What’s the most expensive beauty product you ever bought? 10 women tell us

By Hansa Makhijani Jain

Let’s admit it. When it comes to vanity, we’ve all gone over and above our budget – sometimes in the quest of supple skin or smooth hair and even a feel-good fragrance. When I was a young intern at a newspaper, I saved up a major chunk of my stipend to splurge on a skincare concentrate. The funny thing is that I didn’t even need it back then, now that I think about it.

Whether it’s the lure of advertising, celebrity reccos, influencer marketing, unique packaging or word-of-mouth, we have all fallen for it. Sometimes we come back to the products (when it works, why not?) and other times we just do chalk it up to a bad investment.

Here’s what 10 women around the world had to say about their most expensive beauty buy, and whether it was worth it.

Pragya Sinha, 27, Fremont, USA

I think it’s probably my Versace Bright Crystal fragrance. I don’t use a lot of skincare and my makeup is generally below $50 per product. I feel great about it and it’s my special occasion fragrance, so that I have memory of those occasions associated with the perfume. I would definitely buy it again and yes; I think it’s worth it.

Vivani Kapoor, 39, Jakarta, Indonesia

On a crisp December afternoon, I first caught the scent of Harrods Roja Aoud, £495. It was quite pricey, but I indulged, desiring a fragrance that mirrored strength and elegance.

The bottle features a beautiful nod to the famous Harrods green, complete with the recognizable Roja square crystal-studded cap and a golden flacon. The fragrance opens with an initial burst of crisp aldehydes and a powdery citrus punch, which gracefully settles into the velvety depth of Rose de Mai before a rich, spicy, and smooth aoud takes over. It is a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern oud—an opulent scent profile I have always been drawn to.

This is a fragrance I reserve for when I am formally dressed – with my hair perfectly styled, makeup done, and heels to complete the vibe – or for an elegant dinner with my husband, who appreciates perfume just as much as I do.

What initially drew me to the scent was its exclusivity to the Harrods store, making it a uniquely rare and limited find. While I might not instantly repurchase another bottle of this exact scent once it runs out, I certainly hope they continue to expand this exclusive collection, making it even more covet-worthy.

Shruti Sood, 43, Noida, India

My most expensive purchase was the House of Rose Milcure Pure Wash & Powder Non-Foaming Face Wash Set. I picked up this product along with many others while on a trip to Japan as my face wash was coming to the end of its lifetime. Though I have felt most of the cosmetics from Japan are very mild, this enzyme-based exfoliating cleanser was good!

I felt it to be a bit too steep for ₹3,200 when converted to Indian currency, but it is all natural and worked well for my combination skin. I’d probably buy it again, but only when I am in Japan.

Tanu Singh, 37, Bengaluru, India

My most expensive self-care splurge is skincare – specifically my night cream from Forest Essentials. Over the years, I’ve made a conscious shift toward products with natural ingredients across my skincare and haircare routine – I’d rather not have unnecessary chemicals touching my skin or hair.

I’m a repeat buyer of the Forest Essentials Advanced Eternal Youth Formula Date & Litchi night cream, ₹5,650. It’s definitely on the pricier end, but I think it’s totally worth the expense if a product genuinely suits your skin and hair – that’s the real test for me, not the price tag. Yes, I’d buy it again – I already have, several times over.

Anuradha Jhurani, 65, New Delhi, India

I love different kinds of fragrances, but nothing matches up to the classics. My all-time favorite is J’adore by Dior, ₹5,900. Feminine and housed in a beautiful bottle with an elongated neck, it is a floral and fruity fragrance that lingers all day after you’ve spritzed it on. With notes of bergamot, jasmine, lily of the valley, tuberose and musk, this elegant fragrance is my go-to anytime I can’t decide what fragrance to wear for the day. I always stock up on it when it’s about to finish.

Tanu Talwar Arora, 42, Los Angeles, USA

I was extremely hesitant to spend this much on a hair dryer and questioned whether any dryer could truly justify the price. After using the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hairdryer, $549, I can confidently say it exceeded my expectations.

The biggest difference is how quickly it dries my hair – what used to take much longer is now done in nearly half the time. What’s even more impressive is that I can achieve great results using significantly less heat, which gives me great peace of mind knowing I’m reducing heat damage. My hair feels smoother, looks healthier, and has noticeably less frizz after each use.

The design is thoughtful, lightweight and comfortable to use, and the powerful airflow makes styling effortless. It’s one of those rare products that actually delivers on its promises.

If you’re debating whether it’s worth the investment, I was in the exact same position. Now that I’ve experienced the performance and convenience firsthand, I can honestly say it’s one of the best beauty purchases I’ve ever made.

Dr Rajni Brahm Prakash, New Delhi, India

I just had to try this cult classic recommended by a friend. The Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer and Primer is priced at ₹2,725, and is one of the most expensive product on my dressing table. When you think about it, the functions it performs replaces the need for several products and that’s the reason I keep buying it again and again. It’s a moisturising cream, makeup base and cleansing milk all rolled into one. It can even act as a face mask when kept on for a bit; as well as an after-sun care potion.

Ahana Sood, 38, San Francisco, USA

For a year I used this product called Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum. It turned out to be an amazing product! But after a point the result outcome was only marginally better than most of the other serums that I have used at a fraction of the cost. So I pulled the plug on it. The retinol serum is $380 a bottle.

Manika Jain, 43, Meerut, India

My everyday post-shower ritual includes the Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Body Mist, ₹2,900. It’s the most expensive body mist I have ever used but I find it to be worth the price. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal, ₹1,420, is my alternate day eye serum. It’s one of those few Korean beauty products that work well for my skin.

My real beauty splurges are on fragrances though, with Estée Lauder Pleasures topping the list. It’s priced at ₹7,700. Versace Bright Crystal ₹8,200 and Burberry Body ₹6,200, come a close second, depending on the occasion.

Dr Ruchika Sawhney Mittal, 44, New Delhi

The most expensive product I have used is from MAC. Their Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation is worth ₹4,000. It gives off a soft matte finish and also has hyaluronic acid. I don’t use makeup very regularly. It’s occasional and I consider it okay to splurge on this category as cheaper ones are not good. With MAC there is no chance of any sort of skin allergy.

Tell us in the comments about your most expensive beauty buy. Would you buy it again?

eShe’s beauty editor Hansa Makhijani Jain may as well have been born with a lipstick in her hand. She’s been writing about the beauty biz for almost two decades. Follow her on Instagram.