Five Beauty Products To Skimp On
Posted by: Erin Flaherty
Filed in:
style
12:00PM, Tuesday September 8th 2009
Today the HuffPo ran a story about “beauty indulgences” in which a writer extolled the virtues of 10 outrageously splurgy beauty products, the total cost of which clocked in just under a grand ($986 to be exact, I counted). Her point, that some products are totally worth the money, is fair enough, but having spent some time in the trenches of the beauty industry, I have to take issue with some of writer Felicia Sullivan’s recommendations.
To be fair, if you have the money to blow, I guess go for it. But if you’re feeling bad that you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend each month on certain essentials, don’t. Seriously. Do not. After the jump, five products which it’s kind of foolish to waste your hard-earned cash on.
- Body Moisturizer: Wow. Sullivan claims that her $195 La Mer body cream leaves her skin “soft, supple and refreshed.” I mean that’s great and all, but there are tons and tons of body products out there that will do the same exact thing for way less. One that instantly comes to mind is a cult classic that truly makes your body feel silky smooth: Avon Skin So Soft Body Lotion, which will set you back $7.50.
- Skin Exfoliant: While I do admit to being a major exfoliant lover, I think the $60 price tag on the Amore Pacific enzyme peel she recommends is a tad steep, because basically, removing dead skin is removing dead skin. While I could recommend a million face scrubs that will essentially do the same thing, in the interest of using a more direct example, the line 100% Pure makes an awesome, natural Pineapple Enzyme Facial Peel which is similar to the Amore Pacific but you get more product for the considerably lower price of $17. But, like I said, plenty of scrubs do the same thing and are available at the drugstore for under $10, as well.
- Daytime Moisturizer: While it’s totally up to you whether you want to spend $240 on Shiseido’s Future Solution cream, might I take this opportunity to say that most dermatologists would laugh their asses off if you copped to spending that much on day cream in their offices? After their looks of pity have subsided, they would probably inform you that the best daytime moisturizer is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and contains a formulation like Helioplex, which is found in Neutrogena’s Healthy Defense SPF 45, $13, and provides scientifically proven anti-aging benefits. While you’re there, your doc would also likely suggest you wash your face with Cetaphil, another drugstore staple.
- Shampoo: Phillip B is a lovely brand that I like a lot, but call me crazy if I can’t endorse spending $140 on shampoo. (Could you?) While I know people rave about how glossy their Russian Amber product makes hair look, I also hear (and have experienced) noticeably increased shine using Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine. And because I’m lazy, I use the two-in-one. It costs $3.50. Ahem.
- Hand Exfoliant: Yeeahhh, it’s hard to dignify the suggestion of a $50 hand scrub with any comment whatsoever, but I thought it a good opportunity to recommend an exceptional (and similar/better) product that celeb manicurists use on their famous clients all the time: One Minute Manicure for $15. Not only is it a miracle in a jar, it’s, well, not $50.
So, tell me: What’s your biggest beauty indulgence? And where do you draw the line?
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thehighandlow
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 11:18 am: [report]
Last year when I was making way more cash than I am now, I splurged on a bunch of Murad products. Everything from daytime spf30 moisturizer, under-eye cream and skin lightening eye gel (i’m olive skin toned with dark circles around my eyes). While I’d like to think these things are doing wonders for my 30 year old face, I’m not totally convinced. I’ll be running out of these products soon and the Neutrogena line mentioned above is lookin’ awfully tempting.
felsull
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 11:20 am: [report]
Hey Erin,
I really appreciate your feedback on my recent Huffington Post article, and you raise some terrific points. As someone who is a freelancer, living paycheck to paycheck, trying to launch a non-profit, I know a bit about budgeting
In all fairness, I wrote this piece as an over-the-top splurge article. If someone had the means and wanted to make the ultimate splurge, I listed some products that I thought were efficacious (based on me testing them) and indulgences. Would I spend $140 on shampoo? $50 on a hand polish? Absolutely not. And while I think $60 for an exfoliant is steep, I’m not sure I agree with the argument that one exfoliant suits all. I have super sensitive combo skin and I’ve used everything from Biore to St. Ive’s, etc. I found that many of the drugstore granules actually made me break out more. So I tend to use products that have superfine granules or a cream/milk based exfoliant.
Anyway, I digress. By no means am I asking folks to not make smart choices when it comes to their discretionary income, this piece was meant to be a flight of fancy. I don’t actually think that people should integrate these products into their everyday regimen. Personally, I mix some high-end products (I tend to splurge on products for my coarse, kinky hair) with drugstore brands.
I hope this clarifies! Thanks again for your feedback.
Cheers, Felicia
emflow
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 11:28 am: [report]
I’m addicted to Fresh Sake Hair Cream - but a tube of that costs less than $30 and usually lasts a couple months. That’s about my limit.
Erin Flaherty
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 11:44 am: [report]
Thanks Felicia! I think we all split between high and low for sure, like wearing H&M with Chanel or whatnot.
Erin Flaherty
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 11:45 am: [report]
@emflow, yeah, Fresh stuff is yums.
Rose
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 12:28 pm: [report]
The best hand and body exfoliant in the world is coarse salt mixed with a little olive oil, both from the grocery store. Rub it on to clean skin, rinse with warm water, you’re done. So cheap it’s nearly free.
AlisonNoelle
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 12:35 pm: [report]
Can’t beat Olays total line of products I think! I’ve been using them since I was 12! Lotion I like: Bath and Body Works Body Lotion in Coconut Lime Verbena. I like the St Ives Apricot Scrub for my exfoliant. Its always worked well for me. And! I love the Pantene Ice Shine stuff. I just discovered it and its awesome.
snidecomment
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 01:56 pm: [report]
I interviewed Paula Begoun (http://www.cosmeticscop.com) about a year ago for a story on “Is this worth it and why?” I asked Begoun about Creme de la Mer, because when something is THAT expensive, you gotta know. She said the $195 is a big burn. Product packaging was a major problem with it (you dip your hands into the pot and the product degrades quickly because of extra exposure to air and the dirt and oils on your fingers). Also, she noted it’s poorly formulated.
Also, the Philip B I’ve tried smells pretty good, but it STILL has sodium laureth sulfate in it—even the Russian Amber Shampoo! Waaaah! That’s way too expensive for something that will damage your hair.
Anyway—good article from Felicia (sometimes you just need to see the most expensive) and good Frisky alternatives.
jld117
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 02:00 pm: [report]
I love Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Stickgloss - and I haven’t found anything in the drugstore that rivals them. But, my go to staples are Cetaphil for a cleanser, Neutrogena moisturizer, St Ives Apricot Scrub, and the St Ives Replenishing Mineral Therapy body moisturizer. I have been stuck in an expensive hair product trap for quite a while using the Milkshake line, but if I could find something less expensive that didn’t dry my hair out, I’d try it!
katnohat
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 03:05 pm: [report]
@ Rose sugar and baby oil are a great combo, too.
Olivia Allin
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 03:17 pm: [report]
I buy cheap for everything BUT Kerastase Oleo Relax (4.2 oz $38.50) but lasts for about 6 months and I will never find a better smoothing/shining serum. And Benefit Boo Boo Zap (0.2 oz $20.00) for zits…even after going nuts on my skin it kills zits before and after they attack me. I guess those aren’t too bad though?
lawyrgrl
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 03:32 pm: [report]
I tried the Amoure Pacific enzyme peel and I have to respectfully disagree with Erin. It is not really a scrub - more like a fizzy liquid that you rub in to your skin and then rinse off. It left my skin like satin! But here is the best part - Sephora.com is giving away trial sizes of it that are big enough to last for several uses. It works so well that I won’t have to actually buy it for a while but when it is gone I am pretty sure I will.
But all the rest of Erin’s assessments I completely agree with!
Laurel
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 04:03 pm: [report]
I don’t think Lush shampoo is that much of a splurge. All the pucks cost under $10 and last at least as long as a standard bottle of shampoo.
The most I’ve spent is (I think) $65 for Fresh Sugar Lemon scrub. It does smell lovely and moisturizes/exfoliates well, but honestly it isn’t worth the price. When I run out I definitely won’t be buying again.
Trixie Firecracker
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 04:57 pm: [report]
So I had a $50 Macys giftcard and used it to get Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate ($60) for when my skin was behaving like a rebellious teenager. Nice product and effective but I’m sure I could have survived without. In the meantime, I stick to anything J&J - Purpose face cleanser and Neutrogena moisturizer and sunblock, Clean & Clear Persa Gel-10, although I should really ditch that last one. Speaking of which, anyone know of a really really effective pimple treatment that can be bought at drugstore prices?
I think my biggest beauty indulgence was Lancome Color Fever lip gloss. Ok, I got it on sale so maybe it doesn’t count. But still!
Let_Love_Rule
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 06:47 pm: [report]
@jld117
I cosign on the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer! The shades are amazing, and the closest thing I’ve ever found to my true complexion. Plus, it’s non-drying, non-irritating…and a little goes a long way so IMO it’s well worth it. SPF 20, too.
On the downside, her body butter is freaking amazing too, but like $50+ for a jar. Since I moisturize after every bath/shower, I think I’d burn through that way too fast to justify the cost.
I can’t say it enough: ladies, the ONLY thing that has been medically proven to diminish fine lines is Retin-A. It’s $70 for a huge tube. It also shrinks pores! Some people’s skin is irritated by it, but you can get it in lower concentrations and/or alternate treatment days. It also encourages you to protect your skin from the sun, as you absolutely must while taking it. It has worked miracles on my skin, but don’t take my word for it, ask your dermatologist, as Erin recommends.
Katrina
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 07:07 pm: [report]
I just discovered c.Booth Honey & Almond body butter at Rite Aid…$6, and it works like a dream. I put it on my hands, feet, knees, and elbows (after using Suave Firming lotion, $6, might I add) after showering. Not to mention which, it smells absolutely mouthwatering. Not bad for Rite Aid.
And Herbal Essences comes in HUGE bottles for $5 at Wal-Mart. I have Tousle Me Softly shampoo & conditioner (I can’t use 2-in-1 because it makes my very thick hair greasy) and my hair not only smells like violets, it’s incredibly soft.
Isabela Laval
wrote on September 8 2009 @ 07:27 pm: [report]
The best less-than-$5 I have ever spent for my skin? BC Aspirin powder! I mix it with my Cucumber toner to make a paste and use it as a face mask for about 30 minutes. It shrinks my pores, eliminates redness, and all in all keeps my skin clear. I was doubtful about this at first, but it works miracles!
(If you don’t know yet, Aspirin’s active ingredient is Salicylic Acid, the same stuff that you’ll find in zit creams and facial cleansers.)
ScienceGal
wrote on September 9 2009 @ 10:17 am: [report]
I tend to mix the expensive stuff with the cheap too - really the only things I will spend more on is face moisturizer and blush because my skin is so sensitive. I use Murad lotion with retinol for like $30 - I swear it’s the only thing that keeps my skin from breaking out constantly.
sportzriter13
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:12 pm: [report]
I’m on a college budget (commuting, but between books and gas), so most of this stuff is out for me. Kudos to Felicia for your graceful response, but unless I suddenly come across a great deal of money (or a steady j-o-b) it’s just going to be a wishlist. Erin, kudos for suggesting economical alternatives.
I’ll keep an eye out next time I go shopping for beauty stuff. Which may not be for a while…lol. 
sportzriter13
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:18 pm: [report]
@Isabela- Dunno if you are a fact geek like I am, but did you know that while most medieval “cures” and “treatments” failed miserably, boiling willow (?) bark actually helped get rid of fever/headaches. Guess what? the bark contained Salicylic Acid.
Didn’t know it could be use as ye olde acne cream. Thanks for the knowledge. 
It is true-you do learn something new everyday.