Don't waste money on luxury beauty that disappoints – these 12 Space NK buys are worth the spend
From elegant French fragrances to hardworking Japanese skincare buys, Space NK is where we head for a premium buy - but one that's actually worth every penny.
As a beauty team, we love a bargain, but every now and then a premium formula surprises us and proves itself worthy of its price tag - these 12 luxury Space NK buys have done just that.
While there are plenty of incredible under-£10 beauty buys available, there are some areas of your routine where you can justify spending a little more. A new long-lasting perfume, for instance, or a highly-reviewed foundation that doesn't budge or settle in fine lines. We, ourselves, have encountered a few luxury formulas that are as effective as you'd hope for their premium cost. Good news for our skin, bad news for our purses. That said, spending a little more can, in the long run, actually end up saving you money or at least feel worth it for their noticeable results.
As for where to shop these deserving buys, Space NK is one of our go-to retailers as it stocks everything from Korean skincare to iconic names like Dr Dennis Gross and Hourglass, who are among the few we'll actually invest in. So much so that if we run out, or better yet, win a basket dash, we'll always make a beeline for them.
The 12 luxury Space NK buys that never disappoint and are worth every penny
In most cases, it's a myth that quality must equal expense, though there are some products out there that you won't regret splurging on. Home to some of our favourite under-£30 buys as well as those we consider to be a treat and a good investment, Space NK definitely warrants a mooch around - be it in-store or online.
And in case you need some recommendations, our team have shared the premium products and brands that are truly worth your time and money.
Fiona's luxury picks
Digital Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona McKim: "Let me loose in Space NK with a limitless credit card, and I’d head straight for Frederic Malle. These bold, much-imitated perfumes do not muck about, and while the rich and sexy Portrait of a Lady is my all-time signature, I’ll play the game honestly and say I’ve already got a stockpile, so I’d snaffle Carnal Flower instead. This classic scent is a bit more summery than Portrait, but still rich, heady and rammed with tuberose - with a surprise appearance from juicy melon. One spray gets you through the day, so there’s some case I could make for it being good value, I suppose?"
"I don’t see a huge difference between luxury makeup and the budget stuff - but the one exception to the rule is foundation, where you usually do get what you pay for. This is a beautiful example of what spending a bit more on your base can get you - a silky and blendable fluid that’s just matte enough on an oily chin but just glowy enough on dryer cheeks. Your face will look better - but also, very much like your face, which is the aim, isn’t it? Plus it lasts extremely well without melting into lines or changing colour as the day goes on."
"I know, I know - what an outrageous price for a moisturiser. Or at least, that’s what I thought before I actually tried this night cream and woke up with skin so smooth and glowy I immediately checked the ingredients list and realised it’s not a moisturiser at all. It’s an overnight treatment with glycolic acid and countless other actives - your serum, night cream, and gentle peel in one. I still can’t say this is a must-buy for everyone, but if you have cash to invest and want to look like you’ve invested it in your face, this is a one-stop shop for 'rich girl skin.'"
Aleesha's luxury buys
Digital Beauty Shopping Editor, Aleesha Badkar: "As a true natural deodorant faithful, this is one of my favourite formulas out there. It is so luxurious and creamy, gentle on the underarms even after shaving; it doesn't leave any residue or wet patches on clothes, and the scents are next-level. My favourites are Bergamot & Hinoki for the zesty freshness and Saffron & Cedar for its similarity to a certain go-to perfume of mine (ahem, Baccarat Rouge)."
"A good brush shouldn't be a luxury, but with so many options available these days, sometimes it can be. This is, hands-down, the best concealer brush I've ever used - and it shows in my results. The soft, dense bristles buff in the product so that it looks seamless on the skin, with a finish that lasts all day without any creasing or patches. I also love how soft and comfortable the bristles feel on the skin - an important factor when you're using a brush on delicate parts of the face, like crepey under-eye skin - and the chic design makes my makeup bag look so expensive."
"Absolutely not something you need in your routine, but boy is it a fabulously indulgent luxury to include. It's lightweight and refreshing, with a gorgeous silky feel that leaves skin soft - and it has an almost-cool finish that is great in the hot weather. Plus the woody, sharp, clean scent feels like such a treat."
Sennen's Luxury buys
Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett: "You might already be acquainted with Parfums de Marly’s iconic Delina fragrance, but let me introduce you to Delina La Rosée. This fresher, more aquatic sister scent combines notes of crisp fruit, radiant petals and sheer woods for a vibrantly confident blend. A spritz of this luxe scent in the morning and I’ll enjoy a day of compliments on my perfume."
"I have oily-prone skin, which means exfoliation is key. However, my complexion is also fairly sensitive, meaning I have to be careful with the exfoliators I choose. Thankfully, Dr Dennis Gross offers an ultra gentle version of their iconic Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads. This two-step treatment works to improve the skin texture by using gentle acids to resurface, followed by the second step of targeting signs of anti-ageing - without causing any irritation."
"Now, while one might sweep this Tatcha Serum Stick over the face to boost hydration and prevent dryness, I reach for this buy in replacement of a highlighter. To complete my makeup routine, I dab this serum onto the high points of my complexion for a natural, glossy finish – as per Meghan Markle’s makeup artist. Hello, glass skin."
Naomi's luxury picks
Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson: "Perfume is really the only area of my beauty routine where I'm willing to spend the big bucks, because you can stretch their spritzes out for years. Space NK is usually my first stop, as its shelves are lined with some of the chicest brands, including my favourite Diptyque perfumes. I'm a bit of a devotee of the French maison, and have had this particularly sensual vanilla blend on my wishlist for some time now. It layers bold, spicy notes of rockrose, ambroxan, and woods with Madagascan Bourbon vanilla to create this rich and seriously expensive-smelling signature. Every Diptyque scent I own boasts impressive sillage and really rakes in the compliments, so I already know this indulgent number is worth the spend - I'm just waiting for summer to end, so it can be my new autumn perfume."
"I'm a big fan of budget body lotions; my everyday favourite is Vaseline's Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant (which is under £5), but I will say, this Salt & Stone product really stole my heart. The fresh and aromatic hinoki and bergamot scent is just so uplifting and elegant, and the formula feels so nourishing. It's such a treat when you're having a self-care evening or getting ready for a special occasion, and while I'll give it to you, it is expensive for a scented body lotion, you do get a lot for your money and the woody aroma really lingers - plus the bottle looks so chic on your bathroom shelf, so there's that too!"
"While there are some very affordable and effective eye creams out there, I have been spoiled by this Tatcha buy. Not only is the display at Space NK so aesthetically pleasing - so many pops of blue and purple that tempt you over - but when I see this cute little miracle-worker, I can't help but want to restock it. Despite its compact size, it does actually contain a surprisingly large amount of product, as a little goes a long way. It lasts me months, and the little golden spatula just adds such a moment of luxury when applying it. As for the formula itself, it's banished all my stubborn dry patches and has made the skin feel so hydrated and plump."
