Is the product from a reputable brand?
With tons of beauty brands on the market, it’s important to do your research. Check out the company’s Web site, read reviews and ask around.
Is it right for my skin type?
When purchasing skincare, make sure it’s designed for your skin type. Got oily skin? Steer clear of creams and go for oil-free light lotions, instead. Dry skin? For you, rich moisturizers are ideal. Rosacea? Avoid alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide, because these ingredients are too harsh.
Use your skin type to guide your beauty buys, too. Drier complexions typically look best in cream-based cosmetics, but these products slip and slide on oily skin. Individuals with skin conditions like rosacea may want to avoid ingredients that frequently cause flare-ups. According to the National Rosacea Society, these include: “alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus oil.”
Taking your skin type into consideration helps you avoid spending money on a product that doesn’t work or, worse, exacerbates a skin condition.
Have I read the label thoroughly?
Make sure to examine the ingredients label of your product. Here, you’re mainly looking for the “active ingredient,” (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid), which is typically listed at the beginning of the label.
Then, consider what active ingredients have worked for you in the past and whether your skin is too sensitive to some ingredients (e.g., fragrances, sulfates, parabens). In fact, it’s best to avoid fragranced facial products, because they can be irritating.
How long will it last?
The good thing about the majority of beauty and skincare products is that, as a rule, you only need a dab or a dime-sized amount. So this automatically guarantees that your product will last for some time — unless you prefer piling on your products, which won’t make them work better or faster, contrary to popular belief. Instead, you just end up wasting the excess and possibly irritating your skin.
Still, consider how much product you’re getting and whether it has a short shelf life. For instance, natural and organic products typically don’t last as long as traditional ones, because they contain fewer preservatives.
How often will I use it?
It’s usually better to invest in a product that you’ll use on a daily or at least weekly basis. However, you might use some effective products, such as peel creams, less often. In this case, also ponder the products’ potential benefits.
Does it serve multiple purposes?
Multi-tasking products are always a nice bonus, because they save you money on buying individual products. Case in point: You don’t need a separate facial sunscreen when buying moisturizer with SPF.
Am I caught up in the advertising?
Beauty and skincare companies dole out a pretty penny to advertise their products. This doesn’t mean these treatments don’t work. But it does underscore the importance of seeing past the pretty packaging and incredible claims to the reality of what the product can do for your skin.
Is there research to substantiate the claims?
If we’re talking about eye shadow or lip gloss, you can probably skip the research session. However, if it’s a skincare product, make sure the research corroborates the product’s claims. For instance, many studies have confirmed the efficacy of alpha hydroxy acids in exfoliating the skin.
To conduct your investigation, research the active ingredients in your product on the Internet or consult your dermatologist at your next appointment. Remember to take full advantage of your appointment by bringing a list of questions. Start by asking about the effectiveness of the active ingredients in your potential purchase and other popular products, too.
Can I get the active ingredient in a cheaper product?
High cost doesn’t connote a good product. In fact, sometimes you can get lower-priced products with the same active ingredients as the expensive ones. For instance, you’ll find acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in both drugstore brands and high-end skincare.
Will I need to sacrifice something else to get it?
Whether it’s an inexpensive item or a pricey product, ask yourself if you’ll need to give up something important in order to afford it.
If so, can I realistically do that?
Maybe buying a particular beauty product means sacrificing a monthly manicure, going out less often or having spaghetti every night of the week. Just be honest with yourself about whether you’re ready and willing to make said sacrifice.
Can I wait to buy it?
More often than not, we buy things impulsively. So giving yourself a day or two to consider the potential purchase is a wise way to decide whether you truly need it.
Before pulling out your method of purchase, take some time to consider these questions. Feel free to print out the list and stash it in your purse. This way, you’re properly armed the next time you’re contemplating a splurge.