My Finances Are Reflected in My Face

My Finances Are Reflected in My Face

January 29th, 2010 @ 5:53 pm by Mrs. Pug
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I love skincare/beauty product posts. Don’t you? My turn!

While perusing bridal magazines long before I had met Mr. Pug (embarrassing but true—whatever, you did it too!!), I remember reading about prepping your face for the wedding by getting monthly facials for at least 6 months ahead of time (or something like that).

Now, back when I used to work at a corporate law firm in midtown making a fat-ass salary, I would have totally been all over that. I even got excited, thinking of having a valid excuse for getting so many facials! Wheeee!!!

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By the time I got engaged, however, I had left the firm and started working for the government. Which, let me tell you, pays significantly less (that’s an understatement).

What does this have to do with skincare?

My rambling almost makes me forget. Anyway, you could see the marked difference in my skincare regimen as my checking account balance dwindled.

When I Was a Rich Lawyer

This was my skincare regimen before:

Cleanser, toner and day moisturizer: Pola Vitax line, $139

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Pola is a Japanese brand, and the Vitax is a mild line of products good for those in their 20s and 30s. Overall I felt that they kept my skin in good shape, but nothing earth-shattering.

Serum: Obagi, $88

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The Obagi-C RX serum is a splurge. This product contains hydroquinone, which is usually available by prescription. It’s supposed to work wonders on any discoloration, like sun spots or acne scars, but it takes a few months to see the results. You can’t use this when you’re pregnant. There’s a night cream that goes along with it but it smells oh so lightly of urine.

Nighttime cream: L’Occitane, $60

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This is actually the cream mask, but a saleswoman told me that I could use it as a night cream, which makes it much cheaper than the cream that’s packaged as night cream. It smells totally yummy and a little goes a long way. However, if you have sensitive skin it might be an issue because it irritated my mom and sister’s skin.

Facials: Jurlique, $125 (or something like that)

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Actually, I only got facials about twice a year from Jurlique (they were gifts), but boy did I love them, and I wanted them everyday. Even if my face fell off, I wanted those facials everyday.

Now That I’m an Underpaid Toiling Bureaucrat Lawyer

Cleanser: Cetaphil, $7.99

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The Cetaphil is gentle and effective, with a pleasant scent. I’ve heard that it’s recommended by many dermatologists. Apparently the non-lathering quality doesn’t strip your skin of essential moisture and oils (you need some, or your face overproduces oil).

Serum: L’Oreal Skin Genesis, $22.99

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To be honest, I’m not totally sold on the L’Oreal Skin Genesis Serum. It’s a little too light for me and I think there’s some alcohol in it. If anyone has some fav drugstore serum recommendations, let me know!

Day Moisturizer: Complex 15, $9.79

source $ 9.79 at drugstore.com

Right before and during college, I used Complex 15 on my face and hands. Someone once touched my hands and exclaimed how soft they were. Why I ever strayed (probably because of the clinical, boring packaging), I don’t know. This stuff is the bomb. It feels a little thin, but it absorbs so quickly—not just dries quickly, but really absorbs. After a few seconds you feel like your skin has just drank a gallon of water. It feels amazing.

Sunscreen: Aveeno Positively Ageless, $9.99

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While SPF 70 is an unnecessarily high number, there wasn’t a choice. I like this product because it smells nice (only a slight sunscreen smell), although it doesn’t absorb terribly well. It kinda makes me “glow”, as I see it (some may call it sweaty. TomAYtoes, TomAHtoes, people).

Night Cream: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, $13.49

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I use this on my body, and during the winter have also used it as a night cream for my face. It is affordable (that’s a big tub) and uber moisturizing without feeling too greasy.

“Facial”: Oil of Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion kit, $24.29

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About once a week, I use the Oil of Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion. While not the cheapest drugstore product, it is definitely cheaper than getting a dermatologist do it for you (although yes, less effective). This stuff smells uber yummy.

My face is still here and alive, so I think I’m okay with the drugstore products. I do miss those Jurlique facials, though!

Whether drugstore or indulgence, which are your favorite skincare products?

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29 Responses to “My Finances Are Reflected in My Face”

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Bee

Mrs. Star (message) 2,057 posts, Buzzing bee

I use that same microdermabrasion kit and it does work really wonderfully for a drugstore product. Ah, I long for the days when I can splurge on skincare!

1/29/10 @ 6:04 pm (reply)

Member

Ms. Mojito (message) 399 posts, Helper bee

Great post! I am an attorney as well and know all too well about the law firm pay vs. working for the gov’t or a nonprofit in my case. I use Cetaphil everyday but still splurge on the L’Occitane eye cream.

1/29/10 @ 6:13 pm (reply)

Member

verosara (message) 1,386 posts, Bumble bee

I work in the public school system, so yup I have to watch what I spend on. But my favorite eye cream and I have tried so many others and even expensive ones do not compare, is the oil of olay total effect eye cream. I have dark circles and they dry up easily (although the rest of my face is too oily) so this really keep them moisturized.

1/29/10 @ 6:23 pm (reply)

Guest

Najat

Try a beauty school! They do professional facials supervised by professionals and offer so many services like a full back facial for 17.50 or customized mask and facial. Search for them in your state! Mine (in Arizona) is maricopabeautycollege.com to give you an idea.

1/29/10 @ 7:00 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Ribbons (message) 2,018 posts, Buzzing bee

I should probably make the switch to these products. I spend like I’m a corporate lawyer, oof.

1/29/10 @ 7:08 pm (reply)

Member

tea (message) 7,263 posts, Bee Keeper

i’m pretty frugal to begin with so my biggest “splurge” would be the cetaphil moisturizer that comes in at a whopping $11. but it works fabulously [i also use it on my body] and it shows that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get great results

1/29/10 @ 7:19 pm (reply)

Member

arenyth (message) 1,484 posts, Bumble bee

Ooh, thanks for the reccomendations! I just turned 24 and my face decided it hated me, and then of course I got engaged! So I’m currently obsessed with fixing this problem I take pills, weird gels for my face, and its not doing anything after 2 months. Perhaps some good lotion is in order!

1/29/10 @ 7:28 pm (reply)

Guest

shyunj

My aunt, who’s in beauty school, recommended Queen Helene’s Almond Massage Cream from Sally Beauty Store (about $6 for a huge tub). Let me tell you, it is awesome. It’s really rich and has mineral oil in it, so I was worried it would make my already oily, acne-prone skin worse but not at all! Every time I use it, it leaves my skin nice, soft, and all glowy. You just take a big dollop, rub it into your face for 5-10 min, wipe it off with a tissue, then cover your face with a hot damp towel.
I also have terrible eczema (yes, I have more skin problems than any human being should), so I’ve tried almost every body lotion on the market. My favorite is St. Ive’s Intensive Moisture body lotion ($4 for a big container). It’s not too sticky but leaves your skin nicely moisturized all day.

1/29/10 @ 7:35 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Cardigan (message) 8,645 posts, Bee Keeper

I’ve been using cetaphil to wash my face for years! I love it!!!

1/29/10 @ 8:18 pm (reply)

10.

Member

Violachap (message) 677 posts, Busy bee

I use Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizing cream as well! It’s the best, the cream helps my cheeks calm after taking a hot shower. I had a “facial” at the Philosophy Counter in Macy’s, and I love their “Purity” cleanser, but I feel Cetaphil is more budget-friendly, so I’ll be sticking with that.

1/29/10 @ 8:20 pm (reply)

11.

Bee

Miss Nachos (message) 1,733 posts, Bumble bee

I tried the Cetaphil but I didn’t feel like it was washing off all of my makeup. I’m on the Proactiv bandwagon right now and I have to say I’m loving it! Not so much the price tag, but it’s really doing great things for my skin.

1/29/10 @ 8:46 pm (reply)

12.

Bee

Miss Pudding (message) 1,180 posts, Bumble bee

Yah, I hear you. Since moving to the states, I’ve had zero money for “frivolous” expenses. My FMIL treated me to a facial last week, and it was heavenly!

1/29/10 @ 9:19 pm (reply)

13.

Bee

Miss Sewing (message) 2,701 posts, Sugar bee

thanks for the info! honestly I’m usually too lazy to put anything on my face, but it’s good to know what I ought to be doing, haha!

1/29/10 @ 9:32 pm (reply)

14.

Member

3pugmama (message) 152 posts, Blushing bee

you’ve strayed from obagi? it’s like we’re not even related. who are you. do we have the same mother who demanded that we get regular facials starting from age 20?

1/29/10 @ 9:53 pm (reply)

15.

Hostess

bellenga (message) 7,536 posts, Bee Keeper

As a single mom (and my x btw pays no child support.) who pays for a house, car, all child expenses too, I know how it feels to have to cut corners like you do Miss Pug..

I will have no freakin’ idea how it will feel to be a dual income person (come June 1) and not have to pay out so much…and actually have some $$ again to do stuff like a facial.

I also use the Olay products and they do great. Obagi is but a fond dream I have..oh someday!!!

What works for me is ask my friends and family to give me for say, birthday, gift certificate to my fave spa or get a gift card for me to spafinder.

Yes, my aunt in LA thinks I’m archaic b/c I’m 40 and not getting regular facials all the time.

1/29/10 @ 10:46 pm (reply)

16.

Member

Teal (message) 20 posts, Newbee

Oh man, I had my first facial (a Christmas gift certificate) and I have been converted! But I can’t believe how many expensive products they talked me into buying afterward! Once I run out, I will definitely be going back to my drugstore items. But I did learn some valuable things, like I needed to be using toner, etc. But next time, I will just have to find a reasonably priced toner! Thanks for the recommendations!

1/29/10 @ 10:59 pm (reply)

17.

Member

Miss Chicken Wing (message) 1,225 posts, Bumble bee

I swear by Aveeno Ultra Calming daily moisturizer with SPF 15. Love. that. stuff. It allows you to get a bit tan in the summer, but offers you the year-round protection you need! It also helps reduce redness, but I think it took about 2-3 weeks for me to notice that. Either way, I really like it.

1/29/10 @ 11:06 pm (reply)

18.

Member

Sheeoni (message) 87 posts, Worker bee

I unfortunately love Caudalie products that I pick up from Sephora. I say unfortunately because the products are way too expensive for “normal people” lol… The face wash is the best product I’ve ever used though and I am running out of my $26 face wash again. I am desperate to find good skincare supplies at reasonable costs and will be trying what some of you ladies suggested. Thanks so much!

1/29/10 @ 11:35 pm (reply)

19.

Member

Bamboo (message) 1,050 posts, Bumble bee

Cetaphil is a great product!

1/30/10 @ 12:07 am (reply)

20.

Bee

Miss Spaniel (message) 6,792 posts, Bee Keeper

I never really started using anything other than a drugstore cleanser and moisturizer until law school, and now my skin FREAKS OUT ALL THE TIME. I’ve started getting organic cleansers (oatmeal and raspberry; smells good and feels nice!), witch hazel and moisturizers from Whole Foods and it seems to be working! And not too expensive, either. Your old routine has me in sticker shock!

1/30/10 @ 12:40 am (reply)

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