Splurge: The POREfessional Face Primer (22ml) by Benefit Cosmetics (available at Benefit locations across Hong Kong for $290)

This award-winning primer seems to have been around for ages! Lightweight and silky, it minimises the appearance of larger pores and fine lines, helping to create a great base for foundation. This is one of Benefit’s bestsellers and it’s definitely one that can be hard to part with.

Save: No-Sebum Blur Primer (25ml) by innisfree (available at innisfree locations across Hong Kong for $96 to $100)

innisfree may be better known for its incredible skincare, but don’t be fooled! There are some makeup gems hiding in its collection. We love its “no sebum blur primer” that smoothes over textured skin and wrinkles without caking or flaking. Made with natural mint and Jeju green persimmon extracts, it cleanses and manages the oil and moisture balance of the skin, prepping it for makeup application. And it’s less than half the price for more product!

Splurge: Brow Wiz by Anastasia Beverly Hills (available online at Sephora for $200)

Anastasia Beverly Hills is best known for its exquisite brow products. Its Brow Wiz is an ultra-slim pencil that is perfect for outlining and detailing brows, complete with a waxy formula that stays put all day and a fine tip that allows you to make tiny hairlike strokes to create whatever shape of eyebrow you’d like!

Save: Micro Brow Pencil by NYX (available at NYX locations across Hong Kong for $90)

This micro-mechanical brow pencil by NYX features a similar fine tip that really allows you to shape, define and fill in sparseness without any extra work. It’s precise, pigmented and less than half the price. Give it a go – you might just find your new holy grail!

Splurge: Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette by Urban Decay (available at Urban Decay locations across Hong Kong for $500)

Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes are cult favourites, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve got more than one in your collection! Its warm-toned Heat Palette, complete with burnt oranges and rich siennas, is gorgeous. The mattes are buttery and easy to blend and the shimmers are show-stoppers – what more could you want?

Save: Magnif’Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: Spice Edition by Rimmel London (available at select Sasa stores and online at Lookfantastic for $63 to $80)

If you’ve been lusting after the Heat Palette, but can’t commit to its hefty price tag, Rimmel’s Magnif’Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Spice might be just what you’re looking for. Its got all the same glorious shades (even in the same order) that wear all day with a decent colour payoff!

Splurge: Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (in Intense Black) by Stila Cosmetics (available online at Sephora for $155)

Stila’s #1 selling liquid liner is ultra-thin and precise, with a waterproof formula that dries quickly and stays all day. Its marker-like tip makes it easy for anyone to use, guaranteed to help you master a cat eye.

Save: Super Sharp Liner EX (BK-1) by KATE Tokyo (available at Watsons for $50 to $60)

There are tons of copycat black liquid eyeliners, but none are as black and pigmented as KATE’s Super Sharp Liner EX. With a similar easy-to-use felt-like tip (developed with Pentel Co.) and a long-wearing smudge-proof formula, this liner is an absolute gem!

Splurge: Better Than Sex Mascara by Too Faced (available online at Sephora for $200)

The jury’s out on whether this mascara’s title is accurate, but there’s no doubt Too Faced’s Better Than Sex is a prestige product. With an incredibly thickening and lengthening formula, it’s easier than ever to achieve luscious and dramatic curls in no time.

Save: Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara by L’Oreal, (available at Watsons for $99)

Ever since L’Oreal launched its Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, it’s been garnering rave reviews and comparisons to the Better Than Sex Mascara – and for good reason. It has a similar luxe feel packaging, hourglass brush and provides you with volumised and clump-free lashes. It finally came to Hong Kong earlier this year and we’ve already stocked up!