Friends and clients often ask me about a particular skincare product and whether it is worth purchasing. Recently a friend asked about a $500 moisturiser and I looked at the ingredients and could not find anything in there that justified the cost. My answer to her was that for the same money she could go and get a peel at a medispa or get botox.
Have I ever spent that sort of money on skincare? Yes. Sort of. I used to get a very generous staff discount and I do own Creme La Mer. It is a luxury product that I use sparingly now that I no longer have my staff discount and I tend to use it once a week or when I feel like treating my skin. I would not buy it at full price simply as I cannot justify the price simply for a product that I enjoy using but costs the same as getting a laser treatment, chemical peel or botox.
With the skincare industry boasting such a huge amount of brands and products, what is worth a splurge and what products are just as effective with a less eye watering price point?
Splurge Products:
When you invest in skincare make it on your actives. In particular serums because they are the more potent, concentrated product. Vitamin CVitamin C works to fight against free radical damage, strengthen collagen, brighten, treat the look of pigmentation caused by su... serums, RetinolA potent derivative of vitamin A, this is a cell-communicating ingredient (and antioxidant) which instructs damaged skin cells t... serum and hydration serums are worthy of an investment because the better quality ones will have a noticeable effect on your skin.
Another category of product that I never skimp on is a good exfoliator. I prefer to use chemical exfoliation in my skincare routine so a high quality AHA/BHA solution is an important investment to properly exfoliate the skin. If the skin is not being effectively exfoliated your other skincare such as serums cannot do their job properly as the dead skin cells will make it more difficult for your skin to absorb them.
A great quality oil cleanser. Yes I am the biggest fan of oil cleansers and the good ones do not contain mineral oils and they really do make a change to your skin.
Products to save on:
Moisturisers! If you are using a high quality serum you can save on your moisturiser. There are so many good ones out there too for all budgets.
A high quality facial oil. There are some facial oils that are simply amazing and do not cost a fortune. Look to brands such as Josie Maran for more affordable facial oils and if you feel like splurging on a facial oil look no further than Colbert MD Illumino Facial Oil.
Some of my favourite affordable products that are simply incredible:
Korres Wild Rose Moisturising and Brightening Cream
An excellent, high quality moisturiser with natural Vitamin CVitamin C works to fight against free radical damage, strengthen collagen, brighten, treat the look of pigmentation caused by su... from wild roses. This brand delivers incredible results in its products and this moisturiser for normal and combination skin is no exception.
Josie Maran Cosmetics 100% Pure Argan Oil
An amazing facial oil that also comes in a light version for combination or oily skin types. This oil comes in a 15ml mini version and a 50ml version. Another way to make your facial oil last longer is by adding a few drops to your moisturiser instead of applying it directly to the face.
Ren Clean Skincare Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm
This is a brilliant cleansing balm and so affordable.
JJ xx
