Out of everyone I know, I am the first person to admit I find it hard to commit to beauty products. Like many beauty lovers, all it takes is a trip out to Debenhams or a browse of the blogs to convince me there are better products out there than what I have. Having said that, from listening to experts and seeing my bank balance every month, I have decided to change my ways when it comes to skin care.
From now on, I plan to stick with brands backed by science and robust results. You can do it too; all you have to do is ask yourselves the following five questions before you buy a new cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliator or serum.
Can you afford to buy the products more than once?
After reading the latest glossy consumer mag, you might find yourself completely bowled over by the latest cleanser on the market, as it promises to deliver better results than anything else on the shelves. Because the company behind the product claims using the regimen will reduce fine lines by 70% and enhance hydration and elasticity by 80%, you might not mind paying above the average price for it. However, as tempting as it may be to indulge in an on-trend cult beauty range that promises the world, and may well be able to deliver it for some, you will never see the full impact of the product unless you use it for at least a few weeks, and in some cases a few months. Ask yourself this: can you really afford to invest in the products more than once? If the range costs £80 but your whole beauty budget is £100, you might not be able to keep paying for it on a monthly basis, meaning you won't experience the full potential of what your first purchase began to offer. One to bear in mind for those who use high-end products.
After reading the latest glossy consumer mag, you might find yourself completely bowled over by the latest cleanser on the market, as it promises to deliver better results than anything else on the shelves. Because the company behind the product claims using the regimen will reduce fine lines by 70% and enhance hydration and elasticity by 80%, you might not mind paying above the average price for it. However, as tempting as it may be to indulge in an on-trend cult beauty range that promises the world, and may well be able to deliver it for some, you will never see the full impact of the product unless you use it for at least a few weeks, and in some cases a few months. Ask yourself this: can you really afford to invest in the products more than once? If the range costs £80 but your whole beauty budget is £100, you might not be able to keep paying for it on a monthly basis, meaning you won't experience the full potential of what your first purchase began to offer. One to bear in mind for those who use high-end products.
Should you focus more of your attention on lifestyle factors first?
Why spend so much money on a high-tech skin care range when you haven't tried the basics first? First of all, for those of you who have oily skin, experts state that pores become larger and more visible when your skin is dehydrated, meaning you need more water. Drink a few more glasses a day for a while and see if you notice a change before spending big money on gizmos and goodies. Second, nutrition plays a huge role in skin health, so you need to make sure your diet includes all the right vitamins and proteins to maintain skin tone and elasticity. Finally, are you getting enough hours in the land of nod? It's called beauty sleep for a reason - your skin will need as much time as possible to repair itself.
Why spend so much money on a high-tech skin care range when you haven't tried the basics first? First of all, for those of you who have oily skin, experts state that pores become larger and more visible when your skin is dehydrated, meaning you need more water. Drink a few more glasses a day for a while and see if you notice a change before spending big money on gizmos and goodies. Second, nutrition plays a huge role in skin health, so you need to make sure your diet includes all the right vitamins and proteins to maintain skin tone and elasticity. Finally, are you getting enough hours in the land of nod? It's called beauty sleep for a reason - your skin will need as much time as possible to repair itself.
Is it made for your skin type?
Although your favourite brand has launched a new cleanser, toner and moisturiser, the range has a strong fragrance and you have sensitive skin. If you know the product isn't right for your skin type, you will be throwing your money down the drain if you buy it. Nowadays pretty much every skin care product is made with certain characteristics in mind, whether it be oil-free, vegan, free of parabens, moisturising or hydrating. If in doubt, do a bit more research before making an investment or try to grab a sample before paying the full whack.
Although your favourite brand has launched a new cleanser, toner and moisturiser, the range has a strong fragrance and you have sensitive skin. If you know the product isn't right for your skin type, you will be throwing your money down the drain if you buy it. Nowadays pretty much every skin care product is made with certain characteristics in mind, whether it be oil-free, vegan, free of parabens, moisturising or hydrating. If in doubt, do a bit more research before making an investment or try to grab a sample before paying the full whack.
What evidence is there to prove it works?
Every skin care product makes bold claims, but not all companies will be able to offer consumers evidence to validate them. Almost every serum or moisturiser will claim that it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and the majority of cleansers will state they prevent breakouts and calm the complexion, but how can consumers really tell which range is worth investing in? A quick visit to the company's website should tell you a lot about the products and their development. For example, Clarins has a dedicated section to research and development, as does L'Oreal.
Every skin care product makes bold claims, but not all companies will be able to offer consumers evidence to validate them. Almost every serum or moisturiser will claim that it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and the majority of cleansers will state they prevent breakouts and calm the complexion, but how can consumers really tell which range is worth investing in? A quick visit to the company's website should tell you a lot about the products and their development. For example, Clarins has a dedicated section to research and development, as does L'Oreal.
Is it a fad, or is it fab?
The weekly go-to site for beauty addicts might tell you that the new amazing day cream from Nivea with snake skin and sand is the next big thing to hit the industry, but how much do we really know about these ingredients? Without seeing proof of the product working, maybe it would be best to stick to ingredients such as peptides and hydroxy acids, which have been proven to work by several manufacturers. Fads don't last long; you don't want to spend all your money on the next best thing since sliced bread if the most perfect product has been under your nose all along.
What questions would you add? xxx
The weekly go-to site for beauty addicts might tell you that the new amazing day cream from Nivea with snake skin and sand is the next big thing to hit the industry, but how much do we really know about these ingredients? Without seeing proof of the product working, maybe it would be best to stick to ingredients such as peptides and hydroxy acids, which have been proven to work by several manufacturers. Fads don't last long; you don't want to spend all your money on the next best thing since sliced bread if the most perfect product has been under your nose all along.
What questions would you add? xxx
Such a fab post hun and all such valid questions xx
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good questions - really important to consider before purchasing! x
ReplyDeletefab post!
ReplyDeletei'm so fussy with my skincare personally - i know what i like!
http://rosielouiselove.blogspot.co.uk
Great post my love! I always ask what ingredients are in the product to make sure it's not going to irritate and clog my skin. I'm guilty of the cost one - I bought the ANR with a gift card and dreading it running out xx
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