We’re all about saving money while shopping. But sometimes, it’s important to invest (aka save up) on certain products.

Some things you need to splurge and get the best quality products because the inexpensive stuff will break (or not serve you well) and then you’ll end up spending more in the long run so you should just invest from the start.

This particularly applies to beauty products. You want to make sure you use the best quality products for your hair, makeup, and skincare.

Here’s a run-down of all the items you definitely will get a better return on investment from. The good news: you can get Cash Back from most of these places!

Tech

Technology is a finicky beast. Though we use it in our day-to-day lives, not all tech is created equal, that’s why it’s important to invest in tech that will last. Hair dryers, straighteners, face brushes, and more. We love the variety of options from Sephora (hello Clarisonic and Foreo), as well as Dyson (hello SuperSonic and Airwrap).

Lipstick

Everyone needs a classic lipstick. One that compliments your skin tone, makes your teeth look whiter, gives you that “I can take on the world” confidence, lasts through multiple cups of coffee and a client lunch, and that you can wear every day no matter your outfit. When you find that brand and colour, snap it up. These are often the ones with a slightly higher price tag. Charlotte Tilbury and Smashbox get our vote.

Creams

Depending on your age, your skincare regimen should always be top-of-mind. Whether it’s anti-aging serums or a rejuvenating tonic for those early morning workouts, finding a cream and treatment that uses quality ingredients and is specific to your skin type, can save you a trip of two to the dermatologist down the road. We love the selection at Perricone MD and Kiehl’s, notably their Midnight Recovery Complex.

Fragrance

Is there anything better than someone telling you that you smell great?! Amiright? Finding your signature fragrance can take time and, lots of trial and error, but when you find it, it’s like magic. Did you know that you should also choose your scent according to the season? Spring is for freshness, like mint, basil, orange blossoms. Summer is for florals, bergamot, jasmine, rose. Fall is wood, like sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss. And finally, winter is for spices, like cinnamon, vanilla, amber, incense. We love the Beach fragrance from Bobbi Brown, as well as the large selection of scents available at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty.

Masks

All the beauty influencers are raving about Sephora’s SUMMER FRIDAYS masks. Why? Because they make every day feel like a Friday. We also love the Clinique face masks because they boast no phthalates, no parabens, and no fragrance.

Mascara

Sometimes all you need to put on is your mascara and you feel like a million bucks. But with so many types of mascaras out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Think about what do you want it to do for your lashes. Add volume? Separate? Lengthen? And what colour: standard black or brown, or do you like to pop with fun colours? And does it need to be waterproof (sometimes a bus ad just hits us right in the feels, you know)? So many questions, so many lash boosting options out there. Read tube’s claims, inspect brushes and ask for recommendations.

Makeup Brushes

Synthetic or natural bristles, that is the question. Makeup brushes are an important investment in any makeup case and differ depending on the type of product your applying. A little research goes a long way here! Some products even come with application suggestions. But no matter which bristles work best for your routine, it’s a good idea to invest in quality, long-lasting brushes; our favourites come from Origins and MAC Cosmetics. A quick Google search will also teach you how to car for your brushes to ensure they last even longer.

Haircare

Aveda is our go-to for everything haircare: they’re cruelty free, have naturally-derived ingredients, manufactured by wind power (WOAH!), use 100% post-consumer recycled products, scented with pure flower and plant essences. Using sustainable products that are cruelty free is important because we all want to do our part to help take care of our planet. That’s why we love Aveda, especially their Shampure™ collection.