The Save:CeraVe Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 50, $14.99
The Splurge:Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream WetForce Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $36
The Breakdown:
Shiseido devotees live and breathe by the brand's sunscreens, and this SPF 50 face cream is both moisturizing and protective. However, dermatologists agree that for as much as we use sunscreen (ahem, all day, every day), there's room to save here.
CeraVe's face lotion offers the same SPF level and is non-comedogenic, so it shouldn't clog pores or cause breakouts. It dries clear and stands up to sweat. The kicker? The formula contains ceramides, which help maintain skin's natural moisture and protective barrier.
Most importantly both products prevent sun damage, but if you can't shell out $36 on sunscreen, know that you're not missing out.
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Save vs. Splurge: Lip Balm
The Save:Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve, $6
The Splurge:By Terry Baume de Rose, $60
The Breakdown:
There are countless benefits to keeping your lips properly hydrated: Lipsticks apply smoother, your lip color last longer and your lips look more youthful over time. However, similar to eye cream, it doesn't take many ingredients (or dollar bills) to give your kisser the moisture it needs.
With just four simple ingredients, this classic Rosebud Salve leaves lips smooth and moisturized. The tin is adorable, and the scent is floral and heavenly.
For ten times the price, you can take home By Terry's version, which smells divine and makes lips soft with the help of about 40 more ingredients. "One additional ingredient to the formula equals one extra cost," Pouillot explains. By Terry's blend of pure rose essential wax, shea butter and other goodies certainly escalates the price. But what you get in the end is an equally pretty pink balm that smells like roses and makes lips soft. So, if you're not in the position to splurge, your skin won't suffer.
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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.
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Save vs. Splurge: Sheet Mask
The Save:Sephora Collection Face Mask, $30 (set of 5)
The Splurge:Dolce & Gabbana Aurealux Mask, $169 (set of 6)
The Breakdown:
Ah, sheet masks. They terrify our partners and pets, yet they feel so luxurious.
D&G's Aurealux mask promises to saturate skin with hydration in just 10 minutes, resulting in a brighter, softer complexion. The mask feels divine while you're wearing it. It's cooling and refreshing and not too slippery or slimy. Once the mask comes off, the excess product you're instructed to rub into your skin is a bit sticky. But for the rest of the night, skin feels supersoft.
Still, derms will agree that the benefits of this mask don't translate to 28 bucks a pop. So if you want to look like a wet-paper ghost for less, consider Sephora's just-as hydrating masks. As a bonus, you can choose from eight different formulas, including green tea, honey and ginseng, depending on what your skin needs.
