The Frugal Files: Beauty Products

Save or Splurge: Lotions and Potions

As a self proclaimed product junkie, this has been a difficult area for me to skim back on my spending. I've taken the time to evaluate which items are worth the splurge, and which ones I'll just have to live without. I have begun to make some progress... Here is my first beauty post on skin care investments:

Face and Skin:

I've tried everything under the sun... literally. From products created by the left over tannins of vineyard grapes to Estee Lauder's secret private collection of moisturizers made just for her from diamond dust... I have yet to use a topical product that gives me wow factor results and is worth the big price tag. I'd rather save my moola for Botox and Juvederm every six months. They give me results I can really see.

On a daily basis I've given up on my beloved MAC wipes because of the disposable waste and their cost. Instead I use a foaming cleanser and knock off Oil of Olay lotion I found at Target. Intermittently, I use Jojoba oil as a make up remover, cleanser, and moisturizer... all in one (I also love this because it's completely natural and free of chemicals). For exfoliation, the tried and true St. Ives Apricot Scrub does the trick.

Body Lotions:

I use the cheapest I can find, usually a store brand. I hit up the Bath and Body Works semi annual sale last weekend to stock up on some scents, but even then, will save them for hand lotions. Most scented products I've bought (Philosophy is another favorite) fade very quickly. My dollar stretches more with perfumes, as they are more concentrated.

Sunscreen:

Many dermatologist have recommended Neutrogena. My goal has always been SPF 30 for the face, 15 for the body, all oil free. Lately, I have been reading more and more about the negative ingredients in traditional sunscreen. Zinc oxide sunscreen is more expensive (about $18/ bottle v. $4 for the regular stuff), but with all the tests coming in, it looks like the cost is worth it.

Make Up:

I have been a devoted MAC girl from the day I first discovered their eyelash curler.

Here are the products I have yet to find adequate replacements for and still can't live without:

• Strobe cream: A lightly iridescent oil free lotion, the perfect makeup primer. It's also great for makeup free weekend days when you need just a little "pick me up"




• Eye shadows: They have the best pigments which means their colors are more vibrant and last longer


• Paint Pots: A shadow primer which pulls even more color out of the eye shadows. With a paint pot, eye makeup will easily last 12 - 16 hours (work to evening)




• Lip Glasses: Thick, sticky, and addictive. I use neutral colors that can easily be applied without a mirror. They provide gloss and color all in one.

The other great thing about MAC products is their "Back to MAC" program. For every 6 empty used-up containers I bring back, I get a new eyeshadow, lip gloss, or lip stick free. Recycling and free stuff :)

My foundation, concealer, bronzer, eye brow liner, blush and face powder are all over the counter products. These are things I go through the fastest and can't rationalize a high end product for performance value.

I have had great results with Maybelline mascara (I like Lash Discovery with the mini brush), Benefits Benetint (a lip and cheek stain), and the uber cheap NYC bronzer. Keep an eye out for designers and makeup artists creating lines for discount retailers. Neimans and Target both carry Jemma Kidd. I've purchased both versions, and there isn't much difference between the two.