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12 Expensive Beauty Treatments That Are Actually Worth the Hype

Indulge in the epitome of self-care with beauty treatments that turn luxury into lasting beauty.

cosmetic surgeon examines beautiful woman's face
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Some beauty treatments can be pricey and have you wondering if you got ripped off when you walk out the door without noticing a difference.

Others, however, can give you a bang for the buck, boosting your beauty or helping you look and feel better.

So, which beauty treatments should you avoid wasting money on, and which are worth the splurge? Here are some of the treatments that are so worth the investment.

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Permanent make-up

Africa Studio/Adobe having permanent makeup on lips

You may want to consider permanent makeup to make it easier to have certain placements be permanent, such as lip liner or filling out your eyebrows.

A permanent makeup solution involves tattooing makeup on your face, which can be expensive. But you won’t have to pay for the makeup anymore to have those features, which could save you money in the long run.

Permanent makeup can cost $300 to $700, depending on the type of makeup procedure.

Microneedling

hedgehog94/Adobe woman receiving microneedling rejuvenation

Microneedling creates tiny punctures in your skin that can encourage collagen production to make your skin look tighter and younger. It can also potentially reduce scars and blemishes.

You can also add microneedling to a facial appointment to help your skin absorb other treatments for your skin during your time at a spa or dermatologist.

Microneedling can vary from place to place, costing anywhere from $100 to $600 per treatment.

Microdermabrasion

Strelciuc/Adobe cosmetologist's hands making microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently removes the uneven outer layer of your skin to allow your skin to look smoother and younger.

It has been touted to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliate your skin, and improve age spots. It can also thicken the collagen in your skin to make you look younger and your skin smoother.

The average cost of microdermabrasion is between $100 and $250.

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Botox

hedgehog94/Adobe getting a rejuvenating facial injections

Botox injections can be used where wrinkles are present to make your skin look smoother and reduce sweating and neck muscle spasms.

Botox, created with a purified botulinum toxin, can be administered safely, but you’ll want to check with a professional healthcare provider as it is done with a prescription.

Botox costs around $400 on average, but costs can vary depending on the type of treatment you need.

Facial liposuctions

Andrey Popov/Adobe surgeon drawing correction lines

Facial liposuction can be expensive, but the results can be worth it if you’re worried about sagging skin on your face and neck.

It’s a more invasive beauty treatment as it requires work with a plastic surgeon, but the results can be dramatic and worth the cost.

Depending on the type of treatment and doctor, facial liposuction can start around $2,000 and go up to as much as $6,000.

Dermal fillers

Africa Studio/Adobe young woman receiving filler injection

Dermal fillers can be used to restore fullness to your face and fill in areas that can help eliminate wrinkles and other skin issues.

You can also use dermal fillers to make your lips look fuller, diminish recessed scars, and decrease shadows from your lower eyelids.

There are several different types of dermal fillers, so it’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional and find out which ones can work for you and are within your budget.

Dermal fillers can cost around $500 per syringe for treatment.

Laser hair removal

dpVUE .images/Adobe woman with beautiful legs

Laser hair removal can be an effective way to treat unwanted hair in areas like your legs and above your lip.

It’s a good idea to compare the cost of things like waxing or shaving to the cost of laser hair removal. The treatment may cost more upfront, but it could save you money later if you don’t have to pay for everyday grooming items.

Laser hair removal costs an average of $389, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but prices can vary depending on the procedure.

Dip powder nails

okskukuruza/Adobe applying acrylic powder on the nails

Dip powder nails can be a good option if you want to spend a little more on a manicure to have one that lasts longer.

The process can make the color of your nails last longer and mean less time for you at a nail salon.

It may cost more than a typical manicure, but you could save money if you spend a little more in exchange for going to a nail salon less often.

Check your local nail salon for prices, which could be around $30 to $60 for dip powder nails and more expensive than a typical manicure.

Sclerotherapy

gballgiggs/Adobe varicose veins on woman legs

Spider veins may be unsightly and make you feel self-conscious, but you can reduce their appearance with sclerotherapy.

The treatment includes a chemical solution injected into your spider veins to reduce their appearance in a few weeks.

You’ll want to find a medical professional to do treatment, but it doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia and takes a relatively short time.

Treatments can cost around $300 but could go well beyond that, depending on the treatment.

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Lash extensions

dero2084/Adobe eyelash extensions in the beauty studio

Your lashes may not be as big and bold as you hope they could be, but lash extensions could make your lashes look more lush and fuller.

Lash extensions are different than fake lashes in that they are applied to the eyelid in a way that is meant to last longer than a typical fake eyelash. You can expect your lash extensions to last around two to three weeks.

Lash extensions can cost you around $120 but could go higher depending on the type of extensions you choose.

Massage

Pixel-Shot/Adobe woman receiving massage in spa

Massages can be a great way to relieve stress, reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and make you look better and younger.

There are plenty of different massage therapy options for you to choose from, so check with different providers in your area to see what’s right for you.

This can be especially important if things like stress are affecting your physical appearance and can give your beauty a boost.

A 60-minute massage costs around $75, but the price could fluctuate depending on the length of the massage and the type of massage.

Skin regimen

Dragana Gordic/Adobe homemade facial masks

There are plenty of different options out there when it comes to a skin regimen to make your face look young and bright each day.

You may want to add a variety of products, like cleansers and moisturizers, to customize your skin care routine.

It’s also a good idea to include sunscreen as part of your skin regimen, and you may want to spend a little more cash to get a good one that isn’t oily and can keep your skin protected.

Skin regimens can vary depending on the type of products you decide to use and how many you decide to use.

Bottom line

Drobot Dean/Adobe happy woman covering her face with one hundred dollar bills mischievously

You do have options to help you save money if you’re worried about spending a good chunk of cash on some of these treatments.

It’s also a good idea to put big-ticket items like beauty treatments on the best cash back credit cards in your wallet to earn cash back and perks on your purchases.

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