Best of Beauty: Top Splurges

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara, $30. Asymmetrical bristles and a volumizing formula inflate every lash.

Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA, $129. Potent idebenone makes this fast-absorbing sunscreen a powerhouse.

Cle de Peau Beaute Lip Gloss (shown here in 7), $48. Deliciously rich gloss at its most sophisticated.

Prada Candy Scrub, $75. Vanilla-scented exfoliators smooth and sweeten skin, leaving it almost lickable.

Edward Bess Quad Royale, $45. A just-off-the-slopes flush that's impossible to overdo.

Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Creme de Luxe, $200. Antioxidants fend off UV damage while high-tech peptides undo what time has already wrought.

WHAT IT IS: An anti-aging cream
WHAT IT DOES: Brightens skin, improves texture and tone, and protects against free-radical damage
KEY INGREDIENTS: Grape stem cells (antioxidant); Silpearls (silanol and pearl powder complex to brighten, hydrate, and improve collagen production); tourmaline crystals (increase microcirculation); peptides (increase collagen production); fern extracts (firm skin)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS: The off-white cream is thick, but manages to feel light on the face, despite being loaded with anti-aging ingredients. The clean, green scent is refreshing.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The price is striking, but the payoff is, too: This cream has a mighty arsenal of ingredients to battle a range of skin foes, including fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity. Plus, a dab goes a long way, so you won't need to replace it too often.
AWARDS: Best of Beauty 2012 and 2011

La Prairie Cellular Lip Renewal Concentrate, $105. This orange-scented cream makes lips plusher and naturally pinker, and you don't need much (our tube lasted a year).

Leonor Greyl Shampooing Reviviscence, $65. A riot of oils absolutely spoil hair.

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil, $150. A drop of this jasmine-scented oil makes skin gleam—we also dab it on our wrists.

Sachajuan Volume Powder, $32. Misting at the roots makes blowouts bouncier—even on the third day.