nice article for those who are on a budget!! lol

by smiley412 Friday, April 26, 2013 at 07:34AM Report as inappropriate

Nice

by EricaF123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:02PM Report as inappropriate

I have the Olay ProX cleansing brush and use it every day, seriously, on my sensitive, acne prone skin. Its a great tool and for $25 it beats the pants off the Clarisonic.

by kimihavens Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 12:01PM Report as inappropriate

love the cheapies

by LittleBunny Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 06:08PM Report as inappropriate

Borage did nothing for me.

by BlackFleur145 Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 08:07PM Report as inappropriate

Creme de la Mer is the way to go!

by robyne00 Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 04:38PM Report as inappropriate

interesting, but I wonder how closely they really compare.

by Chris213 Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 07:09AM Report as inappropriate

I think it is not fair to compare LaMer with a drugstore product.

by lilas Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 04:33PM Report as inappropriate

Guess paula's changed her tune about the Olay brush. She knocked it originally, saying it was too harsh. She failed to mention if she tried the slower speed.

by veryvanilla Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

I will be purchasing the neutrogena pure&free sunblock!

by Snowwhitessecret Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 02:31PM Report as inappropriate

I love articles like this! Keep it up.

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 02:05PM Report as inappropriate

it gave me great swaps. I will definitely try these products !

by milenaa87 Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 02:45PM Report as inappropriate

i love this article! definitely gonna check out that nuetrogena sunscreen

by monpetitchou Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 12:24PM Report as inappropriate

I keep one head of my electric toothbrush to exfoliate my face and lips.

by asiagirl4ever Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 07:42PM Report as inappropriate

These money saving comparisons are my favorite articles. What would we do without Aveeno and Olay???

by alictasia Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 10:47AM Report as inappropriate

Great article! I love high end/low end comparisons!

by mhw Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 10:29AM Report as inappropriate

I'm so getting the Aveeno cleanser.

by jenniferLLL Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 05:51PM Report as inappropriate

department store skincare products are just feelgood luxury products. there is no miracle in the bottle. i have used both drugstore and department store brands and i personally did not find much difference in the products except a few fav staples for which i pay the steep price.

by cantsay Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 11:22AM Report as inappropriate

great list of alternatives for those on a budget

by JessBailey Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 03:18PM Report as inappropriate

Holy wow! I've been a huge fan of the Fresh Soy cleanser for YEARS! Next time I run out, I'll give that Aveeno alternative a try to see if I really like it just as much. It would save me A LOT of money!!

by tallredamanda Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 07:56AM Report as inappropriate

Love these cheap products articles!

by Karica4 Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 07:17PM Report as inappropriate

I believe in you get what you pay for.

by TBjunkie Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 08:07PM Report as inappropriate

i've been looking for this neutrogena product...

by charlize_adrienne Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 06:39PM Report as inappropriate

Great article! Need to try some of these.

by Nicole1021 Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

I love Boots products! I use their anti-blemish nighttime moisturizer every night!

by cuteAsAbutton Friday, March 23, 2012 at 09:02AM Report as inappropriate

i'll prob try the boots mask now

by nguyen_ngo Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 01:17AM Report as inappropriate

i was thinking of buying the shisedo sunscreen but i guess i will give the neutrogena product a try. Never seen it in the drugstore though....

by Emianka Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 01:10AM Report as inappropriate

I do love my Clairisonic Mia, although I did buy it before Olay came out with theirs. As far as the rest, I found it very interesting that the high priced products were More likely to irritate than the cheaper versions. Very interesting!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 06:53PM Report as inappropriate

I love to get insider tips on cheaper dupes/options

by emilyvonrosco Monday, March 5, 2012 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

I don't think anything can be substituted for la mer the eye concentrate....

by BareeFacedBeautyy Friday, March 2, 2012 at 05:34PM Report as inappropriate

Im a past NYC exec from every line! From Crem de la mer, to la PRARIE .. I'm in total agreement,,

by Katiekat Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

super helpful! I'm definitely going to try out that aveeno cleanser

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 07:16PM Report as inappropriate

I always love these comparitive articles very helpful!

by Alisunshine Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 09:29AM Report as inappropriate

I wanna try these. Especially the Aveeno cleanser and the clay mask.

by JKlaaas Monday, February 20, 2012 at 07:31PM Report as inappropriate

I've always liked the more exspinve stuff....

by queenphoto Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:10PM Report as inappropriate

It goes to show that cheapie products can just as good as expensive product. thats why i like cheapie products lol

by peaches095 Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 06:23PM Report as inappropriate

Proof that You DONT have to spend more to look your best! Thank You:)

by SpaceyStacie Monday, February 6, 2012 at 09:57AM Report as inappropriate

not all branded stuff are the greatest stuff, compare the ingredients, some of the expensive stuff has the crappiest stuff in it.

by mosh Friday, February 3, 2012 at 12:55AM Report as inappropriate

Not all expensive goodies are good. Soooo thankful for this article.

by 4getu123 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:28PM Report as inappropriate

One of the best articles I've seen on Total Beauty! Thanks!

by Jewelrydesigner Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 08:13AM Report as inappropriate

Yay! I've been wanting a clarisonic but didn't want to drop all that cash, the olay one looks great!

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 08:05PM Report as inappropriate

Trader Joe's Nourish All-In-One Cleanser is the best! Won't burn your eyes, takes off your makeup and has every known antioxidant for only $5.99!

by CraftE Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

For the sunscreen, are you saying with the neutrogena we should add antioxidant serum and wrinkle fighter so it matches up to the Shiseido sunscreen? In the end wouldn't buying 3 product be more costly and inefficient?

by Minibear Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 02:28PM Report as inappropriate

Idk....my Clarisonic Mia is pretty awesome ;)

by Secretblush13 Monday, January 2, 2012 at 01:09AM Report as inappropriate

I like the makeup one much better. story is definetly useful and quite enjoyable. wish there were more prodcts I could relate to. I think there should've been products for my skin type though . I don't know, imean thats just how i feel

by fabdmm Monday, January 2, 2012 at 12:01AM Report as inappropriate

Active ingredients weren't compared in this story making the comparisons useless to a savvy consumer.

by skinpro Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks, always looking for thrifty alternatives. Can't wait to try the Boots clay mask!

by tarynone Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 01:08PM Report as inappropriate

Good advice

by andie Friday, December 2, 2011 at 09:28AM Report as inappropriate

is not necessary to spend a lot of money in antiaging products. you can try Gerovital H3, anti aging formula with procaine by Dr Ana Aslan. gerovital-gerovital.blogspot.com

by gerovital_prod Monday, November 28, 2011 at 12:46AM Report as inappropriate

loveee

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 01:23PM Report as inappropriate

Meh all Neutrogena products give me hives and the acne line is a complete scam.

by CliniqueLover Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 04:35PM Report as inappropriate

I have the aveeno face wash!

by MissXu Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 02:26PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting list. I'm arguing the sunblock though. I've tried many, many brands of sunblock, drugstore, dept store, organics, etc, etc. They filled a wastebasket with rejects. Shiesedo is the ONLY brand I can stand on my face. The only one that absorbs comfortably. It's not just about ingredients.

by krycekov Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 08:22AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks

by kmb1129 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 10:16PM Report as inappropriate

I like using both high end and cost effective makeup as well as beauty products. I have used La Mer before and have found that it has such a heavy fragrance, that my eyes watered like it was pollen season. Now I stick to Olay. Tried and true Olay.

by sweettpea29 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:42PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips on bargain shopping for quality products. However, it would've been nice to say where we can find these bargains. Some of these I've never heard of nor have ever seen in any drug stores. I wonder if they are regional favorites. If so, I'm sure I can find them online, but I hate to have to add shipping when I'm getting such a good deal:)

by sparkyroc Friday, November 18, 2011 at 07:27PM Report as inappropriate

I use both high and low end protects what works...works no mater the cost.

by darkcocoa Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 06:50PM Report as inappropriate

I am a true oil of Olay user. I don't believe the hype unless I see it for myself. Who can afford 300 for a moisturizer?

by GlowGirl Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 04:01PM Report as inappropriate

Naw, not "buying it" I have tried both ends of the spectrum and the luxury brands are way better in the result dept. Paula Begoun makes a living chanting "save money at the beauty counter" her advice is non scientific and non results oriented.. it's just her way to write books and market her "brand". Notice there is no picture anywhere showing what she looks like after using this cheap junk all of these years?

by stargirl Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:40PM Report as inappropriate

If you like what you read here, check out Paula Begoun's website. There's a reason they call her the cosmetics cop! I've depended upon her debunking skin care and makeup myths for years!

by gina_beaux_bina Monday, November 14, 2011 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

Yes, don't use St. Ives Apricot scrub on face...too rough! Secondly, I find La Mer imcomparable to any cream. My lips crack constantly in the winter and are so dry...and I put the cream on my dry lips once, and next day, completely smooth lips. It was that good! I swear by the stuff. Also, agree about the clairsonic...much better than Olay brush.

by biosuz Monday, November 14, 2011 at 02:57PM Report as inappropriate

la mer is such a cult fave but too much of a splurge - i may have to try the shikai alternative!

by jenstar313 Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:53AM Report as inappropriate

So glad to see the thrifty options! So often the products recommended and reviewed on beauty sites are SOOO expensive most readers never get to try them!

by GIJill Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:51AM Report as inappropriate

the clarisonic brush is much better than the olay brush since the clarisonic brush runs through the sonic system. i actually returned my olay brush, all it did was it made my cleanser splash around and my skin got irritated. and another advantage of the clarisonic brush is you could replace the brush head depending on your skin type.

by mosh Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:11AM Report as inappropriate

The Clarisonic uses a patented oscillating brush whereas the others rotate in one direction which over time will stretch the skin. The Clarisonic flexes the skin which helps to increase circulation without disturbing the elasticity. And PLEASE stop using St Ives Apricot scrub, it is way too harsh for the face and causes tiny lacerations in the skin. Depending on the type of exfoliant used, the skin only needs to be exfoliated a few times a week. Yes, some cheaper products work, but remember the quality and quantity of ingredients is worth paying for in most cases.

by tanya_mouhourtis Monday, November 14, 2011 at 04:49AM Report as inappropriate

This information is not new...I've been using cheaper skin care products for years and have great skin..CVS is my drugstore... The skin needs to be exfoliated every day..Loreal makes one of the best exfoliates ever from your local drug store...The price $6.99 ..Don't waste your money on high end products..

by SWFlorida1106 Monday, November 14, 2011 at 03:48AM Report as inappropriate

Great swaps here but please let us know where we are most likely to find these great finds.

by Warmhearted1 Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 11:25PM Report as inappropriate

I save even more money by purchasing store brand products rather than the name brands, sometimes cutting the price by as much as half.

by marcia_corey Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 10:04PM Report as inappropriate

I already use Neutrogena products on my face daily but found new things to try also. Very Great Article and a find for lesss thanks anne cabaniss greer

by anne_cabaniss_greer Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 08:00PM Report as inappropriate

I like how detailed the descriptions are. I am going to take my list with me tomorrow and buy almost everything on it!

by marshalee Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 07:21PM Report as inappropriate

the olay brush doesn't have sonic technology like the clarisonic it just spins around

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 03:56PM Report as inappropriate

St. Ive's Apricot Scrub is a great alternative for a scrub, too, and it's very cheap!

by dawnrager Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 06:24AM Report as inappropriate

I admit, I am one of those people who shop at Sephora excessively. These sound GREAT because I JUST ran out of ExfoliKate so I want to try the cheaper alternative!

by volta Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 07:46PM Report as inappropriate

Deff gon try some of these

by beautyGodmade88 Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 06:56PM Report as inappropriate

This was definitely right up my alley. Might pick up the claymask this pay day as a little treat to myself since its so cheap =)

by freddy420 Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 11:28AM Report as inappropriate

Great swaps. I know something even cheaper for a clay masks. Clay is clay. Use plain clay kitty litter with a little essence oil. Voila!

by tiffany_gallehugh Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate