Skin Care

The Real Difference Between Affordable and Expensive Skin Care

Eye creams, face oils, sheet masks, oh my. Here, what to buy when you're feeling thrifty and what's worth spending on when it's time to indulge

by Amanda Montell | COMMENT

PHOTO 12/14

Save vs. Splurge: Cleansing Oil The Save: Garnier Clean+ Nourishing Cleansing Oil, $7.99

The Splurge:
AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Oil, $50

The Breakdown:
A good cleansing oil nixes makeup and grime, while leaving skin supersoft. Simply massage the product into dry skin, add water until it emulsifies, rinse and voilà.

AmorePacifica's pricey version is divine. It's got an airy, natural scent and vitamin E-packed formula that cleanses nicely and leaves skin smooth. Not to mention, the bottle makes even the most cluttered bathroom countertop look instantly elegant.

But as we've learned, it's not crucial to spend the big bucks on cleansers, and this Garnier version is surprisingly comparable. It's non-greasy and does a remarkable job of removing even waterproof eye makeup. The blend of ingredients is slightly less high-end, containing fewer fancy plant extracts. But the final result is the same: soft, squeaky-clean skin.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Save vs. Splurge: Sheet Mask

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