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.
