lust at first sight

I am completely lusting over Smashbox's CC Cream. I want it. I have to have it. 

I have been using my current BB cream generously so I can run out and have an excuse to drop $42 on this CC cream. It's a ridiculous amount of money for a tiny bottle of essentially tinted face moisturizer, and I think this may be a contributing factor to the reason why I feel like I can't live without it (even though I don't even own it yet).

I've read countless reviews of all the best CC creams and tried on Smashbox's CC cream one day at Sephora. It had good coverage, but also felt lightweight on my skin and my face didn't turn into an oil factory like BB/CC creams usually do! I am trying to justify to myself that spending so much money on CC cream when there are a lot of cheaper options, but I have been using a cheap drugstore BB cream and it does nothing for my skin.

Always on my mind now-a-days

I am so in lust with this product because I actually think it will help to even out my skin tone and actually provide coverage. I guess there's only one way to find out...

Has anyone used a CC cream and seen results?

splurge vs. steal: when is it worth the $$$?

If you look in my giant, cluttered makeup bag you'll see a mix of drugstore and higher-end products. Friends have asked me what my favorite brands are for specific products, and I always surprise myself by the variety in price of products I love equally. If I need to replace a number of items in my makeup bag, I would have to go to at least a couple different stores.

People often associate expensive cosmetics with better quality. SO not true! Even though there is something to be said for the way owning a specific high-end product makes you feel, and some more expensive products are better, not all of them are.

I appreciate good quality AND love a good steal so, where do you strike the balance? This is how I sort it out:

1. Do your research. I will rarely buy a product without doing research on it first! This means that if you're looking for something specific, such as a new mascara or blush, read lots and lots of reviews then decide if a more expensive product seems worth the price. If you're a newbie, try the Allure Beauty Product Finder. You can select the specific type of product you're looking for, and a list of products will appear that are suited to your style, type and price. If you know a little more about makeup, head over to Sephora.com and search for the product you want or under your favorite brand. Read the customer reviews -- these are real people with real experiences!!! Most of them are great, but the reviews that seem to 'go against the grain' and contradict the majority may be a little untrustworthy. If you're a beauty expert, sign up at MakeupAlley to read countless reviews on every product you can imagine.
2. Think about commitment. If you really want to try red lipstick and never have before, trying a cheap drugstore option is a good place to start. You don't want to splurge on 'trendy' makeup or products that you're not sure you'll love because it might end up sitting around unused and that's a waste of money. On the other hand, if there's something you know you want and love and will use all the time, go ahead and spend the money!
3. Compare with other products. Take advantage of all the testers at department stores, Ulta and Sephora! If I'm trying to decide between different options of the same product, I'll test them on my hand (or sometimes face) and look at the end of the day and see which one stayed on the longest and looks the best. 

The atrocity that is my makeup bag.

Sometimes it's simply trial and error, or listening to your friend's recommendations. I really enjoy reading reviews on products and testing them out at the store before buying, it makes me even more excited when I actually find 'the one'!

How do you decide when do splurge or save?