Obviously, the financial outlay required to secure a Louis Vuitton handbag is significantly more than an Estée Lauder anti-aging cream, for example, but the exhilarating feeling gleaned from a smaller, less expensive, purchase is more than comparable.

When it comes to stocking up your beauty shelf, just like your wardrobe, it’s advisable to have a combination of inexpensive products for everyday use, and a small selection of high-end items to be used sparingly for that special occasion.

Even if you’re on a budget, compromising on some beauty products is likely to take a heavy toll on your skin. Quite simply, a hefty price tag typically offers a real quality that less expensive items just cannot match.

Listed below, then, are our top five luxury beauty products that are guaranteed to have passers-by stealing a second glance as you skate by …

Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundation is a causing a real buzz in the beauty industry, serving up one of the hottest make-up innovations in decades. The excitement has even reached Hollywood where professional make-up artists continue to rave about the superlative coverage mineral foundation offers.

Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation

Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme

Brimming with a whole host of antioxidants and herbal extracts, Estée Lauder’s luxury crème is designed to remove wrinkles and make it easier to apply your make-up. In addition, it smells great, refuses to leave a film on your skin and won’t cause sensitive skin to break out.

Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme

Chanel Sylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner

One of the best eyeliners on the market, Chanel’s luxury product is worth every cent of the $30 price tag. It’s long lasting, waterproof, applies evenly and smoothly, and won’t smudge – even after a long night drinking wine and sobbing uncontrollably …

Chanel Sylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner

Evian Facial Spray

Perhaps not applicable right now considering the plunging temperatures, but Evian’s innovate Facial Spray will help moisturise your skin if you happen to spend a large amount of time in an air conditioned environment. Its pH-balanced micro-droplets offer your skin a magical scoosh of moisturising goodness.

Evian Facial Spray

Aveda Hand Relief

During colder weather, your skin is likely to suffer – and washing your hands constantly as you cook yet another festive meal is likely to dry your hands out immeasurably and ruin your immaculate manicure. Consequently, Aveda’s Hand Relief is, well, on hand to nurse your mitts back to health with its rich blend of emollients and vitamins A and E.

Aveda Hand Relief