(Is the dilemma necessary?)
More and more of us savvy customers know that high price does not necessarily equal high quality. But why are some products getting more and more expensive?
From the marketing point of view, price range and targeted consumer group almost define each other. High-end products (which are getting “higher” all the time) will always have a specific arena to thrive.
But, from a personal point of view, a perfect skincare product for someone, regardless of age, gender, or skin-type, can simply be from any price range. As long as we have the adequate knowledge, the rest is mere preference.
I don’t necessarily see anything wrong with going for a relatively expensive moisturizer if it happens to be a well-formulated product that has a consistency, texture, and aroma that suit or appeal to someone. A good moisturizer will indeed hydrate the skin, improve its feel and texture, maintain its good condition, and delay the appearance of signs of aging.
However, I think it is wrong to assume, believe, or dream that a fancy and pricey face cream will permanently erase any wrinkle or lift any part of our faces. (That is what plastic surgery is for.) Many cosmetics companies know how dreams and promises are worth, and they are putting them on the price tags and touting them with provocative but ambiguous language.
I remain skeptical of the word “anti-aging” as a marketing term. An enduringly successful marketing term as it has proven to be, the word itself can be rather misleading. It creates a whole new genre of skincare products, but, unfortunately, some of them are shockingly redundant.
It is a blessing to able to have and afford choices, but let’s all know more about what we are paying for…
Catch up with previous posts in A Touch of Blusher’s Anti-Aging Series:
5-1: Wisdom from Mom
5-2: Top of the Chart
5-3: The Only Words You Need to Know
5-4: The Best 10 Minutes You Could Ever Spend
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
[…] Keep your youthful glow with tips from Anti-Aging Week at A Touch of Blusher […]
I completely agree. Companies shouldn’t be able to make those claims that they do. I have fallen into the trap of “anti-aging miracles” but I have to admit, I’m not that dissappointed. I found this cream called HydroPeptide. It was $80 (I’ve been dissappointed by others more expensive than this), but I actually am impressed with it. My skin is noticeable better, but as you say, it is only delaying aging. I am alright with that. I think I look amazing for my age.
Hello Marina again,
I think $80 is indeed not cheap, but is not unreasonably expensive if it is well-formulated. If it is indeed a state-of-the-art moisturizer, according to Paula’s standard, then it could be better than other products that cost a couple of times more.
By the way, I have found a full ingredient list of this product. I will certainly have a close look at it.
I agree that there’s no miracle out there (otherwise we would all look like 20 year-olds). It is unfortunate that companies make empty promises with their products, leaving many people disappointed (and considerably poorer!). I think that is why sites like these are especially important-real people trying out these products and telling others exactly what they think. I will give you my own input for products that I have tried: Patricia Wexler anti-aging system wreaked havoc on my skin. Dried me to a prune, not what I was hoping for. Eye Silk was worth every penny (and it costs several), and Olay will work if you are looking for a less expensive treatment. I am anxious to know what even more of you out there think!
–locomary
Hello Locomary,
Thank you very much for visiting my blog and sharing your view!
Thank you for telling us what you think about the products you have used. It is very much appreciated!
Unfortunately, many cosmetics companies do indeed make promises that are merely suggestive and misleading. We need to remember that it is only what the actual ingredients can do on a scientific level that counts, not necessarily what the cosmetics companies claim that they can do…
Thank you again for your input!