When It Comes to Face Products, Are You Loyal or Promiscuous?
There are many topics that Alexandra and I can gab about till the cows come home (especially with each other) but two things seem to come up again and again in our conversations with other people are:
First, how before we cleaned up our cosmetics, we stockpiled half-empty bottles of stuff we didn’t like (because it didn’t work) and were always looking for the next best thing. We even have photographic evidence of all the crap we threw away as we were writing the book, and it’s a little embarrassing to think about (sorry, planet).
And second:
How when we switched to clean cosmetics, our faces thanked us.
Which is not to say we don’t still battle breakouts and other pesky beauty concerns on the regular, because we do. But overall, we both feel that our skin is less temperamental than it used to be. Like, by a lot.
And as I’ve said in the past, for me, I believe that’s because I’m fairly consistent with my products—especially the ones I use on my face. Barring exceptionally fun nights, I never sleep with makeup on, I use the same cleanser for months on end, and have used the same two moisturizers for a year and a half now. I’ll mix it up a little with treatment serums and masks to keep things interesting, but my day-in, day-out is consistent and simple, and I buy the same handful of products over and over again.
So to take this really bad metaphor all the way: I’d say I went from being a bit of a product trollop to being a little more like wifey material. And god am I happy I did.
So let’s have it: When you find a product you like, do you use it to the last drop then buy it again? Do you have several on the go that you switch between? Or are you more of the love ’em and leave ’em type?
I used to be the “love’em and leave’em” type when it came to beauty products, but now, I’m highly loyal. It took me literally ages to find just the right face wash, acne treatment, and moisturizer for me, & I don’t want to go on that hunt again. I’m still on the hunt for the best SPF cream (most make my skin break out in acne or a rash) …
I’ve used the same products for over well 10 years and am very happy with them. I am definitely not the the type of person who tries every fad that comes around. In fact, I am rather suspicious of trends and so-called miracle ingredients. I will remain loyal to what is tried and true.
The only thing I’ve tweaked on my product line is to transition to those for aging skin. Other than that, everything has remained the same.
I definitely use everything to the last drop, but — professional hazard — I’m pretty schizophrenic about which brands I’m using. Between reading new product reviews, writing beauty stories, being surrounded by intriguing products at Beauty U… well, I tend to get new-product-crushes with some frequency. I am working on it, though — trying to pay more attention to how my skin behaves under whatever I’m currently using, to see if I really do need to switch it up and try something new, or if I should stick with something more tried-and-true this time.
I used to try new things every other time I used something up. But, I’ve been with honey and jojoba and/or vitamin E oil for my face for about a year now. Still trying to find the right scalp cleaning routine. A level of consistency has worked well for me!
I used to be a loyal Dove user (yes, I used soap on my face) but when I made the switch to more natural products, the more natural products started to irritate my skin. Finally, after months, I have settled on Bubble and Bee Rosehips and Honey facial cleanser.
I was totally promiscuous for years. The first time I actually finished a product I was so proud of myself that I ran to tell my husband (who just did NOT understand the significance). Then I started paying attention to some blogs on cleaner living. I discovered the wonder of camellia oil on the Long Hair Community blog, and I’ve only dabbled with other things since. Camellia oil is my be-all, end-all face moisturizer now. I had an affair with argan oil after reading your book, and even that just didn’t compare, so I’m back. Now, thanks to the no soap challenge, I don’t have to be loyal to any other face products. Just me and my camellia oil – in it for the long haul.
I used to be very promiscuous with products until I made the switch to clean products. I finally realized how much money I was throwing away and the amount of waste I was creating. I love the simplicity and ease of having only a few items apart of my skincare routine. It makes traveling so much easier and my bathroom cabinets look cleaner.
I was very loyal to the same three products for years. But now after your blog, and soon your book yay, I am on the search for new cleaner products and I feel like it will take a little research before I can settle. I am getting there, I just wish everything came in mini size so after a week of trial and error the stuff was gone and you didn’t have to waste any of it.
@Megan – Aubrey Organics has a lot of trial/travel sizes available on their website, and Dr. Bronner’s liquids are typically available in trial size from Whole Foods or Kroger stores. Weleda also has some trial sizes at Whole Foods, as do some other clean brands.
Camellia oi sounds good but I have dry skin and the cold is really making it drier. Any suggestions. I love coconut oil but not sure if my skin hasnt adjusted to it but really not soaking it in. I had someone suggested flax seed oil.. i havent found a toner that I like thought would help with the dry skin. any suggestions/
Connie, I use rosehip oil and like it a lot. It’s worth a try.
I used to get around with various skincare products.
Then I came across MD Formulations and loved my skin.
Then I came across you book.
So I made the decision to bin my much loved, chemical-ridden skincare and have been using Evan Healy products, and have to say I am loving them.
It took me a few weeks and found I had a couple of breakouts in that time but now my skin is looking great!
So now you might say, while I’m not married, I am in a serious relationship with EH products.
I was/am definitely very promiscuous with my skincare products because I couldn’t seem to find the right combination for my skin. Also, I’m a heavy blog reader/window shopper so whenever I see reviews, bestseller lists, award winning products I would get excited to try them and see if they worked for me.
Recently I discovered InFiore after seeing it make Fig +Sage’s skincare awards list. I quickly abandoned the latest skincare line I was using and started using their serums (complexe de fluer and lusence). Thus far I’ve been using it day and night for 2 weeks and can honestly say I’ve never seen my skin look this good. I think my promiscuous days are over! (For serums atleast).
I’ll use anything by Lavera. Their face washes don’t dry my sensitive skin out, and their moisturizers are light and non-greasy. I love their products!
I used to product bounce constantly….
Now… 1 part vinegar to 3 parts witch hazel as an astringent at night and in the morning, and a homemade shea butter/coco butter/vitamin e lotion all over. That is ALL I EVER EVER EVER use on my face… period.
And I tell ya what… my skin has never been brighter or clearer or tight. I am absolutely sold on going the old fashioned skin care route.
They can keep their anti wrinkle chemicals~