Best Beauty Splurges for Spring 2012

JoAnn Orr is an Los Angeles-based make up artist and self-proclaimed beauty product junkie. For the past five years, she's been hard at work painting faces and testing every new beauty product under the sun. Suffice to say, this girl knows her primers, lipsticks, and lotions. A true trend authority, Orr has a lot to say about how to make runway inspired looks wearable for the everyday woman.

"Make up for spring 2012 is looking very ethereal, blushy, and sun-kissed," says Orr. "Hair trends are looking very big on shine, with lots of soft waves, colorful streaks, and tons of ponytails."

How can we incorporate these trends into our beauty routine? Sometimes, all it takes is switching a few new products into your cosmetic collection in order to make some big changes. "Maybe we can't afford a 500 dollar purse, or a pair of Christian Louboutins, but you can spend 30 dollars on a lipstick for a little piece of luxury and enjoy it every day," says Orr, always a true believer in the magic of make up! Thanks to Orr's expertise we can now confidently put our best face forward, knowing which luxe beauty items are splurge-worthy for 2012.

Best Beauty Splurges for Spring 2012

Splurge: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Why you want it: "Winged, black eyeliner is something we'll see a lot of this spring. It really does stay all day! You can even wash your face and it won't come off. Once it dries, it's there for good. It also has a very thin felt tip so it makes for fantastic precision if you're creating a cat-eye look."

Splurge: Alterna 1 Night Highlights

Why you want it: "On the runways, we saw a lot of color streaks. If you want to translate that look to everyday wear, the 1 Night Highlights are perfect because they wash right out. You don't have to commit! They come in caramel, blonde and red, and they're great for going out...especially when you're feeling a little bit funky. Also, Alterna is a natural hair care brand so all of their products are on the organic side, and a little healthier for your hair."

Splurge: Guerlin Rouge G Lipstick in #21

Why you want it: "Red is in! #21 is a true, classic red, which is great if you can't decide whether you want to try an orange-red or purple-red lip color. Guerlin is one of the oldest luxury brands around, their products are amazing. Not only do they have beautiful rich colors, but this product also has a built-in primer so it lasts all day."

Splurge: Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

Why you want it: "On the spring 2012 runways we saw a lot of hair gel, creating a wet-look. I think the best way to make this a wearable trend is to add shiny, loose, natural waves into your beauty routine. Also, all kinds of ponytails (high, low, loose, or tight) are going to be popular. This Aveda smoothing fluid gives a lot of shine, and can be used on dry or wet hair, whether it's worn up or down."

Splurge: Amore Pacific Tinted Moisturizer

Why you want it: "Good skin is always in. The Amore Pacific Tinted Moisturizer can be expensive as far as luxe products are concerned, but it's amazing because Amore is a waterless line, it actually helps skin retain more moisture. This is one of the only moisturizers where you can actually get skin care benefits. This product is great because it's one step, the bamboo sap provides antioxidants, it helps fight aging, and it's oil-free and paraben-free."

Splurge: Bare Essentials Touch Up Mineral Veil

Why you want it: "This product is great for creating an ethereal illuminated look that's so popular right now. The important thing about the Touch Up Mineral Veil is that it's the first pressed powder from Bare Essentials. This is a big step for this brand! Mineral Veil has always been one of their staple items, and now it's easier to transport. This product gives a flawless finish. And, speaking of upcoming trends, you might want to keep your eye out for more pressed foundation powders from Bare Essentials as well."

Splurge: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Why you want it: "This is going to be huge. Urban Decay's Naked 1 palette was in such high demand that beauty stores couldn't keep it on the shelves. Naked 2 is the palette to look out for because it comes with a double ended brush and a lip gloss. Also, the colors are cooler tones this time around, and in my opinion Naked 2 has a better variety of light colors and highlights. Perfect for creating a peach, shimmery eye shadow look that is going to be a big trend this spring."

Splurge: Lancome "La Roserie" Illuminating powder

Why you want it: "This powder is really pretty to use on temples and cheekbones to give a natural glow. Rose colors will be big this spring, and La Roserie is perfect to achieve a blushy, fresh-faced look."

Splurge: Clarisonic Mia 2

Why you want it: "The Clarisonic Mia 2 does the same thing as the original Clarisonic brush, except it's less expensive. It's the best thing you can do to your skin. Not only is it a gentle cleansing system that drives cleanser deep into the skin, but it also allows for a deeper clean, and helps products to work on your skin better. You're going to see a smoother texture in your skin, just like what we saw on the runway for spring 2012!"