Is it worth paying more for certain make up and toiletries?

Citygirl1

Hi, I am a woman who likes her make up and beauty products but once I find something I like I do stick to it. I don't have numerous eyeshadows, blushers etc, just one foundation, one eyeliner, one mascara and a couple of shades of lippie and one blusher. I do like Clinique foundation which is about £20, I always use their eyeliner and lippie at about £14 each and their cream cleanser at the same price, but I use Boots No7 blusher and mascara as I do prefer those to the Clinique ones.

For facial moisturiser I use medium priced from the Body Shop. As for haircare I have tried salon products and I find that the cheaper brands suit me better. I have now started colouring my own hair to save money rather than have it done at the salon and I prefer my hair with the home colour on.

So, is it extravagant to buy the Clinique stuff? It does seem a lot to pay out in one go but it does last ages.

Do you think you get what you pay for in certain items or do you think buying mid price or cheaper for all is better. I could use a tinted moisturiser and face wipes which I have used before but I do like my Clinique.

Also do you use a seperate night cream? Sometimes I wonder if that is a con to get us to spend more money.

Philippa36

I use Aldi face creams - they were about £3 each for day and night cream and are as effective as any of the really posh ones I've used. They're possibly not as pleasant fragrances but they do exactly the same job.

loupee

I use mostly clinique and lancome for my skin care and make-up I have found its made a real difference to my skin since changing at the the start of the year.
Me and OH get a set amount 'pocket money' each month out the budget to spend as we wish, he gets PS games, golf stuff etc and I like to treat myself to make-up, getting my hair and the odd beauty treatment.
I think if something works for you, you can afford it and not missing out anything else by buying, then yes it is worth it!

kerrydrobertson

i think if your budget allows etc then why not. I rarely get to treat myself to brands i used to buy before i had kids and now when i do i really love it and they do last forever as well so dont think its totally wrong at all

glowgirl_2

I think it would be best to work out what works for your skin, creams wise, then research the different products at the various price points, I know of expensive products that use cheap and nasty ingredients and vice versa, make up wise again its what agrees with your skin and for colour based products its all about pigment and the look you are trying to achieve.

Bitsy_Beans

I would suggest you buy what works for you. I use cheap and cheerful cucumber moisturiser from Boots, mainly because anything else just seems to sit on top of my skin rather than absorb nicely like this one does (it costs £1.49 a tub )
I used to spend £30 on Estee Lauder Double Wear make up but since discovering the joy of mineral foundation I spend less money than this and it lasts me up to 5 months (which is a heck of a lot longer than liquid foundation).
Considering makeup is something I use every day I would buy the products that work for me - if Clinque works for you and it lasts you a while I'd say it was £20 well spent. And as you say you're going down a brand on beauty products in other areas so that in itself is a bit of a compromise to the MSE Gods LOL!

Citygirl1

Hi, thanks for your replies. Bitsy Beans, I used to use the Boots unfragranced moisturiser years ago, its just like the Cucumber one but with no perfume in it.

Which mineral foundation do you use? I tried it once and it seemed a bit powdery and I have very dry skin.

I do love my Clinique foundation but am willing to try other things if they are cheaper and last longer.

I am also saving money by using shower gel to wash my hands and sometimes my face, I also use it in the bath instead of buying a seperate bath oil likeI used to do.

MrsE_2

I like some pricy stuff. I like Laura Mercier face powder & Laura Geller blushers.
Lancome mascaras & juicy tubes by Lancome lip glosses.

I'm happy with No7 foundation & cheaper (L'orel or Revlon) liquid eyeliner.

I like Liz Earle toner & smashbox cleansing oil.

But I'm happy with No.7 hot cloth cleanser.

Try different moisturisers but Liz Earle is one of the cheaper brands I like for face cream.

If it gives you pleasure & you can afford it, buy it.

Any

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Hi, thanks for your replies. Bitsy Beans, I used to use the Boots unfragranced moisturiser years ago, its just like the Cucumber one but with no perfume in it.

Which mineral foundation do you use? I tried it once and it seemed a bit powdery and I have very dry skin.

I do love my Clinique foundation but am willing to try other things if they are cheaper and last longer.

I am also saving money by using shower gel to wash my hands and sometimes my face, I also use it in the bath instead of buying a seperate bath oil likeI used to do.

What do you mean by that? They are powder... you can get liquid one or pressed one but I don't know anyone who uses that...

You would need proper brush to buff it on otherwise you will never get required effect. There is some very good quality stuff out there even for people with rosacea and all sorts so your dry skin shouldn't be a problem at all.

I personally currently use Bare Minerals, had Southern Magnolia minerals from US before (love both) and tried Lily Lolo which has massive fans on this board (I didn't like it as much, but everyone's skin is different). For most of those you can get just samples to try out before you buy..

Hermia

I think you shouldn't feel bad about buying expensive stuff if it works for you, but also don't get into the trap of thinking that expensive is better (a lot of the time you are paying for the name and the advertising). I have friends who claim expensive is best, but they have never tried cheaper products!

I use Clinique lipstick as I find it's the best. I also use their face scrub as it suits my skin and lasts AGES. But, I have found that all cleansers pretty much do the same thing so just buy one that costs a few quid. I have also just started using a face powder that costs a fiver and is a MILLION times better than the expensive ones I have used before. I actually think the mid-price ranges are some of the best on the market. I think brands like L'Oreal have really good quality products and are very innovative.

I do use night cream. It gives my dry skin a boost and I also don't want to use a cream containing a SPF at night.

Citygirl1

Hi, I have had a Clinique mineral powder foundation which is a pressed powder, it is supposed to look glowy but on me tends to look powdery, maybe I am using it wrong. I tend to use the Clinique liquid foundation more but the compact one is handy. Anyone else use this?