Best Luxury Skincare Brands and Products that Are Worth the Splurge

I’ve always been the type of person who would prefer to spend my money on skincare rather than, say, clothes or shoes. I’ll take a fancy new serum over a fancy new pair of jeans any. day. of. the. week. 

And, it’s clear that my reputation precedes me. When I talk about luxury beauty on the blog and on Instagram, something people often ask me is whether or not certain products are “worth it.”

If I’m being totally honest, it’s a tough question to answer! What’s worth the splurge to me, might not be to you, and vice versa.

However, one thing I can say with certainty, is that I’ve tried a LOT of luxury skincare brands over the course of my career.

I’ve also interviewed countless dermatologists, and have sat down with dozens of skincare brand founders… so I feel pretty confident in my ability to discern products that truly stand out from the pack.

If you’re in the position to spend a little extra on your skincare, you’ve come to the right place. These are the items that have the LindsaySilb stamp of approval.

1. Caudalie Premier Cru Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream

I literally remember the first day I tried this product. Being a true #lazygirlbeauty queen, I applied it haphazardly one night while I was lying in bed watching TV. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I looked in the mirror and was SHOCKED.

The puffy, dark bags under my eyes just looked… noticeably less dark. (And noticeably less puffy, too.)

That’s the thing about the Premier Cru Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream. It has an almost immediate effect, thanks to a combination of the cooling metal applicator and (what I have since learned) are called “Natural Pearlizers” that visibly brighten dark circles. 

What’s nice about the eye cream is that it really combines both short-term benefits (like those mentioned above) with longer-term benefits, such as targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro Tip: Store your Premier Cru in the fridge to keep the metal applicator cold (it’ll help with depuffing when you apply.)

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer

I’d had my eye on this steamer for a while, but I always assumed it would be too big and bulky for me to store anywhere in my apartment.

It turns out I was wrong. The device is actually super compact, and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel when I use it.

I’m a huge fan of everything Dr. Dennis Gross creates, and this baby is no exception. It uses micro-steam technology to hydrate and purify your skin…like a spa day, in the comfort of your home.

Lately I’ve been using it while I massage a cream cleanser into my skin and it feels like getting an at-home facial. I’ll wipe the excess cleanser off with a damp cloth, and then apply my skincare afterward.

Using the steamer before applying my skincare helps the products to penetrate deeper.

3. La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask

I’m a big believer in having a “special occasion” mask on hand at all times.

Whether you have a big event coming up, an important meeting, a special date, a photoshoot… this is the mask you’ll want to use.

If I know I have something major on my calendar, I’ll reach for this sheet mask and apply it the night before or the morning of my event. It’s pricey for a one-time-use mask, but trust me: YOU WILL SEE WHY.

It visibly plumps the skin, and when I use it, my skin has a noticeable healthy glow—the kind of glow that I have after getting a professional facial.

Pro Tip: Want to get the most out of your mask? Make sure you use the excess serum at the bottom of the packet (there’s always a LOT of excess serum.) You can apply it to your neck, your chest, or even to the tops of your hands.

4. La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream Moisturizer

I remember the day I treated myself to a tub of La Mer for the very first time. I felt like I had truly *made it.* It was a purchase that I had been debating for a while after hearing so many people rave about La Mer.

While I feel like Creme de la Mer is typically the most talked-about, I much prefer the Moisturizing Soft Cream. It targets dry fine lines, has a gorgeous, velvety texture, and makes my skin feel like a million bucks.

I’ll never use La Mer as my “slather it all over my face” cream, but luckily, a little dab goes a long way.

Pro tip: Did you know that Sephora sells La Mer in a mini size? I always recommend this as a great “entry point” option for anyone who’s tempted to buy it but nervous about committing to a full-sized jar. [BUY IT HERE]

5. Augustinus Bader Rich Cream

Developed by a stem cell scientist, the famed cream is known for having a patented ingredient—TFC8®—that’s clinically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

According to Dr. Bader, the ingredient works by “supporting the body’s natural processes of repair and renewal, so skin appears smoother, firmer, and more youthful over time.”

The first thing that appealed to me about Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream was the fact that it’s considered an all-in-one skincare product—which is to say, it is ideal for people who like a more minimal routine with maximum results.

I tend to go through phases where I actually enjoy the process of a multi-step skincare routine, but during times when I want to keep it simple (and maintain amazing skin in the process) I turn to my Rich Cream.

Pro Tip: If you’re a frequent traveler, I can’t recommend Bader enough. I buy the smaller size and keep it in my toiletry kit so that I don’t have to be bothered remembering to pack all of my different lotions and potions. It really does the job of all of your skincare in one.

6. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’re likely sick of hearing me extol the virtues of peel pads. BUT I WILL NEVER STOP TALKING ABOUT THEM.

Why? I’ve been using the DDG peel pads consistently ever since I “discovered” them in 2012. (And by “discovered,” I mean that I had a colleague with incredible skin, and when I asked her what her secret was, she told me about the pads.)

If you’re looking for a product that will change your skin overnight, you’re going to want to spring for these babies.

The pads are packed with a combination of AHAs and BHAs that gently exfoliate your skin, leaving behind a gorgeous, glowy complexion. I typically use them at night, and avoid combining them with other actives, like retinol.

Pro Tip: While I tend to use them at night, I’ll occasionally switch it up and use them in the morning before doing my makeup. I find that my foundation sits SO much more beautifully on my face after using the peel pads in the AM!

7. Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil

I used to think that all facial oils felt the same… that is, until I tried this one. It ruined me (in the best way possible.)

I wrote in depth about all the reasons why I love Guerlain’s Youth Watery Oil here, but in a nutshell, all you need to know is that the oil formula contains honey-encapsulated microbeads that literally melt into your skin, making for an easy, non-greasy, non-sticky application.

It visibly smoothes, plumps, and hydrates your skin—I think of it as being like a thirst-quencher for your face.

And truly… there’s nothing more luxurious than that.

Pro Tip: During the winter months, or any time that you feel like your skin needs some extra daytime moisture, I’ll add 1-2 drops of the Youth Watery Oil into my foundation. It creates the most beautiful glowy coverage, and blends well with every foundation I’ve tested.

I hope you guys found this list helpful! I’d love to know: what are your favorite splurge-worthy luxury beauty products? Drop them in the comments below!

This post was created in partnership with Sephora. All opinions are my own!