I had a very interesting chat with a friend very recently about the lengths people go to, to save on product use when they’re using their skincare. This is especially so when using an expensive brand or product.
If a cream costs you RM400 or a lotion costs you RM300 you want to make sure that you make it last as long as possible, don’t you? Hopefully that way, your dollar/ringgit stretches further. I heard a strange story which I’ll narrate below of one method of saving, but I’d like to hear from you.
Do you try to save on using product when you’re using your skincare to make it last longer? What are the lengths you’d go to? Be honest now! 😉
Personally, I sometimes feel a twinge of guilt when I’m using an expensive product and realise that it lasts me about as long as an inexpensive product. In many ways, it would be the case. If you are to use a dollop of moisturiser each time, it wouldn’t matter how much it costs. A dollop is a dollop and if the size of the tub is the same, it’ll finish at the same time.
When I was using the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence many years ago, it was very much of an indulgence. I was advised to use a cotton pad to pat it on my skin. To save, I eschewed that and poured it into my hands to pat on my face. At the very least, my hands benefit from the product instead of a piece of cotton! It worked fine for me back then and I still do it with all my treatment lotions especially the La Mer.
Another way I stretch my dollar is when I use sheet masks with a lot of essence, like the l’Herboflore masks. The l’Herboflore masks have so much essence left behind each time that I reuse it, but not in the way you imagine. I buy a pack of peelable cotton pads from Muji, soak a piece in the remaining essence then peel off the layers to put on my face as a mask the second day. This way I don’t waste anything.
The tip I heard of that sent shivers down my spine was of people who reused their sheet masks, specifically SK-II sheet masks. Now these sheet masks are expensive I do not deny, but they are meant to be disposable and used just once. Apparently, it’s a common tip to replace the mask into the pack, to reuse the next day or in a few days, so it “doesn’t go to waste” Uh… no. Just as you do not reuse a condom, please do not reuse your sheet mask! 😛 It’s so unhygienic!
That said however, I don’t advise trying to save on product. My wallet cries every time I have to replace my sunscreen because I happen to use an expensive one but I don’t stint on use and the amount I use each time shocks people. I go through a bottle in about 2 months, which is true of all brands I use, but I’m getting the most out of the product. Ditto facial lotions, serums and creams. If it calls for a drop, use a drop. If it calls for a full pump, use a full pump.
Ultimately, you want to derive the most out of your skincare and using less, so it lasts you longer, isn’t helping you derive the best for your skin although it may suit your wallet. I’m all for using skincare that suits your wallet so if a product isn’t within budget, use something that is and use enough of it. That’s more important.
Just don’t reuse your sheet masks please!
Do you try to save on product when using your skincare? What lengths have you gone to and do you (horrors!) reuse your sheet masks?!
The latter sheet mask tip really puzzled me so if you’ve come across it before, or have actually done it, please do share!
Paris B
I find cotton balls use a lot more product. I realized recently when I started using cotton pads, that they use less product AND cover more area. So I’ve reverted to that.
Sometimes if I have an expensive moisturizer, I use a little bit at a time. Even if it means it doesn’t cover the entirety of my face. I don’t skimp out on the amount of serum I use though. Which usually means I use it up the quickest.
Good point about cotton balls vs cotton pads Joann 😀 I never thought about that because I’d never used cotton balls before. I don’t know how to to be honest haha! 😀
I stretch the use of serum and moisturisers by applying them after toner. I find that toners/softener helps with dampening the skin and prepare the skin for better absorption. So a little bit of product goes a long way..But then again, this is not proven :p just my own experiment…
Good practise Sasha 🙂 You should absolutely use serums immediately after a toner without letting it dry as damp skin absorbs product better 😀 Not to worry, it’s a fact so you’re doing it right.
Ewww never re-used a mask for 2nd day. I\’m fine if to use the excess to wipe on neck, arms and elbow. I\’m pretty generous when comes to using skincare… after all we want to see the products works… that\’s the no 1 aim for everyone right?
Absolutely, Jess – no point spending a lot of money on a product and then not using enough of it so it doesn’t work LOL
Haha I do this too! Except I\’m more of a cheapo, and instead of buying pots I use the tiny ones that samples come in 🙂
That’s a SMART move Celine 🙂
Also, instead of buying sheet masks (which aren’t at all popular in the UK), I peel cotton pads apart and do DIY versions.
I admit I was stunned when I found out how pricey sheet masks can be outside of Asia. But using cotton pads soaked with a hydrating toner I’d imagine, does a pretty good job too for a quick mask 🙂
I think I am pretty good at this! All of my products lasts forever. I guess it is just about taking only what you need.
For ANR, I use only 2 drops. Enough to cover my whole face and allow me to feel the difference. Kiehl’s MRC, I follow the instructions and use exactly 5 drops. Have to count diligently.
Moisturizers, I mostly use less than one pea size. One pea is too much.
The only thing I really don’t skimp on is sunscreen. For the liquid kind, I could use 50 drops (or one SG 50-cent coin size). For cream, I use 2.5 length of my middle finger.
I think the product that many people run down too fast is cleanser. Cleansers can last forever, especially the foam ones. Just use about ½-pea size, enough for me to massage gently into the whole face.
You’re right, it’s all about balancing what you need in order to see the results you want. My cleansers do last forever too! Well the non foaming ones don’t last as long but foaming ones definitely go on and on 😀
I skip the cotton pad. Its a waste. When using masks, i tend to wear it a bit longer than the recommended time. Thehehe.. More absorbance perhaps 😉
For tube products I’ll pinch it till there’s no more coming out. Just like toothpaste. Pretty sure everybody does the same, no?
Be careful when using sheet masks longer than necessary. I too use them longer than 10 or 15 minutes but it depends on the mask you’re using. Don’t wait till it’s totally dry before you remove it because then it can draw out the moisture from your skin. So I usually leave it on till I feel like it’s semi-dry then remove it. It’s always longer than 15 minutes though 😀
I’m careful and I’d be really annoyed if I spilled an expensive product; but in the long run, it’s there to be used and then I can try something else! Never, ever done a reused mask…ick!
I really like Joann’s idea about cotton pads – next purchase I think!
If you have a Muji, you can get these peelable cotton squares made for peeling apart. Very useful!
For skin care, no I don’t try to save on them. If you have to use the same amount, expensive or cheap, to cover the whole face, then you have to scoop out that amount. Otherwise what’s the point to use a little bit and not enjoying the full benefit? :p
Well, I do concern about the tropical heat damaging the quality. If I have a tub of RM 300 cream, I want to make sure that it’s kept in the fridge nice and cooled. But if I have a tub of RM 50 cream, nah it can sit around outside I wouldn’t care. HAHA
Wow you’re dedicated! Do you have a mini fridge in your room? I know of people who do you know? They keep a small bar fridge in the room to keep their creams cool so it doesn’t mix with food in the regular kitchen fridge. I’m less fussy but then my room is generally quite cool and dark (thank God for blackout curtains!)!
Oh no, hell no! I am concerned about the health hazard of having a fridge in the bedroom… and the sound the fridge makes when everything is quiet. I just have a separate drawer in my food fridge to keep cream and perfumes. 🙂
That’s so dedicated! Be sure someone doesn’t mistake that jar of expensive face cream for yogurt 😀
OMG – reusing SKII sheet masks?! EWWWW. I think it would make your skin condition worse rather than better. Hmm, I agree one shouldn’t stinge on products and should follow directions, especially sunscreen. It’s meant to protect your face so by using a tiny amount, it would do you no favours at all. This is not exactly a beauty item but my mum used to add water to handsoap to make it stretch (god, don’t ask me why she did that but I guess women of my mum’s generation are v frugal) which made the product go bad. The added water disrupted the balance of preservatives in the formula and I thought it was very unhygienic and told her so.
HAha That was my reaction too when I heard about the SK2 masks. Seriously, I didn’t know it was a “thing” 😛 Ooh I know what you mean re: adding water. I do it for my dishwashing liquid but not for body washes etc for hygiene reasons as you have pointed out. But for dishwashing liquid, it’s just so I get out every last bit and besides I don’t think my plates care LOL