost always the first thing to attract customers. But, in some cases, looks can be hella deceiving and, in turn, leave us with a prod that doesn’t live up to its lovely exterior. With this in mind, we made it our personal mission to demystify this pretty-packaging-sucky-prod enigma — and nail down a list of beauty buys that prove just as stellar on the inside as they appear on the outside. Keep on clickin’ to find 15 prods that kill it in both categories.
2/17Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection Essentials
Besides looking fit for a queen, these lust-worthy brushes are velvety-soft and make the blending process totally seamless — bonus points for the fact that they’ll look gorg sitting on your vanity.
3/17Chosungah 22 Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker
Of all Chosungah 22’s supercute products, we’re particularly partial to the tinted brow gel — which, yes, looks akin to a highlighter — but also expertly shapes and defines your arches in just a few simple swipes. It also happens to be conveniently waterproof, meaning this baby won’t budge or fade throughout the day — even through an intense gym (or pizza) sesh.
4/17Yves Saint Lauren Touche Éclat Kiss & Love Edition
Just when we thought this iconic highlighter couldn’t get any better, YSL went and proved us wrong by launching a limited-edition version covered in lips. Yes, lips. Rad new packaging aside, this incredible luminizer instantly brightens any dark areas on the face, and leaves behind a bright, radiant glow.
5/17Steven Klein Collaboration One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette
All you cheek-prod lovers out there, listen up: you need this palette from Nars’s new Steven Klein collab in your life. Why, you ask? Well, for one, the packaging is hauntingly gorgeous and, two, it comes with four blushes, a contour and highlight duo, and its best-selling Laguna bronzer. BOOM — need we say more?
6/17Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base No. 1
We adore this dazzling primer for two reasons: The fact that it comes encased in sleek gilded packaging that will make you feel luxurious every time you pick it up, and for it’s ability to make skin appear stunningly angelic — sans foundation.
7/17Smith & Cult Nail Lacquers
When it comes to prime-polish-packaging, we immediately think of Smith & Cult’s beautifully crafted bottles. At $18 a pop, they don’t come cheap — but they’re well worth it, we swear. The colors are high-voltage and the lasting power is next level… So what else could you ask for?
8/17& Other Stories Blusher
What do we love more than ultra-pigmented blushes that come in a slew of gorgeous shades and blend effortlessly? Said blushes that come stamped with Shakespeare quotes. & Other Stories — you speak our language.
9/17Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Pearl Bay Invasion Highlighter
Not only does this glitter-based glow-giver have adorable dino drawings on it, it also injects skin with moisture, and leaves behind the loveliest, lit-from-within sheen wherever you place it.
10/17GHD Rose Gold Styler Set
The infamous, multiple award-winning GHD styler has long been touted as one of the most impressive hair tools on the market — and now that it’s gotten a fancy rose gold upgrade, well, we’re more in love than ever. It leaves locks looking shiny, healthy, and not the least bit fried like some stylers do.
11/17L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Nutri-Gloss High Shine Glossing Mist
Fancy yourself some shiny strands? We can’t rave enough about this fab glossing mist, which instantly brings drab locks to life — all while sitting pretty in a hot pink bottle.
12/17Marc Jacobs Decadence Sensual Shower Gel
We know $50 seems steep for a shower gel, but for those of you who don’t mind splurging on your bathing prods, we highly suggest you pick up this bad boy. With notes like Italian plum, saffron, Bulgarian rose, and papyrus woods, it will indulge your senses and make every shower feel like a trip to the spa.
13/17Sunday Riley Face Oils
In the way of facial oils, Sunday Riley can do no wrong. Not only are they some of the fastest-acting oils we’ve ever tried, they come in delicate glass bottles that allow the vibrant colors of the oils to peek through.
14/17Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama
If you’re a fan of the original Falsies mascara, then you most def have to give this one a try. The creamy new plumping formula doesn’t disappoint (hello mega-watt lashes), and neither does its glossy two-toned tube.
15/17Urban Decay Vice4
UD never ceases to amaze us in the packaging department, so it’s no surprise that we fell for the newest Vice palette’s rad, futuristic-y feel at first glance. As for the shadows themselves, the 20 eye-catching shades are brand spanking new (as in never been seen before!), and as densely pigmented as they are blendable.
16/17Hourglass Ambient Bronzer
Encased in a sleek gold square comes this beyond-stunning bronzer, which uses a unique photoluminescent technology to add both warmth and dimension to the skin. We don’t say this lightly, but this lavish glow-giver is a total game-changer, so if bronzer is your jam, we highly suggest giving it a go.
17/17
Oh damn that was only a few short years ago for me, but I think I'd tell myself to just chill and try my best to always live in the moment. College classes and trying to secure internships and all that ... Read More
