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Honesty is the Best Policy: How Much We Really Spend on Stuff- Skincare Edition

[Note: Katie 2 is having major technology issues, which are very likely her fault and have nothing to do with Blogspot. That being said, it doesn't look as though all of the links are showing up, but they are there!! Hover the name of any product and there is a link directly to it.]

Our recent post on cheap thrills made it clear that the three of us are at three different levels when it comes to our spending on make-up and skincare. Which got us thinking (always dangerous) – how much do real working girls actually spend on make-up and skincare? Given the number of products in our bathroom, we’re going to break this up into a series of posts. First off is skincare. Next up will be make-up followed by hair care. If you can’t tell – readers we want your input on this one. Why? Well first of all, it’s interesting. Secondly, we will attempt to use this data to really cater to the actual budgets of real working girls.

That being said, here’s what we spend on skincare (and a glimpse into our daily skincare routines). Enjoy this two-for-the-price-of-one post!

KATIE 1: 
I should first point out that my skincare routine is very simple. As in my morning routine consists of face wash, toner, and moisturizer. My evening routine consists of face wash (with Clarisonic every other day), toner, under-eye gel, and retinol night moisturizer. Most of my skincare products are from Target with the exception of my moisturizer and my evening face wash. Here's what I use: (all prices from Target unless otherwise noted)

Total Morning Routine Cost: $40.48 (excluding tax)
 Total Night Routine Cost: $49.18 (excluding tax)

Total Skincare Cost: $89.66 (excluding tax)
Total Skincare Appliance Cost: $173 (excluding tax)

Katie 1 Total Skincare Product + Appliance Cost: $262.66 (excluding tax)

KATIE 2:
I admit that I really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to skincare. I know I need to cleanse and moisturize. When I see a problem, I complain about it and ask friends how to fix it.  Here's what I use: 
  • Morning:
    • Face wash: Cetaphil Cleanser 16oz for $8.69 on Amazon
    • Moisturizer: in the summer, I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I have combination oily skin. This stuff is lightweight and never clogs my pores, while making my skin feel super soft, smooth, and with a hint of glow. Plus, it kind of smells nice. I do switch to something a bit heavier in the colder months. $27.00 for 4.2oz at Sephora
Total Morning Routine Cost: $35.69 (excluding tax)
  • Evening: 
    • Face wash: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap- Oily Skin Formula. This works GREAT with my Clarisonic (more on that below). It melts off make-up without having to use make-up removing wipes (on which I read a few articles a while back and swore I would never use again). 6.7oz for $17.00 at Sephora
    • Serum: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. Yes- this one is a bit on the pricey side. BUT it lasts forever and it's a product that if I DON'T use, I can tell the next morning. 1.7oz for $95.00 at Sephora. NOTE: Don't buy this online. Like ever. In store, you can always get a bunch of free stuff when you pick it up. Sephora sometimes offers the full size bottle in a box set with some night moisturizer (see below) and eye cream, which isn't available online. I picked up my last bottle at Nordstrom and got a really cute make-up bag with eye shadow, a few moisturizers, and lipstick. 
    • Moisturizer: I switch this up a lot. Currently, I'm using Murad Perfecting Night Cream most nights. On the off nights I use whatever free sample I have around. I'm not in love with the Murad (it's fine), and will probably look for something else when it's time to buy. 1.7oz for $59.00 at Sephora
    • Eye cream: again, this this something that switches based on whatever is in my cabinet. First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream- Age Delay is the last purchase I made. .5oz for $32 at Sephora
Total Night Routine Cost: $203.00 (excluding tax)

Total Skincare cost: $238.69 (excluding tax)
  • Skincare Appliance: Clarisonic Mia 2 $169.00 at Sephora. When looking for a cleansing tool, I heard a lot about the Foreo Luna and the Clarisonic and didn't know which to get. I went to the store and got to try them both out. I felt like the Clarisonic did more for my skin. I also didn't pay full price- I used my 20% coupon for being VIB Rouge. This is another thing you may want to pick up in store. While the link shows the Mia with a Clarisonic cleanser, I got a Kate Sommerville box set with a cleanser and some other stuff I don't remember. I picked Kate Sommerville- there were box sets from several companies that weren't available online.
  • Skincare Appliance: Replacement brush heads 2Pack $44.00 at Nordstrom
Total Skincare Appliance Cost: $213 (excluding tax)

Total Skincare Product + Appliance Cost: $451.69 (excluding tax)

ELIZABETH:
OK. Just let me say this post feels a little like a set-up to price shame me, but I'll try not to take it personally. I had/have problem skin. I have had acne issues since fifth grade and even as an adult, who should have outgrown this skit (Lord, why haven't I outgrown this shit), I get hormonal breakouts. I am talking about under the skin, painful, wish-you-could-pop-but-can't, mountain-on-your-chin breakouts. So, a couple of the more expensive items in my routine help with that problem; and therefore are well worth the price tag in my book. I'm also a little older, and more interested in anti-aging product than the Katies. Anyway, here it  goes:
  • Morning:
    • I am not loyal to a cleanser. I am always trying to find one I really like, but usually I am underwhelmed. I recently fell in love with a Sunday Riley product (see below), so I thought I would try out other products from the line hoping they would be just as awesome. That is why I am currently finishing up a bottle of Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser $45.00 at Sephora, although I got it 20% off. However, I was not impressed, so I will not be repurchasing. I am planning to give Old Henriksen Oil Control Cleanser a try next at $25.00 for 5oz
    • Next, I follow it up with the awesome Sunday Riley product that I am in love with... Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment 1.7 oz for $158 at Sephora. I try to get this when I have a coupon because yes, I know it's hella expensive. I use a tiny amount and I see a difference in the texture of my skin.
    • I also have never found a Holy Grail eye cream/serum. I am currently using something I got in an Ipsy bag. The last one I bought was Clinique Pre-Start Eye Cream $26.50 for .5oz, which I guess is OK. If one of you out there has a suggestion though, please share.
    • Moisturizer with Sunscreen: Right now, I am trying Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 (2oz for $32.00 at Sephora). I will also double up on the moisturizer in the morning and put the Ole Henriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator (1.7oz for $34.00 at Sephora) on right before I do my make-up. I feel like all the exfoliating I get from Good Genes and the Night Retinol (I'll share in a minutes) makes my skin appreciate the extra hydration. 
Total Morning Routine Cost: $275.50 (excluding tax)
  • Evening:
    • Cleanse: I double cleanse. Meaning I melt off my make-up with an oil cleanser, then get the residue with the cleanser I use in the morning. I use the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil ($32.00 at Nordstrom for 5.9oz) or DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (4.7oz for $33.50 with Prime). Sometimes I use a little micellar water or a cleansing wipe to make sure there isn't anything still hanging around.
    • Retinol: I use the Kate Sommerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment (2.5oz for $98.00 at Sephora). While this is another expensive product, it lasts for a very long time. This is also another product that I believe reduces the severity of my hormonal acne. I think that retinol is the number one thing I would recommend someone add to their routine. It just makes such a difference.
    • Eye cream: I use whatever eye cream I use in the morning...
    • Moisturizer: ...and then finish up with a little Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream for $60.00 for 1.69oz at Sephora.
Total Evening Cost: $190.00 (excluding tax)

Total Skincare Cost: $465.50 (excluding tax)

All of these products generally last a long time. I also get a lot of deluxe samples when I make purchases from Sephora, Nordstrom, and Ulta. Usually, this means I can hold out until there is a 20% discount or I've accumulated a Nordstrom Note to pay for the product.

Side Note: I also bought a Clarisonic years ago when the Mia first came out (so I have no idea what I paid for it), but I really never use it. I just find it more of a hassle than a miracle worker. Who know- I may work it back into the mix one day.

There you have it, folks! Three different skincare routines at varying price points. Elizabeth could use some recommendations for an eye cream or serum to use in the morning. Any ideas??
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