Expensive skincare products that aren't effective

stargazer · October 11th, 2005, 10:47 AM

Obviously, this is just my opinion based on my own experience, but these super-expensive skincare lotions are really all hype and aren't worth the money. Both are like $135 for a bottle and claim they get rid of wrinkles, even out skintone, etc.

I saw no difference in my skin. Granted, I'm not exactly old, wrinkled or baggy, but still. More expensive doesn't mean better. Just my humble opinion.

- La Mer (very greasy)

- Strivectin (smells funny)

- Most of Estee Lauder's lotions and creams (most of $ spent on pretty
packaging. Their alpha-hydroxy concentrations are among the lowest
that you'll find in any OTC wrinkle creams).

pierresgirl · October 11th, 2005, 11:46 AM

I have the Strivectin eye cream and would have to agree with you. I only have a few fine lines around my eyes but it has made ZERO difference.

miss_perfect · October 11th, 2005, 12:20 PM

I will tell you this: the 1oz jar of La Mer lasts a whole year. So you figure, either you're going to buy Clinique or Estee Lauder moisturizer three or more times a year at $30-40 a jar, or you buy one jar of La Mer for a whole year. Essentially it ends up being the same price.

Plus, my skin "knows" when I don't give it La Mer. I look like an alligator!

stargazer · October 11th, 2005, 12:41 PM

Interesting. Maybe these products work on different people's skin differently.

Again: This is just my experience. If La Mer works for you, that's great.

pacific breeze · October 11th, 2005, 01:17 PM

I don't have the Strivectin eyecream but I have have the stretch mark stuff which I've been using on my neck and face twice a day for about six months. I still have wrinkles but -- I don't think it promises to get rid of them -- but they are less noticeable and my face overall has a smooth, glowing appearance. A number of people have asked me lately if I'm getting a lot of rest (as if) or something, so I think it is working for me at least.

A*O · October 13th, 2005, 08:52 AM

I have finally worked this out. Instead of spending a small fortune on trendy products, I spend the same amount (or less) on a proper facial once a fortnight and slap on cheaper stuff, eg, Ulay inbetween. My skin has never looked better.

Lil · October 13th, 2005, 02:06 PM

I spent too many years loading expensive moisturiser onto skin that wasn't really clean. I eventually worked out that if I use a really fabulous cleanser and keep my skin squeaky clean, I can use pretty much any old moisturiser and it looks good and I get no spots. I use the Eve Lom cleanser. It's oil based and you take it off with hot water and a muslin cloth, you never need to exfoliate or use toner, so whilst it seems expensive at £42 for 100ml, it really isn't.

muchlove · October 13th, 2005, 03:55 PM

I looked into La Mer a few weeks ago, and the reviews I read of it were verrrry so-so. Overall, people seem to find it very overpriced and overrated. I was reading about it, and apparently there's nothing special in it, either... just seaweed and vaseline (or something like that).

SVZ · October 13th, 2005, 03:57 PM

it's 44% vaseline

stargazer · October 13th, 2005, 06:15 PM

OMG...La Mer has 44% (inexpensive) Vaseline and they dare charge $135 a bottle?? Rip-off.

There are definitely cheaper ways to get similar results with skincare. I have tried all of the major expensive brands, and am astounded that less expensive products perform the same or oftentimes better than their very expensive counterparts.

miss_perfect · October 13th, 2005, 06:17 PM

La Mer has this new thing that's $2100 that's a three step regime. Supposedly it has more of its "secret" marine extract. Umm, yeah right. I thought people were nuts for buying Sisley's Sisleya, and that stuff pales in comparison at $350 a jar.

stargazer · October 13th, 2005, 06:21 PM

^ Holy-schmoley! That's unbelievably expensive! If you're gonna spend that, might as well go to the dermatologist and get dermabrasion or a chemical peel.

miss_perfect · October 14th, 2005, 02:27 PM

Yeah if I'm gonna spend a small fortune on my skin, I am leaving it in the capable hands of an M.D., not some marketing whiz that's trying to convince me their jar of crap is worth more than two mortgage payments.

FierceKiten · October 14th, 2005, 03:11 PM

La Mer ?, J.Ho practically bathes in that shit, but why does she still look like a vulture?

MillionDollarBaby · October 25th, 2005, 11:11 PM

la mer didn't do anything for me for the longest time, I actually gave my jar away to my sis.
but for some reason I bought it again recently and now i do see a diffrence. I only use it on my eyes and forehead. maybe you guys don't really need it yet...I also only noticed a diffrence after about 2 weeks of every nite putting it on