Expensive face creams - worth it? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Expensive face creams - worth it?

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 09:33

I don't have a great skincare regime but am lucky that despite that I still have good skin! Friends and colleagues seem to spend a fortune on expensive lotions and potions and I am wondering whether I should be doing the same - even though my skin seems OK now I worry that I may end up with older looking skin or whatever in the future.

I have always cleansed, toned and moisturised every morning from about the age of 12 (it started as copying my Mum and wanting to feel grown up and has remained a habit) however I just use cheap-ish products such as Johnson & Johnson, Garnier or Nivea. I do use Clinique moisturiser but for cleanser and toner I just buy whatever.

At night I never take off my make up which is terrible I know - a lot of it seems to somehow get rubbed off during the day but still! I guess a start should be to start the skincare regime in the evening as well as the morning!

So anyway - are expensive creams really worth the money? Like I said I have good skin so don't really want to be spending a fortune on things I don't need, however maybe I should be seeing them as preventative of ageing rather than to fix a problem - does everyone just buy them because they are expensive and it is a nicer experience to buy and use them than picking something up in the supermarket? Or is it actually worth spending the extra money?

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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 23:46
My skin is too sensitive for chemical sunscreens so I use physical ones - zinc/titanium dioxide based. I have used - invisible zinc, clarins, lancome, la roche posay and skinceuticals. The clarins is good but only for very white skin as it leaves a white cast, the IZ leaves an sheen, the Lancome is OK but feels a little heavy. Skinceuticals one (SPF 50) is far and away the best - minimal white cast, light fluid, no oily shine
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 21:51
I just started using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer facial sunblock spf55. I also have oily skin but my skin was oil free all day. Carrefour, Geant stock it, you can find it with the other Neutrogena face care products. First left on the top: http://www.neutrogena.com/category/sun/spf+55-.do?nType=3I I paid AED55. Thanks Marroosh! That sounds great. I had a look in Spinneys for it earlier and couldn't find it. BUT I did find a new Nivea 'essentials' face cream with SPF30 for... AED21!!! Just had to buy it. Will let you know how I get on with it :-)
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 09:40
I just started using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer facial sunblock spf55. I also have oily skin but my skin was oil free all day. Carrefour, Geant stock it, you can find it with the other Neutrogena face care products. First left on the top: http://www.neutrogena.com/category/sun/spf+55-.do?nType=3I I paid AED55.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 09:20
This is a great thread! Thanks for all the useful info - esp SuzyDuzy. Those findings are v interesting (but not surprising). Can anyone recommend an affordable moituriser for oily skin which contains SPF? I do everything you 'should' do (don't drink, smoke, sunbathe) but don't wear sunscreen unless I'm actually going out in the sun (v rare - haven't had a tan since I got here 8.5 years ago). I guess I could probably improve my lifestyle by shielding myself more. TIA x
3376
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 07:47
If you've got difficult skin, i.e. prone to breakouts, irritation from fragrances or certain ingredients, then i would say no product that works is too expensive. I have no problem pouring some $$ into masks, peels, and things which give an immediate glow but it takes weeks and months to determine if a certain moisturizer was "worth" the price paid. That being said, I woke up with serious eye bag today :/ and I've got an eye depuffer/lifting serum which is pretty expensive--but the performance is so awesome I don't care. It looks like I actually slept last night!!!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 19:15
I have tried every brand under the sun, including the super expensive, and have to say i dont think there is a correlation between price and whether it works. I am now super happy with an organic skincare range made locally that is very simple yet really works. Check out Shirley Conlon Organics, she is on FB, and regualrly sells at Arte and Ripe. I am converted! Yes I have several bits of her stuff - very nice - in fact you just reminded me to do the clay mask tonight!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 19:06
My back ground is in the beauty industry also,and i would say number one is SPF sun is the most ageing and damaging factor also using aha's in cleanser and scrub really works don't need a toner that's just marketing and all those expensive creams may smell nice and feel nice but don;t work ! using a vitamin c 20% strength serum in the morning is also great for the skin.My scrub contains AHA i use it every day. If you notice men who shave everyday have better skins it's a myth not to scrub everyday. Basically should stick to cosmeceutical brands which have ingredients that are effective :) What Vit. C serum and scrub do you use? I need new scrub and don't know which one to buy I use ASAP which is an Australian brand so i get it in Oz als Alpha H another Oz brand i am sure you can buy online another brand i like is emergin C haven't come across that here either. Look for a scrub with about 10 to 12% glycolic and vitamin C about 15 to 20% is effective.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 13:27
I have tried every brand under the sun, including the super expensive, and have to say i dont think there is a correlation between price and whether it works. I am now super happy with an organic skincare range made locally that is very simple yet really works. Check out Shirley Conlon Organics, she is on FB, and regualrly sells at Arte and Ripe. I am converted!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 12:59
I believe L'oreal had to withdraw some of their advertising as the ingredients did not do what they say they did. Most of it is a load of tosh and purely a marketing ploy Yes, it was the "boswelox" thing All these stats you see in ads for creams and conditioners (72% of women agreed their hair was stronger!!) are based on the product vs no product at all. So it's really more like "80% of women using moisturiser saw smoother skin" vs women using no moisturiser". Ugh. Stay out of the sun, don't smoke, drink, or eat sugar, wear sunscreen. That said, two of the serums I've used do do what they say they do, but (clinque for dark spot and estee lauder idealist) they're not wrinkle-reducing serums.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 11:08
I was watching some French TV last night (100% Mag), and they actually did their own investigation on this subject! They asked 3rd party lab to do tests on supermarket products vs expensive brand name products. 1. Brand names were generally 10 times the price. 2. For serums, they discovered that both supermarket and brand names were NOT effective. 3. Hydrating creams - the brand names were 13% LESS effective than the supermarket brands. 4. Cleanser creams were equal Note that this a study done on 2 brands only (one supermarket and one expensive) and the names were concealed from the lab, and they were only given brand A and brand B - and this was their conclusion. Interesting.... I believe L'oreal had to withdraw some of their advertising as the ingredients did not do what they say they did. Most of it is a load of tosh and purely a marketing ploy
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 11:06
I was watching some French TV last night (100% Mag), and they actually did their own investigation on this subject! They asked 3rd party lab to do tests on supermarket products vs expensive brand name products. 1. Brand names were generally 10 times the price. 2. For serums, they discovered that both supermarket and brand names were NOT effective. 3. Hydrating creams - the brand names were 13% LESS effective than the supermarket brands. 4. Cleanser creams were equal Note that this a study done on 2 brands only (one supermarket and one expensive) and the names were concealed from the lab, and they were only given brand A and brand B - and this was their conclusion. Interesting....
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 08:41
My back ground is in the beauty industry also,and i would say number one is SPF sun is the most ageing and damaging factor also using aha's in cleanser and scrub really works don't need a toner that's just marketing and all those expensive creams may smell nice and feel nice but don;t work ! using a vitamin c 20% strength serum in the morning is also great for the skin.My scrub contains AHA i use it every day. If you notice men who shave everyday have better skins it's a myth not to scrub everyday. Basically should stick to cosmeceutical brands which have ingredients that are effective :) What Vit. C serum and scrub do you use? I need new scrub and don't know which one to buy
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 08:07
I saw a tv program once where a doctor mentioned that the only thing really important in face creams is the presence of the AHA. The rest - more expensive or less - made no actual difference to the skin. "it just smells prettier". In the long term, a reasonably good skincare regimen (includes washing face of make up!) is more important with getting eight hours sleep starting no later than 10 pm and a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables and plenty of water). Also some people just luck out with great genes, good skin is inherited as is bad. So if you want to get the pretty smelling cream it will help but only on top of everything else. Good skin, like good health, doesnt stand alone but needs a holistic approach which includes lifestyle changes.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 20:47
A slight tangent....which serums do you guys receommend? Night - Estee Lauder night repair Day - Skinceuticals, Prevage MD (with Idebenone), Roc Anti-oxidant anti-glycation, Estee Lauder Idealist (for smooth and even toned skin) Dark Spots - Clinique Clinical dark spot correcting serum Protect in the day with antioxidant/anti glycation serum such as active vitamin C or E, follow it over with sunscreen. Everything else is, IMO, pointless. Keep fancy serums in the fridge, or at least in the dark
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 14:36
My back ground is in the beauty industry also,and i would say number one is SPF sun is the most ageing and damaging factor also using aha's in cleanser and scrub really works don't need a toner that's just marketing and all those expensive creams may smell nice and feel nice but don;t work ! using a vitamin c 20% strength serum in the morning is also great for the skin.My scrub contains AHA i use it every day. If you notice men who shave everyday have better skins it's a myth not to scrub everyday. Basically should stick to cosmeceutical brands which have ingredients that are effective :)
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 14:26
If you actually use expensive products you do realise that they last so much longer than the equivalent cheap brand that they are not actually much more expensive. Maybe some, but my latest favourite - a 10-euros Olay night renewal serum - lasts as long as my ex favourite, a 120-euros CE Ferulic by Skinceuticals...
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 14:24
There is Creme de la mer expensive and there is expensive....I would never buy creme de la mer due to the costs.....serums, I like the Origin Plantscription anti aging one....it doesn't look great though, sort of a greyish green colour..... I had creme de la mer and it totally clogged my pores - besides, it is so heavy (at least the original 'legendary' version) I could only use it at night, otherwise nothing could remove that shine from my face. Honestly - you didn't miss anything there!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 14:01
There is Creme de la mer expensive and there is expensive....I would never buy creme de la mer due to the costs.....serums, I like the Origin Plantscription anti aging one....it doesn't look great though, sort of a greyish green colour.....
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 13:11
A slight tangent....which serums do you guys receommend? i can't tell much difference between expensive and non expensive creams and I think cleansing is hugely important...I love Bioderma for senitive skins (that is a cleanser, toner and eyemake up remover in one and much better than the wipes)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 13:10
If you actually use expensive products you do realise that they last so much longer than the equivalent cheap brand that they are not actually much more expensive.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 13:06
No. You will pay more for a) brand and b) rare/more expensive ingredients they advertise in their products but in vast majority of cases, the % of such ingredients is so small it won't make any difference.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 12:53
Not worth it at all. If you read the ingredient lists you'll see the same ingredients over and over.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 11:53
Not smoking, not drinking, not eating sugar and wearing sunscreen daily are by far the best things you can do for your skin. I've been through all the non-chemical suncreams and the skinceuticals is by far the best, spf 50 and all-physical Expensive creams - not really worth it IMO. The Nivea Q10 has actually been proven to work and the boots protect and perfect/repair is good too. Serums though? Sign me up - I use a strong antioxidant serum for day and estee lauder night repair for night, and clinique DDML over the top. Only retin A, botox, fillers or laser resurfacing will actually reduce existing wrinkles Don't exfoliate more than every 3-4 days as it thins your skin and makes it sensitive
460
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 11:01
Thanks all - will start tonight! I forgot to mention I do exfoliate too as have a St Ives Apricot Scrub which I love, just need to do all these good things at night as well as in the morning! I do even have a night cream (buy 2 get one free on Soap & Glory products so thought I would give it a go - but didn't) - will see how I get on!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:20
Thanks all, I will definitely try to make the effort with an evening skincare regime! I suppose even if I am too lazy to cleanse, tone and moisturise in the evening I should at least use some baby wipes to clean everything off. OPMUM1 which moisturiser would you recommend? A Clarins one? I have recently started a Clinique one and they last forever so won't be buying for a while but good to bear in mind for when I do. Also night creams - waste of money or should they actually be used rather than using the same in the mornings and evenings? If you can use babywipes you can use a cleanser and toner....babywipes will dry your skin out, try to avoid them, plus these days they are made to be gentle on babies bums so they probably won't remove everything as they aren't strong enough. As for creams, again, if you are only going to do your skincare routine once a day then do it at night. Night creams are stronger than day creams to help the skin repair and because of this are more expensive. But, you can use the cream you are using now in the evening there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I haven't used Clarins creams only the cleansers and toners. The moisturiser I love is Dior Hydra Life Pro Youth Sorbet Creme....I have oily skin so I go for the sorbet as it is lighter and more like a gel consistancy. If you have dry skin they have a Comfort Creme which is thicker. It has an SPF in it, hydrates the skin which is great for the conditions we live in and helps to prevent those lines and wrinkles!
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:05
I agree - expensive is not necessarily better - the best anti ageing is, of course, GREAT GENES and they can only be inherited, unfortunately, that, and a good sun screen, a healthy diet, no smoking or alcohol, a stress free life and the occasional exfoliation is the best advice. My grandmother always told me never to put soap on my face, and I never have. I use a creme cleanser and toner, usually Loreal or something similar from Lulus and a simple day creme that has a strong SPF factor. At night, I simply use a pure, first cold pressed almond oil. The only thing I need to do now is rid myself of stress and I will look 10 years younger!!!! hahaha
460
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:05
Thanks all, I will definitely try to make the effort with an evening skincare regime! I suppose even if I am too lazy to cleanse, tone and moisturise in the evening I should at least use some baby wipes to clean everything off. OPMUM1 which moisturiser would you recommend? A Clarins one? I have recently started a Clinique one and they last forever so won't be buying for a while but good to bear in mind for when I do. Also night creams - waste of money or should they actually be used rather than using the same in the mornings and evenings?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 09:59
I don't think expensive creams are better at all. My friends who use them don't look any younger than me (lol). If you want to slow down the ageing process you need do avoid sun, smoking, drinking and stress (lol). Then have a basic skincare routine which probably would involved cleansing at night ;-) I've been using cheap face creams (e.g. Nivea range) all my life, despite my grandma having been a Lancome dealer. In particular, Nivea Q10 eye cream seems good. It costs about AED60 (less in uk) and the best bit is that you can buy it in Spinneys :-) I've been using it for at least 10 years. Obviously I have no idea what I would look like if I hadn't applied it though. Body Shop products are also good and inexpensive. Have fun shopping :-) ETA: Apparently Kate Middleton uses the Nivea Q10 range and she looks all right. <em>edited by Persepolis on 04/03/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 09:56
Hi dibdab! I am a trained make-up artist and have worked for Dior and Guerlain previously....first thing is first....DO NOT SLEEP IN YOUR MAKE UP!! If you are only going to cleanse, tone and moisterize once a day you must do it in the evening before you go to bed. Whilst you sleep your skin goes into recovery mode and it can't do that if you have make-up on. As for spending a fortune on skincare it isn't necessary. You are lucky to have great skin! I also have good skin, however, I can't say if it is because of luck or because I have used good products from a young age, working in the industry has it's perks! All I can say is when I have stopped using the more expensive products in the past and gone to cheaper ones I definitely notice a difference! I would say the most important thing to spend money on is your cleanser and toner, and you don't have to spend loads. My personal favourite is Clarins...I wouldn't advise Clinique (its like paint stripper!) Personally I go by the saying 'prevention is better than cure' so if you can afford to get a good moisturiser then it is worth it as you will be preventing the wrinkles from forming which is much easier than trying to get rid of them....no cream will do that, only plastic surgery!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 09:41
It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on expensive products if what you use now is working for you. Some pople like to spend a lot of money on those things just for the sake of spending money. I don't see why you should feel pressured because of what others are spending. That said, it's pretty bad that you don't wash your face at night. If you have any problems in the future with bad skin, it's going to be because of that, not because you didn't spend AED1000+ on skin cream. Sunscreen is the best skin care and anti-ageing product you can use. <em>edited by Sakhifa on 04/03/2013</em>
 
 

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