Items worth splurging on? What is really necessary?

Oct 26, 2012

Natalie T.

Is skincare something I should splurge on? Are there certain items you would spend the money on and others you can live with just using brands from the drugstore? What are the best brands or products you use most often?


I am the absolute WORST with skin care. I really just wash my face in the shower and only remove my makeup before bed when I remember(which isn't as often as it should be), but I do not have any problems with my skin. I know I should be taking much better care of it, so I would appreciate some advice on which products are worth extra money. I LOVE the Mario Badescu products I have tried, but if it is not necessary to spend the extra money on products like that, it would be excellent. I don't know if they work because my skin is so easy to deal with or because they are expensive and well made. I currently use drugstore face wash, expensive toner, and a drugstore moisturizer. Should I be spending more on my face washes and moisturizers? What do you splurge on and what cheaper products do you use?

Thanks =)

Oct 26, 2012

Amanda R.

If your wash and moisturizer work for you, then stick with it. As far as high end goes, it's really only worth splurging for serums and treatments. Perhaps a night cream also. But it's only worth splurging if you find a serum that targets whatever "problems" you want to solve. For example I use the Korres Wild Rose Brightening Serum and Wild Rose + Vitamin C Night Cream. 

Oct 26, 2012

Niki C.

I always try drugstore versions first, but somehow end up convincing myself that the high end is more worthwhile. It's hard! I'm havin a hard time coming up with new and improved ways of conning my husband into the necessity of high end makeup hahah

Oct 26, 2012

Mary P.

try Murad or Lancôme for skin care, if you want the best quality, you gotta pay for it. Philosophy is also a good brand.

Oct 26, 2012

Heather H.

Enza Essentials is what I use. It's not drug-store cheap, but it is a really quality skin care line that targets your specific skin type. For me, its really worth it. They're online, so you should check it out!

Oct 26, 2012

Lauren D.

Try to stay all natural with skincare. I was awful about having a routine until I started with bareMinerals, and I have to say, their line is very good and affordable. Good basics to start with would be the Deep Cleansing Foam ($20), a moisturizer ($28) and the Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser ($26). If you want to stay within the drugstore range, really look at the ingredient list and do some research. I've heard Cetaphil is a good cleanser/moisturizer (haven't personally tried it myself). For an exfoliator, do NOT get the St. Ives Apricot Scrub, the grains are so sharp that they'll do damage and cause scarring later in life.

Oct 27, 2012

Jamie W.

The serums I would always splurge on when I run out is Lancome Vissionaire and Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate. My skin is so soft and hydrated when I use them and I love it. 

Oct 27, 2012

Tia B.

I Agree with Good Skincare Depending on your skin type and concerns try to avoid Highly Fragranced Products Philosophy is great as mentioned above Koreess, Fresh even the Body Shop
Learn Ingredients they will be your best friend and help you decide on product 

Nov 2, 2012

Dania M.

AHA's - Peter Thomas Roth, Olay
Retinol - Peter Thomas Roth
Moisture - Embryolisse
Eye creams - La Roche Posay

Masks, Scrubs and Toners.. not worth it. Make your own.

Ify on cleansers... Cetaphil, Bioderma Sensibio

Nov 2, 2012

Natalie T.

Thanks everyone!
Dania: I have used Peter Thomas Roth in the past and loved what it did for my skin, but I could never think of the name, THANK YOU!

Nov 2, 2012

Katie S.

I think the only thing to splurge on would be a clairsonic it makes any cleanser 10x better! 

Nov 4, 2012

Kim R.

My philosophy is; if it ain't broke, don't fix it!! If you have something now that works good for your skin type, I wouldn't worry too much about changing it. I do feel that the "preventive" skin care products such as retinols are worth the spurge. I also LOVE my clarisonic and feel it was worth every penny! :)

Nov 4, 2012

Ashley O.

Definitely pay attention to ingredients.. You mentioned Mario Bedescu which I know his products definitely contain parabens which you would definitely want to stay away from! Long term they are horrible for your skin and make it age quicker and can even contribute to causes of skin cancer.. Just look for ingredients when choosing products. I'm a big fan of the Yes To line (cucumbers, blueberries, carrots, tomatoes) their products have drugstore pricing but are organic Paraben free and cruelty free! What's better than that? If you try anything try the Yes To Blueberries makeup removing wipes. AMAZING. Smells phenom and is perfect for those lazy nights when you don't want to wash your face! Hope this helps xo 

Nov 4, 2012

Courtney B.

The way I see it: you have your skin for life. You need to take care of it as best as you can. Personally I use drugstore cleanser and moisturizer, and they work for me. I think i have good skin, although of course it isn't perfect.
Try to get into a routine you know you can maintain-- and you really need to be removing your makeup before bed. Try keeping wipes next to your bed so that you'll at least get somewhat clean, or maybe seeing them will motivate you to get up and wash your face. If you want to use stuff from Mario Badescu, sometimes you can find them on Hautelook and get a pretty good deal. It sounds like you don't need to switch your products, but just get into a routine.

Nov 4, 2012

Callie G.

I honestly wouldn't splurge on skin care products, especially face wash type items. They do not stay on your face long enough to need to be expensive.
If you feel it worth the extra money, then splurge. Hope I helped.(:

Nov 7, 2012

Kiki M.

Ok...as a newly licensed Skin Care Professional (Esthetician)!! lol... Let me tell u...First things first NEVER sleep with makeup on!! No matter how sleepy, tired, or pretty you look when u wake up! Its MURDER on your skin (Ok murder is a bit strong but you get my drift)! lol.... Next there are SOME products that you can skip on, mostly you need a good Makeup remover, Cleanser...NOT SOAP!!! but a Cleanser, a good Toner, Moisturizer, and since you say that you have no skin issues I would assume that you're pretty Normal, invest in a GOOD Exfoliant. This you won't use everyday, but roughly every few days. Really theres no need to Splurge and go Nanni Nooni Bananas! (Crazy) the only thing that you should invest in is in what works for you, now I will tell you that most drug-store brands are NOT the best, many of them are watered down versions of more refined brands. So make sure what ever you do buy its all quality! QUALITY IS KEY!! So in closing before I lecture you to death! haha...DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Its worth it, and your skin will THANK YOU for it!! Follow my new Beauty Blog: EscapingBeautySchool.blogspot.com! Happy searching happy skin! :)!