Getreadyatgems says (via Twitter #bbloggers)…I like finding cheaper dupes of high end products.
The Right Brain responds:
GRAG, We agree, dupes are a great way to save money! (Remember, if the first five ingredients listed on the back of the package are the same then the products are probably pretty similar.)
Drugstore Doubles
One our favorite resources for finding good dupes is the Cosmetic Cop, Paula Begoun. She has a feature on her site that she calls Drugstore Doubles. She lists expensive products and then gives you a much cheaper product that works the same way.As she describes it: “If you like this Department Store Skin-Care favorite . . . then you’ll love this Drugstore-priced recommendation!” It’s such a good idea that we wish WE would have thought of it first. Check it out and let us know what you think.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I have trouble when I see that half her recommendations are her own products.
In addition to checking the first 5 ingredients (these give an idea as to the general composition of the product, and therefore may affect how well the product is delivered to the skin), I would also recommend checking the list of active ingredients if there is one. If the active ingredients are different, it is a different product. Even seemingly slight variations in spelling of ingredients can make a difference (retinOL vs retinAL: the alcohol version of vitamin A vs. the aldehyde version of vitamin A).
Visit my website for more evidence-based product reviews and skincare tips.
SkinDoc
skinnyonskincare.com
I like how Nivea Creme costs 99 cents and it’s almost identical to Creme De La Mer, which costs a fortune.
I agree with @Sue and @SkinDoc on this one: Paula Begoun and perusal of the first five ingredients are fine for the gist of a product – maybe 60 to 80 percent – but there are better ways, like checking the active ingredients, analyzing delivery systems, noting the emulsion type (oil-in-water, etc.), and knowing your own skin type.
In general though, still love just about all your stuff!
Oh how I hate the cosmetic cop! She’s selling her brand just like everyone else. Plus, she rarely cites scholarly peer reviewed articles for her sources. She’s scaring less-knowledgeable women into buying her products. It’s quite amazing what even intelligent women will believe!