In This Story:
Gurls, we made it, we got through another work year, and with that, the best time of all has come: appraisal season (aka spend on yourself guilt-free). That time of year which sweetens the never-ending emails, the late-night stress snacking, and the existential crisis that comes with being an adult. As a new career entrant, I was this close to panic shopping self-help books to cope with my work-related stress. But then the beautiful mail of having my appraisal was received. Next move? Heading to Nykaa to get my hands on the one product that had terrorised my wish list for months, Burberry Goddess Eau De Parfum. A vanilla-lavender scent that now every time I spritz on is a cutesy reminder to my 19-year-old self that “my girl, it actually does work out”. A thought I think everyone needs to have, especially the beauty community, in fact, you know, investing in beauty is less about looking great and more about feeling like you're your absolute best, self-care chimes is all we need to hear. And let's get real, if we're going into this fresh work year, shouldn't we be feeling like pure luxury? I mean, who doesn’t deserve a little spoiling themselves sesh once in a while? Here's to clever beauty splurges, hard-earned indulgences, and making our 9-to-5 existences just a little bit more fabulous.
Ace Your Base
After all those months of emails, meetings, and faking it with Excel, we deserve a touch of luxury because what's the use of a raise if not to take our makeup to the next level? And what better reward than revamping the very core (pun alert) of your makeup game? Starting with a primer that has your skin feeling like smooth, pore-free bliss because if your base isn't done, what's the point? And then, a foundation that not only rests on your skin but also becomes one, blurring and smoothing and turning you into a person who sips three liters of water per day (even if it's all iced coffee, that’s right, I see you). Naturally, no luxury haul would be complete without a concealer or color corrector that sweeps all traces of midnight doom scrolling away.
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Add A Touch Of Colour
You survived the chaos, now go treat yourself. And nothing gives major main character energy like a blush. Like that fresh, radiant flush (even if it’s just from running to catch your morning meeting)? Umm, boss babe much? Then there's eye shadow, the ultimate trick for creating whatever vibe you choose, soft and understated for your boss mode, or bold and dramatic for those "I deserve a raise" moments. And last but not least, let's discuss highlighter, the magic dust that makes you appear as though you have your own personal lighting crew trailing behind you.
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Lip Luxe
There's nothing that shouts "I've arrived" more than a thoughtfully selected lip trio that takes you from boardroom leader to after-hours wow. Begin with a lip liner that outlines your pout and, honestly, your whole personality (because a well-defined lip line just smacks different). Then, a lip colour that doesn’t just sit pretty but is just as powerful, whether you don’t want your lipstick rubbed off on your coffee mug, a "soft life only" neutral, the perfect hue is a tube of confidence. And lastly, lip gloss because shine isn't just for the office, darling. A dash of gloss makes it all look luxe, effortless, and expensive.
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The Luxe Body Edit
There's no better main character energy than exiting a room and leaving the scent of pure luxury behind. And now that appraisal season has graced your bank account, it's time to treat yourself to beauty that lingers literally. First up, perfume, because apart from smelling great, it also proclaims your arrival before you even speak. Then, body lotion, not the hurried, sloughed-onto-your-skin variety, but the lush "I drink eight glasses of water" kind. Hydrated skin is the ultimate “rich girl” chic. And as the icing on the cake? Body glitter because grown-ups can definitely sparkle. That soft, warm light on your collarbones and shoulders is the ultimate brag. So go ahead and spend on beauty that makes your presence unforgettable. Because if you're going to slay this new work year, you might as well do it while dripping in luxury.
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Key Takeaways
Appraisal time isn't simply about numbers on a paycheck, it's about the celebration of you. The late nights, the consecutive meetings, the barely making it but still surviving instances? All of that deserves a high-end treat. Maybe it's a scent that turns heads, a glow that screams effortlessly pricey, or a lipstick that seals every deal with confidence. Whatever it is, spending on beauty is spending on the main character energy you deserve. So here's to entering the new work year glowing, feeling invincible, and leaving a little shine wherever you go. Because my gurl, you've worked for it.
FAQs
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Is luxury beauty really worth the splurge?
Luxe beauty isn’t just about the brand name, it’s about high-quality formulas, long-lasting wear, and that feel-good factor. Investing in the right products means better performance, a more refined experience, and sometimes, even saving money in the long run.
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What’s the best luxe beauty product to invest in first?
Start with your essentials, the products you use daily. A flawless base, a signature scent, or a high-performance lip product can elevate your entire routine. Think about what makes you feel most put together and go from there!
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How do I justify a luxury beauty purchase without guilt?
Simple: You earned it. Hard work deserves a little indulgence. Plus, beauty is self-care, and confidence is priceless. If it makes you feel amazing every time you use it, then it’s money well spent.
