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 7/14

Save vs. Splurge: Eye Cream The Save: Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On, $10.99

The Splurge:
Do Not Age with Dr. Brandt Triple Peptide Eye Cream, $80

The Breakdown:
The point of eye cream is to keep your fast-aging under-eye area as moisturized as possible. The more hydrated it is, the tauter it will be, staying firm and wrinkle-free over time.

The good news is that you don't need expensive ingredients to keep your under-eyes effectively hydrated. However, peptide-loaded eye creams are having a major moment. Peptides help build up the skin's barrier, making it less prone to burning and redness. Problem is, they're one of the priciest components of skin-care products. If you have sensitive skin, you might choose to spring for a peptide-infused eye cream, such as this Dr. Brandt pick.

For sensitive skin sufferers on a budget, try this gentle pick from Simple. It's free of harsh dyes, perfumes and other irritants. Though it's not a thick, decadent cream like Dr. Brandt's, it contains derm-recommended elements, like de-puffing cucumber and hydrating glycerin, which get the job done for $70 less. Plus, the packaging is opaque and airtight — unlike the Dr. Brandt jar — meaning the active ingredients are better protected against degradation and bacteria.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Save vs. Splurge: Night Cream

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