Why is it the expensive stuff always runs out first?  That “no sulfate” shampoo and conditioner…the kind I use to prevent “damaged ends” and provide “deep conditioning”, while avoiding harsh chemicals.  Or the several items in my chosen skincare line that seem to cost the most.  Let’s focus on this.  Skincare.  I do my best to use products that not only prove to achieve what they claim (anti-aging qualities, hydration, etc.), but also products that use mostly natural ingredients.  About 6-8 months ago, I investigated some of these natural skincare lines at Whole Foods.  My previous skincare line (available only at Sephora) had produced less than desirable results at a much-too-expensive price, so the move to something new was a no-brainer.  Okay, so, Whole Foods.  After trying out some tester kits for a couple of weeks, I decided on the slightly-less-expensive-than-Sephora line called MyChelle.  Or so I thought it was less expensive.  It is a good product, don’t get me wrong, but the few items in the skincare routine which cost the most - namely the serum and day and night moisturizers - do not last the purported 8-10 weeks (or whatever the hell it was).  I’m no face cream hog, but this stuff lasts 4 weeks…tops.  And the day moisturizer alone (a.k.a. Supreme Polypeptide Cream) is close to $70…uh uh…no more. 

If you read my last post, you know my dwindling bank account can’t handle this kind of excess.  Odds are, yours can’t either.  So, I’m counting on you, my fabulous readers, to help a girl out.  Can I get quality skincare products without considering food stamps?  Do I have to throw out the idea of “all natural” in an effort to keep the rights to my first-born child?  Are these overpriced products mainly a marketing ploy that this marketing professional has bought into?

Please…pass on your economical beauty secrets.  And I beg that you pass them on in detail.  Skincare lines are complex and loaded with dozens of products.  Which online or drugstore brands are just as effective as the pricey concoctions?  And what are the essential products to use in a daily (and nightly) regimen?  I’m currently using a gentle cleanser (I’m sensitive ladies :)), a toner, some sort of serum, sometimes an eye cream and a moisturizer.  I’d like to stick with a similar (or easier) regimen….but I’m open to any and all suggestions.  I did pose this question on Facebook (a.k.a. “Crackbook”) as well, and got some good suggestions. Oil of Olay and Neutrogena were some…but I didn’t get details on exact products in these lines.

I could be wrong, but I’m guessing the $70 moisturizer and some of those that are much less expensive, have very similar results.  Hydration and sleep generally make the biggest difference for me, but a good skincare line is important for prevention purposes.  I just don’t want to take out a second mortgage on my (nonexistent) home to pay for it.

Okay…so offer it up, gals!  Let me know whatcha got…and let’s kick this bastard economy in its sensitive area.  And, hey…if you have other simple tips for saving money - from groceries to clothing to printer ink cartridges and coupons - pass ‘em on!  Let’s help each other out…we can’t forego keeping ourselves fabulous…but we can do it for less!

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