Less expensive, but just as good as . . . (brand, hair product, mascara)

[anifani821]

I know a lot of beauty, skin, hair products are made by an upscale manufacturer (label) but the same formula or one nearly like it is also produced by a less expensive brand.

For ex, when I was in Europe I was told that Lancome products are made in some of the same labs w/ L'Oreal (and I guess they are both owned by the same company) . . . and the formula are the same or nearly the same for some of the items in both lines - but L'Oreal is cheaper.

So I am wondering . . . what products have you found that seem to be as good as the more expensive ones?

For example - a L'Oreal mascara that is as good as the Lancome mascara; or a hair shampoo by a big brand name that is about the same as a less expensive one.

Share your tips!!!!!

[laurbell]

While I was shopping at Kohls the lady at the makeup counter told me it is made by Este Lauder, its just under a different name because its cheaper.

[FoxyKnox]

I always buy the store brand of little things like face moisturizer, aspirin, etc. Just read the label, the ingredients are the same, the price is just 30% less. It's a great way to be thrifty if you don't care that your moistuizer bottle says "Target" instead of "Oil of Olay."

[Nick Hood]

Here is how it breaks down. Most companies start off with salon quality products. The they mass producase with cheaper ingreadeince (this makes the less affective and more damaging). Loriel is definatly a major culpret. I would never use lorel products on my head but I love purology which is made by them and is about 40 bucks for a not so large bottle. The also make profesional color in addition to thier unprofessional lines and my (upscale) salon even uses thier platinium line for boliadge. Theese companies simotaniously Sc**w over the loyal stylists and rip off the american consumer and it is criminal.

Hope it helps
-Nick Hood

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by laurbell

While I was shopping at Kohls the lady at the makeup counter told me it is made by Este Lauder, its just under a different name because its cheaper.

What brand is it that is made by Estee Lauder? I didn't understand what brand you meant.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by FoxyKnox

I always buy the store brand of little things like face moisturizer, aspirin, etc. Just read the label, the ingredients are the same, the price is just 30% less. It's a great way to be thrifty if you don't care that your moistuizer bottle says "Target" instead of "Oil of Olay."

I use store brands too - also check the ingredients as you said.

I was told that Trader Joe's has shampoo that is the same as Matrix but a lot cheaper.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Nick Hood

Here is how it breaks down. Most companies start off with salon quality products. The they mass producase with cheaper ingreadeince (this makes the less affective and more damaging). Loriel is definatly a major culpret. I would never use lorel products on my head but I love purology which is made by them and is about 40 bucks for a not so large bottle. The also make profesional color in addition to thier unprofessional lines and my (upscale) salon even uses thier platinium line for boliadge. Theese companies simotaniously Sc**w over the loyal stylists and rip off the american consumer and it is criminal.

Hope it helps
-Nick Hood

What are you saying, Nick? That you think L'oreal preference and excellence are inferior hair color? What about the stuff that is sold at Sally Beauty - that you mix yourself?

[Debsi]

I can't say for certain that I have bought L'Oreal lipstick, but I can say that I have bought many brands of drugstore lipstick over the years, and I find them all horrid. Waxy feeling and often strange smelling.

I use drugstore makeup like Almay for everything else, but lipstick I always go department store. I think you get what you pay for with lipstick.

As for hair products, I like cheap shampoo (Suave Daily Clarifying) but I can really tell the difference when I don't buy expensive conditioner. When you have thick hair like mine, it matters.

[monkeygorilla]

Interesting topic...L'Oreal Vive makes a smooting serum that is IDENTICAL to one by Kerastase. I'm not kidding...same scent, similar packaging, etc. Not surprisingly, Kerastase is made by L'Oreal.

[Calvitts]

Originally Posted by Debsi

I can't say for certain that I have bought L'Oreal lipstick, but I can say that I have bought many brands of drugstore lipstick over the years, and I find them all horrid. Waxy feeling and often strange smelling.

I agree with you on the lipstick! The drugstore varieties, even the more expensive Revlons, Cover Girls, and L'Oreal all have a waxy taste that I just can't tolerate. The department store lipsticks have a different texture to them.