Not-So-Secret Products

Dec 18, 2007 @ 2:16pm

Checking out the Beauty Flash spread in next month’s W makes us think of the ongoing conversation we’ve been having with friends for years- beauty products that actually work.

It’s no secret that advertising drives a lot of what’s found in magazines, and that publications with a luxury perspective tend to showcase the glitziest and rarest of the newest crop of whatever, no matter if they work or not.

Products by Clinique, Estee Lauder, Revlon, La Prairie and the like make it into high-end glossies every month, but everybody knows they’re a huge waste of hard-earned cash. Ask any beauty editor what she washes her face with every morning, and you’re like to hear some combination of Neutrogena and Olay.

Readers don’t hear about great products like Cetaphil because they don’t seem to advertise, and the packaging is less than persuasive.

So do you really need that new La Mer Cleansing Foam “fortified with precious jade and pearl powders” for $65? We think (know) not.

How do you inform your beauty product purchases? And have you ever splurged on something because a favorite magazine told you to?

posted by BonnieJean

Dec 18, 2007 2:37PM

I have to admit I have always wondered about La Mer because the moisturizer is ALWAYS mentioned in any "Best of" issue of a magazine. But I stick with my combo of Cetaphil and Neutrogena. When I break out I sometimes use ProActive, which is pretty good as well and which a dermatologist recommended to me.

posted by jen b

Dec 18, 2007 2:44PM

I've used La Mer for quite a while but basically only because my friends run a spa and give me the products for free.

posted by marc lover

Dec 18, 2007 2:55PM

i do not consider clinique an expensive or non-working line. all of their products are specially created for sensitive skin, and i've been using the soap from their 3 step system for years, and will never use anything else. and it is so not expensive! a bar of soap is $10.50 and lasts me close to a year with twice daily face washings.

posted by astralgirl02

Dec 18, 2007 2:55PM

Actually, I have to admit, I've had hella success with some beauty mag recommendations!

One recent great one is the new Kiehl's Overnight Biological Peel... it's super-gentle, you put it on at bedtime, and you wake up glowy and smooth. LOVE IT.

Another one was that new L'Oreal Skin Genesis... tho I have to say it only worked for a while, then tempered off...

posted by Katie H

Dec 18, 2007 2:58PM

Something I found out about La Mer- it is NOT non- comedonogenic or whatever that word is for "does not clog pores." And sorry for the double negative. Anyway, it can make you break out if you are prone to that.

posted by Chic Inspector

Dec 18, 2007 3:08PM

Well many of those beauty ediors get those products as swag so many of the expensive brands are in those glossies every month, I guess it works with the right product placement. But anywho...I love cetaphil I never splurge on what a magazine say, if i did i would be broke. That's a terrible thought... to be broke because of skincare products.

posted by nadarine

Dec 18, 2007 3:12PM

I, too, swear by Cetaphil. The Estee Lauder Tender Plum gloss that got Vogue love this summer was just cheap enough to try out, and yes, I do love it.

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 3:12PM

Wow, I agree with the above poster about Clinique. I have super-sensitive skin and it is one of the only product lines I can use. Their foaming face cleanser is absolutely excellent, and it is certainly not expensive considering you only need a drop at a time and it lasts forever. I haven't found any other cleanser that is comparable that didn't irritate my skin.

(Not to mention they are cruelty-free!)

posted by Ellen

Dec 18, 2007 4:01PM

I agree with Guest at 3:12 and marc lover. Although I have stopped buying the whole of Clinique's 3 step skincare line (I use Neutrogena face wash and Olay astringent) I still swear by Clinique's dramatically different moisturizer. The best stuff I've ever used. But I would never spend more than about 15 or 20 bucks on face wash. $65 is outrageous and unnecessary.

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 4:03PM

the only thing I've bought from a magazine recommend that has been worth it was beauty flash balm by clarins. that stuff is always in "top 10 products since the time began" or whatever, but it is excellent.

posted by miss

Dec 18, 2007 4:07PM

there is only one place i go for REAL beauty opinions: www.makeupalley.com

thousands of very real and specific reviews of every single make up product -- even separate reviews for each shade of NARS blushes.

I like to see what the masses are responding to, and that even prompts me to buy samples from ebay (i tried a bunch of La Mer products -- nothing special there and i tried a bunch of Philosophy products -- now i'm hooked on their main cleanser Purity and moisturizer Hope In A Jar)

ebay is also great for trying new hair products for just a couple bucks.

So I use mostly Philosophy at night and all ProActive in the morning (i don't have zits but the famous dr. Pat Wexler told my friend ProActive is actually great for everyone! Oh, and she also said that a simple drugstore moisturizer is all you need -- buy fancy ones if you like the smell/texture/packaging better, but that's all)

posted by Lindsaysue12

Dec 18, 2007 4:18PM

makeupalley.com is amaazzinnnggg

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 4:27PM

When in doubt go with Neutrogena. Their SPF moisturizers protect you from sun damage. I'm prone to clogged pores and breakouts, and this is the first product that has ever worked well. Best splurge is any eye shadow palet from Dior; goes from day to night seamlessly.

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 4:48PM

I ignore magazines and stick with drug-store brands except for with one product which is always in magazznes and has me totally hooked: NARS Orgasm

posted by leia

Dec 18, 2007 4:49PM

I, too have pretty sensitive skin, so the only thing I wash it with is Dove Sensitive Skin beauty bars. Dirt cheap, and I get compliments all the time on my skin....Kiehl's stuff is good for the $$, the "Eye Alert" is a lifesaver!

I do look to magazines for recommendations on lip color, only because they show how to get the looks from the runways. But I don't do that too often......

posted by lillie_beans

Dec 18, 2007 4:59PM

I can say as someone who has worked for a very popular brand for 7 years - people DO buy what the magazine tells them. I can't tell you how many people come in looking for an item with a torn-out page from a magazine (usually three months too late).

posted by monica

Dec 18, 2007 4:59PM

yes, i used to use cetaphil as well...but now i've switched over to Philosophy Purity because it removes makeup (especially mascara) like a dream!...and it's not extremely expensive either... a bit pricier than Cetaphil yes, I won't lie...but one of their big bottles lasts about 4-5 months with twice daily washings (and then some!)

posted by leia

Dec 18, 2007 5:02PM

oh why, why, why did you tell me about makeupalley.com?!? I may become addicted! ;-)
And yes, Nars orgasm rocks my pale world, especially in the multiple...

posted by miss

Dec 18, 2007 5:05PM

yes, seriously, Philosophy's Purity cleanser is only $10 if you buy the small size at Sephora (and it lasted me half a year?) -- a little goes a LONG way and the ability to remove your eye-makeup is a time saver too!

posted by geneva

Dec 18, 2007 5:36PM

I must be the only person alive who is allergic to Cetaphil. It makes me all red and splotchy. I use Ponds face wipes -- cheap! -- and Elemis moisturizer (EXPENSIVE. But worth it.)

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 6:00PM

Makeup alley is very useful to judge the effectiveness of a product (e.g. I have totally got rid of my blackheads using aha souffle).

I also always check all my cosmetics on Skin Deep (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com) for toxicity, cancer agents, endocrine disruptors, etc. (especially for lipstick - I don't want to be chewing on banned chemicals!)

posted by hannah

Dec 18, 2007 8:13PM

I'll agree that some overpriced skin products are completely a waste of money, but Clinique face lotion blows just about anything else I've tried, be it Olay or Murad, out of the water.

posted by LittleLola

Dec 18, 2007 8:23PM

I too am a MakeupAlley.com (I won't buy anything without reading it first!) and Cetaphil addict. Magazines seem to generally feature products that have ads in their magazine. I've bought products in the past that magazines have raved about, with disappointing results.

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 10:23PM

i use dermalogica. even though its more expensive than the other brands, it works great. everything i use is from dermalogica: face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, concealer. its great

posted by Annmarie

Dec 19, 2007 1:27AM

I love Kiehl's, which I got turned onto by an old roommate. And they always give samples, which in turn gets me hooked on whatever I havent tried yet...

Jolie in NYC usually has good beauty rec's, though.

posted by jesspgh

Dec 19, 2007 1:59AM

I take advice from my derm and from makeupalley.com. I use a prescription face wash called Plexion to keep my complexion even and minimize blemishes. My moisturizer is called Cerave. I used to use cetaphil but my derm SWEARS by Cerave and I really love it. Less greasy than Cetaphil, in my opinion and just as cheap.

posted by adopt a shelter pet

Dec 19, 2007 2:40AM

I used to use Cetaphil but they are still guilty of animal testing. I use the $4 Aveenu oatmeal senstive skin moisturizing bar and it is lovely.

posted by adopt a shelter pet

Dec 19, 2007 2:46AM

Damnit, I am wrong. Johnson & Johnson products (neutrogena, aveeno, lubriderm, etc.) do test on animals. I hate this shit. If anyone knows of a fragrance free, inexpensive line that is good for sensitive skin, give me a shout. Oy vey!!!!

posted by adopt a shelter pet

Dec 19, 2007 2:56AM

Ugh, ok I am definately a crazy poster. I stopped using Kiehls after finding out that they have certain ingredients (my beloved ultra facial moisturizer has cancer causing ingredients other evil things.)

And no, I can't avoid all products that have awful ingredients, but skin ones I am really trying hard to as your body absorbs them.

I think I have too much caffeine in my system....

posted by guest

Dec 19, 2007 7:06AM

I have recently started using a face cream call BEPANTHOL (which has a range of products) - this is the European name, so maybe you have to look up the equivalent for your country...

My doctor (who is briliant and 100% sponsor free) explained to me that plain creams are what are used by big companies - poof! add frangrance! add fancy packaging! add 40€!

He recommended this cream to me and told me that many of the top models he sees use this simple and extremely inexpensive cream. It is used to treat redness and discoloration of the skin and can be bought without a prescription.

I used to use a 45€ clinique face cream and 40€ eye cream --- when I went to pick this up I paid under 7€!!! The only thing is that I have to use a separate sunscreen - but for the amount of money I save, I don't care!

PS - it is really phenomenal, the cream - a literal pea sized amount is non greasy and enough to cover my entire face and neck. and my complexion has been more even and matte.

I am not spending my hard earned cash on any more expensive creams --- more shoes for me!!!

posted by dumbbrunette5

Dec 19, 2007 8:28AM

i tend to ignore whats in magazines because I have super sensitive skin and I dont want to waste a ton of money trying out stuff that makes my face get red and irritated. I tend to use just noxema (i know alot of people hate that but for some reason its the only face wash that doesnt make my face bright red and make me break out) and kiss my face lotion because its all organic. I think im one of the few people who cant use cetaphil though...for some reason it really irritates my skin

posted by Kate

Dec 19, 2007 9:39AM

Adopt a Shelter Pet, have you heard of Paula's Choice? She's the "don't go to the cosmetics counter without me" lady. The line is very effective in my experience, and she completely eschews ingredients that could irritate, even if they are botanical in nature. She doesn't test on animals, and I confirmed with the company that most of the products are vegan, with the exception of cochineal in some of the makeup. Very reasonably priced as well.

posted by guest

Dec 19, 2007 12:37PM

i second the Paula's Choice as great skin care - I use the moisturizer and her anti-oxidant serum underneath and swear by Cetaphil cleanser. It takes everything off except waterproof mascara which I don't need b/c I love Mac's Zoom Lash. And Cetaphil melts away all eye makeup, lip gloss, foundation, powder...I wear it all. I won't fall for hype and Cetaphil always rates in the 'best of' in mags' product rating issue. As does Maybelline Great Lash, which I HATE! Oh well :)

posted by lentil

Dec 19, 2007 1:24PM

I've found a lot of great product simply by trying the samples you get from Sephora when shopping online... sunscreen, moisturizer...

I did some design work for a low-end line of moisturizers and creams (read: drugstore) and remember the founder explaining that the best way to sell a product was by getting a sample into a persons hand... that the product sells itself.

posted by guest

Dec 20, 2007 4:50AM

I read in Lucky Magazine and in another magazine that Shu Uemura cleansing oil is really effective and removes even waterproof eye makeup, so I decided to give it a try. I bought the smaller sized bottle first, and I think the stuff is great! I wear waterproof mascara almost everyday, and I use to use Lancome Bifacil eye makeup remover before hopping in the shower, and then used a Shiseido foaming cleanser, but now I only use the Shu Uemura cleansing oil. It's not cheap, $28 for small and $62 for big bottle, but supposedly the big bottle lasts a really long time! Overall, a must-try for girls that wear a good deal of make-up (esp waterproof!) on a daily basis.

posted by guest

Dec 21, 2007 6:00PM

I've used Shu Uemura's cleansing oil for ~8 years. It lasts forever, so the price is deceptive (esp. because you don't need to buy makeup remover anymore!). Oil breaks down oil, so it's great for my oily skin (at first I was horrified at the thought...). But, they have different formulations for all skin types. AFter the first time I used it, I thought my skin feels perfect, balanced, not stripped! Trivia- Lucille Ball used to use it to take off her stage makeup.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 12:43AM

I agree with Kate and Guest @12:37 about Paula's Choice, although the product I like is her One-Step Cleanser for normal-to-dry; it cleans off makeup better that Cetaphli, IMO, and leaves my face soft, never dry or stripped. I do like and use Cetaphil cream, though. Three items I do use that are kind of splurges (though not as bad as most department store brands) are ones I learned about through MUA: Bioderma Solution Micellaire (I use it as a toner) and Eluage (a retinol), both of which I order from France, and Sofina sunscreen, which I order form Hong Kong. Oh, and I get Skinceuticals Vit.C & Ferulic on Ebay. I just went to my 35th HS reunion, and while I am no stunning beauty by any means, more than one person commented on how young my skin looked.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 7:43AM

i used to use la mer religiously as my skin in really dry - it is really expensive though - When i moved to london , i could no longer support the habit as it is even more expensive here. I did some research and discovered Jojoba oil - the best thing ever - i use it to take off all my makeup , waterproof mascara etc. . For night i just use the oil - for day i add a layer of E45 cream from boots ( it hink they are selling this at target now in the states) and it is the best thing ever. My skin no longer breaks out and it looks fabulous:) jojoba oil can be found at any health food store and trader joe's type place