Save on This, Splurge on That
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With so many products to choose from, it’s hard to know what’s worth the extra money. Skincare experts weigh in on when to save and where to splurge.
The Expert: Heather Halpern, Director of R&D, Kiss My Face
Save on Masks
Masks can be skipped but are a nice treat once a month to address specific concerns.
Splurge on Moisturizer
A must-have is a great daily moisturizer with an SPF and antioxidants, like our Face Factor, available in SPF 30 or 50. This formula offers broad-spectrum protection and is rich in antioxidants, green tea, and licorice to help fight damaging free radicals.
The Expert: Susan Harmsworth, Founder ESPA
Save on Cleansers
You can do without an expensive cleanser, but be careful you don’t get one that is stripping. If something foams heavily, inevitably it has irritants. Avoid cleansers with sodium laurel sulphate, EDTA, color, and alcohol.
Splurge on Serums
I’m a real serums fan—they are much more concentrated because they don’t contain water. When you apply a serum, the skin just gobbles it up. If you’re budget-conscious, you’re better off buying products that do multiple things. Optimal Skin ProSerum is our bestseller, and I think it is because it does that very thing.
The Expert: Jurgen Klein, Founder JK7 Skincare
Save on Eye Creams
You don’t always need an eye cream in addition to a moisturizer.
Splurge on Serums
JK7 Serum is our most expensive product. But if you don’t have the money, do the day face lotion, [it has] nearly the same ingredients, but the penetration isn’t as good. Just don’t use a department-store brand and then put on our product—if you’re going to go natural, go natural all the way.
The Expert: Jillian Wright, Clinical Esthetician, Founder of Jillian Wright Skincare & Co-Founder Indie Beauty Expo
Save $ Toner
I’ve never used a toner in my life. Toners may be a nice extra, but definitely not a necessity.
Splurge on Night Cream
If you’re going to go for it, spend it on a luxurious, skin-issue appropriate night cream. A good night cream has enough [high quality] ingredients, so you don’t need a serum.
The Expert: Katharine,L'Heureux, Founder & CEO, Kahina Giving Beauty
Save on Cleansers
We've seen more harm than benefit from harsh cleansers, toners, and exfoliants that can over-strip and sensitize the skin. Focus your spending on the products that sit longer on your skin (facial oils, creams, and masks) and that are used in the delicate eye area.
Splurge on Facial Oils
Finding facial oils that serve your skin with quality ingredients is crucial. Our 100 percent Organic Argan Oil is safe and effective for all skin types.
The Expert: Tara Grodjesk, President & Founder, Tara Spa Therapy
Save on Masks
At-home masks can be made easily to complement a basic skincare regimen, and you can save on eye cream by using your moisturizer in its place. My favorite is to incorporate rich facial oils that can be used for eye treatment, too.
Splurge on Ingredients
If you change nothing else in your regimen, invest in an organic facial oil, rich in nourishing essential oils to feed the skin, soften and condition, and help restore proper cellular metabolism. Additionally, my go-to ingredient for hydration and retaining moisture in the skin is hyaluronic serum or mask. Look for products that feature hyaluronic acid.
