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 8/14

Save vs. Splurge: Night Cream The Save: Mario Badescu Skin Care Seaweed Night Cream, $22

The Splurge:
La Mer Crème De La Mer, $170

The Breakdown:
Both La Mer and Mario Badescu's products use undersea plant extracts to create rich, deeply moisturizing face creams. While La Mer's texture is thicker and its scent is a touch more spa-like, there are other factors accounting for the price.

"La Mer's custom-made jar is much more expensive than standard [packaging]," explains Anne Pouillot, Research and Development Director at Alchimie Forever. Beyond the posh exterior, regardless of what it costs to manufacture the product itself, "pricing La Mer under $50 does not match the brand's story or desired customer," Pouillot explains.

In other words, La Mer is meant to be a splurge, while Mario Badescu tells a different story. It's a suite at the Four Seasons versus a double bed at the Marriott. One might be fancier, but at the end of the day, you'll sleep fine in both.

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