There are people in the media who pose as the “consumer’s advocate” and claim that the exact same ingredients are used to make the least and most expensive cosmetics. The theory is that all products produce relatively equal results. The argument of these “consumer advocates” is “Why pay more when the exact same combination of ingredients is available for less?”
It is important to differentiate between the quality of these ingredients. People who claim that there are no differences between one face cream and another are masquerading as the consumer’s friend when they say “Buy the cheap stuff; it’s the same as the expensive stuff.” We all know this is just not so. Is there a difference between the quality of different makers of wines or chocolate? Of course there is a substantial difference. Both are made from grapes or cocoa beans, yet some wines and chocolates are far superior to others in taste, texture, and overall satisfaction.
Is every blouse the same quality? Forget about designer names for a minute; what are some of the differences between one blouse and another?
a) The type of material used
b) The type of pigment used to dye the material
c) The pattern of the blouse
d) The quality of thread, buttons, zippers, beads etc.
e) The feel of the blouse on your body
f) People’s response to the blouse
What makes a quality product? It is the ingredients, the workmanship, and the expertise with which it is made. There is no mistaking a quality item. A quality product is made with precision, finished with refinement and endures. The distinction we need to make in our own budgets is what is affordable and unaffordable quality.
We all have different priorities as to what quality items we feel are most important. For some, it is a luxury car. For others, it is a preference of silk to rayon in their clothing. The majority of people I know hold personal appearance as a high priority. High quality cosmetics (meaning cosmetics found in department stores) can help maintain or increase our personal appearance. There are two advantages you have with cosmetic department cosmetics.
a) Though the cosmetic department face cream or foundation is more expensive than your drug store brand ($50 compared to $10), it is the absolute highest quality combination of ingredients that anyone’s money can buy.
b) Most of us can afford that bottle of cosmetics far sooner than we can afford the luxury car of our choosing. We can have the best now. When it comes to products I put on my skin, I care greatly about the quality of the ingredients that I apply to my face. Cosmetics are an area where we can afford the best quality money has to offer.
Does that mean that the most expensive product is always the best for you?
First, let it be known that the cost mark-up for cosmetics from the manufacturer through to the consumer can be as high as 500 percent. Once that is accepted, there is a difference in quality compared to price up to a point.
Let me share a quick story:
Once in Manhattan I slipped into the Versace boutique. A jacket caught my eye and the salesperson helped me try it on. To this day, I have never looked as good, nor has any piece of clothing looked as good on me. The price was twice what I ever dreamed it would be. I have never looked as good in a piece of clothing since. Did I buy it? No. My entire assets didn’t add up to the price of that coat. I have since worn jackets that looked good and were affordable, and I buy them. Yet in my heart, I know that nothing wears like designer goods.
I firmly believe that designer products are higher quality products. Will another brand do? Of course it will. It is up to your own prioritization to decide for yourself in what things you want the best. For some it is cars; for others, it is clothes or wine or perfume or whatever. And there are those who only want the best cosmetics. Dollar for dollar, the designer makeup isn’t 100 percent better than other makeup. Half the extra amount you pay for designer cosmetics is for the quality, and the other half is the name. You cannot get one without the other.
The products that are the most important in terms of quality are:
1. Skincare
2. Foundation
3. Powder
Everything else is a matter of taste.
Probably the best and most used argument in the cosmetic department about whether you should buy an expensive cream for your face is “You only have one face.” Though this may sound like the ultimate fear tactic to sell cosmetics, it is true. Our face is the first thing people see when they look at us. The appearance of our skin and the appearance of the cosmetics we choose to wear say a lot about who we are. The rest of our bodies are usually protected and disguised by clothing, but our face is all alone up there on top of our bodies. It is important to treat that exposed part of our anatomy to the best that we can afford.
