When it comes to makeup, expensive formulas aren’t necessarily always better than their budget counterparts. I love an affordable dupe as much as the next girl, however, there are some products that are undoubtedly worth the inflated price tag. Enter the high-end foundations that are worth their weight in gold.
These pricier versions offer up luxurious textures, an exceptional finish, and occasionally, added skin-boosting benefits. Here are five of my all time favourites that are definitely worthy of your hard-earned pennies. Get ready to splash that cash.
#SorryNotSorry
If you love a flawless face, then this full-cover foundation delivers 16 hours of wear and a perfect matte finish. Despite the shine-free formula, the Micro–fil™ technology, allows for full coverage with a thin texture that suits all skin types and preferences. The feather-weight, high-coverage mix conceals redness, hyperpigmentation and imperfections. What’s more it contains broad spectrum SPF25 which gives a boost of sun protection.
I’m a sucker for a natural look, and this super light serum gives you dewy coverage that keeps your complexion looking radiant. It’s your skin only better! It’s made with a blend of thirst-quenching hyaluronic acids, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide to even skin tone. And as if that wasn’t enough, it also contains SPF40 to protect from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it’s silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. Be still my beating heart.
This illuminating, breathable formula is perfect for daily wear. It contains a slew of hydrating ingredients that hydrate and enhance glow, this lightweight foundation calls on botanical extracts to protect and support skin health. It’s vegan-friendly and also features SPF15 for a touch of sun protection, although you’d still need a sunscreen underneath.
If you love full coverage but you’re not a fan of the thicker, oilier textures of many full-coverage foundations, this base might just be the one for you. The refreshing gel formula transfers moisture into the skin without the use of oil as an emulsifier. It’s also packed full of natural botanicals like aloe, chamomile, and arnica that calm irritation and soothe sensitive skin.
The Two High-End Foundations You Shouldn’t Bother With…
Sometimes you just don’t get what you pay for. It’s a big NO to these high-end foundations.

I’ve always loved By Terry products but this foundation just doesn’t hit the mark. The formula is highly fragranced and the smell lingers all day- being able to smell your own face is annoying to say the least. The foundation gives super light coverage, but despite claiming to be buildable, I’ve found it gets patchy and textured. Not worth the pennies I’m afraid.

A two-in-one foundation/concealer infused with caviar extracts? Slick, integrated, silver mirror and teeny, tiny precision brush? Sounds boujee. Yes it feels pleasant on the skin and gives a dewy finish, but is it really worth the $200+ price tag? No. Not really. I think it’s more a case of paying for expensive-looking packaging.