aka ‘How Much Should I Spend On My Skincare?’
I’ve always been very lucky with my skin. It’s been very ‘normal’, with only the occasional breakout that I can relate to hormones or my poor diet choice (I eat waaaaay too much chocolate!). Since going on the pill a few months ago, my skin has become a little more oily (but since that has been the only side effect, I’m not particularly fussed). My skin is quite sensitive, and reacts badly to any product that is overly scented. Some products have caused my chin to break out in a rash and, as I’m sure you could assume, I never use the product again!
I’ve never really gone in for a huge skincare routine. It usually involves a cleanser, an exfoliating scrub and a moisturiser; and my previous criteria was simply ‘does it irritate my skin?’ If the answer was ‘no’, I was happy to use it.
A few months ago, one of my closest friends invited me to a Mary Kay make-up party. I’d never been to one before, but since it involved the word ‘make-up’ there was no way that I wasn’t going to be there! Following that night, I got a little bit hooked, and hosted my own. At that party, I purchased the TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser and the TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer, both for Combination to Oily skin.
I also received some free Neutrogena products when I subscribed to Cosmopolitan Magazine a few weeks ago (oh how I love freebies!). This included the Deep Clean Shine Control Scrub, the Deep Clean Facial Cleanser and the Comboskin Moisturiser.
Having used both brands for at least a week each, I can safely say that they both ‘get the job done’. My skin is left feeling clear, clean and soft. They both keep my oiliness in check, and did not cause an increased amount of breakouts.
Since they work the same way, I’ve been comparing the little details. For example, I am obsessed with the way that the Neutrogena cleanser smells! I also love the practically of the Mary Kay cleanser. It is a combination cleanser, exfoliator and toner, and I love being able to keep just one container in the shower.
So, both brands do the job, and each product has some great features. What is it then that is the deciding factor? The price!! The Mary Kay products come in a set for $85. The three Neutrogena products can be picked up for just over $40. I had thought that since I was paying so much money for the Mary Kay products that I would see some incredible results. But I haven’t, so I can’t say I will be repurchasing them. I will definitely be repurchasing the Neutrogena cleanser, and probably the scrub and moisturiser too.
And that’s all I have to say for today. I feel like I was a little all over the place with this one, so I hope I was still able to get my point across! xx
Magic and Madness 