Clinique -v- Simple....expensive -v- cheap

[Osc]

I've been using Clinique for many years, mainly due to various allergies, and have always been happy plus I have built up a nice relationship with the two girls on the Clinique counter in my nearest Boots. However, in recent years, the cost of my day and night creams has risen enormously, by €30-€35 euro, and every new skincare product they bring out costs more than the one it replaces.

Recently, I bought nightcream, or thought I had, only to find when I got home that she had given me day cream in error. I didn't have time to go back and change it, so bought a Simple night cream locally. Do you know what? My face has not fallen off, I have not broken out in weeping sores, in fact my skin looks much the same. So now I am wondering, will I continue with it, finish the day cream and then experiment with Simple day cream Have any of you "downgraded" without adverse effects on your skin?

[miasmum]

I used to use Boots No 7 serum Osc, but the price crept up and up. So I swapped to Boots Time Delay and was happy with that. Now though I use Aldi Lacura range. Cheap as chips and brilliant with it

I think skin care is really overpriced for the 'named' brands, bit like anything named in my opinion

[Diflower]

I have some Simple stuff, it's fine - especially as it's in plastic, so light for packing - but tbh don't find it rich enough.
I do buy what I think is the best value though. I love facial oil, but after one purchase of a relatively expensive one found Boots Botanics, it's organic and I think it's lovely. Very ecomomical (as are the more expensive ones to be fair), as you only use a couple of drops.
And using that first, I then find my face cream goes further, which makes that better value.

I have tried cheaper (Waitrose 'Pure' range is good) but go back to Neal's Yard, frankincense cream which I love the smell and feel of, and it suits my skin (I have rosacea so do have to be careful). It's over £20 for a pot, but W/rose stock it so sometimes have it on offer And I do use every single last scrap.

[Kaz]

Olay Regenerist for me, I don't find Simple is rich enough either, but then I do have a very dry skin indeed! The Regenerist is usually about £27 a pot, but they often have offers in Boots or Superdrug, and sometimes even in Sainsburys so I always keep an eye out for it Oils and serums make me itch, as does anything with fruit acids in it.

Osc, if the Simple suits then yes by all means keep on with it - no point paying over the odds if there is no difference xxx

[meriad]

£1.50 Store own brand cleanser for me and Nivea day and night creams.... and then I go onto My Supermarket to see where they are on special and buy I don't do expensive stuff. When my skin started playing up two or so years ago I tried the clinique gentle facial wash and it was good, but definitely no better than the £1.50 product.

And bonus of the £1.50 store own brand cleanser - it's cruelty free; not tested on animals In fact from memory all of Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda (not sure about Morrisons) own brand beauty products are cruelty free - and they're good

[JoM]

Shell, I've started using the Lacura serum today. I thought it felt a bit greasy as I put it on but by the time I came to put on my make up it'd absorbed well without any greasiness. Early days of course but my skin feels really silky so I think I'll check out the other products.

[miasmum]

Is that the one in the dropper type bottle Jo? I really like it and I love the Lacura day cream. I have recently bought the night cream and it is really rich and heavy. I have come out in a few spots so I will give it time to settle, otherwise I will use the lighter night cream for younger skin, maybe my skin isn't as old as I thought

[JoM]

It's this one Shell https://www.aldi.co.uk/p/2099/2
I've got to go in Aldi tomorrow so I'll see what else there is.

[miasmum]

It looks like they might have had a revamp of their packaging. My serum is in a red glass bottle with a dropper. I do really like their skin care range Jo

[JoM]

There was one in red packaging when I looked today Shell, Expert I think? They had a serum and an eye gel.