Anyone interested in skincare and hair care knows that most luxury items have their affordable counterparts. The smaller price tag does not indicate ineffectiveness or cheap ingredients. These drugstore brands are growing in popularity because they offer similar benefits to their luxury counterparts. But this doesn’t mean you should completely rid your vanity of luxury brands.
Some items are worth the splurge. Luxury brands often put in a lot of time and resources towards developing products that offer specific benefits, such as clearer skin and softer hair. Selecting which products to splurge on largely depends on your skin and hair care needs.
Moisturiser
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Daily application of moisturiser is an essential part of anyone’s skincare routine. Although there are good moisturisers that are inexpensive, they don’t always use the best ingredients. These are often those that take a while to be absorbed by the skin, reducing their overall effects.
When looking for a moisturiser, consider your skin type and what it needs. If you have dry skin, look for a moisturiser that has strong hydration properties. If you need a moisturiser that is fast-absorbent, choose one that has a lighter formula. No matter what you need, check the ingredients first to determine if it’s the right one for you.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Splurge.
Although most would prefer a drugstore brand for this, some would benefit more from a luxury shampoo and conditioner brand. This is especially true for those who regularly have their hair chemically treated. Most hairstylists recommend specific brands to keep the colour fresh and to prevent extensive damage.
Much like with choosing a moisturiser, you should first determine what you need from your shampoo and conditioner. Look at the products’ ingredients to see if they will keep your locks looking luscious and healthy. Try to avoid those that list sodium lauryl sulfate as this chemical can cause skin irritation.
Makeup Brushes
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Drugstore makeup brushes have a bad reputation for feeling rough and cheap. But more mid-range brands are improving their products to compete with luxury brands. Synthetic brushes, in particular, are becoming better because they are easier to clean and maintain.
While you can choose the more affordable set of makeup brushes, you shouldn’t choose the cheapest. These often still use hard and rough bristles that will damage your skin. Choose mid-priced brush sets to help you easily apply your makeup.
Facial Cleanser
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Your facial cleanser is an item you can buy for cheap. Most dermatologists and skincare specialists prefer drugstore brands because they are effective in removing oil, dirt and grime from your face. They will often only recommend a luxury brand when you have skin problems.
Determine what you want from your facial cleanser. If you need one to get rid of the day’s makeup and grime, a basic facial wash is more than effective. There are extra hydrating facial foams for those with drier skin. Most drugstore brands have several facial cleansers that address specific skin conditions.
These days, there are more options for you to choose from. You don’t have to settle on a widely expensive product when it likely has a more affordable alternative. It’s only a matter of determining which products you’re willing to splurge on.
