The premise of this section of InStyle is to present “Irresistible ATM-friendly buys!” That means everything on the page is under $20. Not bad for a beauty magazine, right? Well, let’s check and see how realistic some of the stuff is for a normal person.
The first thing that jumped out at me is the $14 lip balms. Lip balm. I thought I was spending a lot when I bought a Burt’s Bees lip balm at $1.99. Geez. I’m sure your lips end up coated in diamond powder or something using that stuff, but I don’t know anybody in my financial status who is willing to buy $14 lip balm. If they are, they really should not be!
Secondly is the $15 deodorant. There are tons of things at the drugstore, grocery store, and health food/natural store that do the job, even for hyper-sensitive skin and with organic products, for less than that! Sheesh.
Finally is the $11 eye liner. I think I’d understand if the liner was in liquid form or had some special blending ability, but it didn’t. It was a pencil. A pencil. In teal and purple. How long do those colors stay trendy? A season? You can buy the $0.99 version in the bottom bin at Target and still look fabulous without wasting so much money.
Why do we let people who don’t ever follow the conventions of fashion anyway dictate what we buy? And when we do, why do buy the expensive versions of stuff that’s probably going to be useless in a season or doesn’t deliver as promised? Craziness!
Let’s think before we buy. Evaluate. Wait a week before buying something fashionable and see if you still want it. If you buy it, save the receipt and don’t wear it or use it for a week. That way, if you have the slightest regret, you can get your money back! Let’s be smart about buying such superficial things.
-Domestic Goddess out.
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Comments (2)
Renae
January 11th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Wow. I couldn’t disagree more with this blogger. You can not even begin to compare the quality of products between a 99 cent pencil at T compared to a quality brand product. Also with lip balm- I am disparately frugal- but there are certain things I will NOT sacrifice. The fact of the matter is that many cheap products have lower grade materials in them. Products that go on the mouth are by in large consumed (eating, drinking, licking lips) by the wearer, so quality and safety is an issue. Yeah for InStyle to attempt to bring frugality into their issue.
gtrj
January 16th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Renae:
I agree, there are certain things I won’t sacrifice either. It’s just a matter of what you decide you want to “splurge” on. I will confess that I buy “nicer” (in my opinion, anyway) brands for certain facial products, like my face wash and moisturizer. I consider these an investment in my body because they provide SPF and other good things like that.
However, I refuse to spend a lot on makeup. If you look at the recommended lifespan of most makeup products, you’ll be surprised. Most products should be tossed within 6 months! I’m NOT going to spend $25 on “Steals and Deals” eyeliner and lip balm every 6 months. I’d rather spend it organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables that have longer lasting effects on my body.
But again, it’s a matter of preference. If you believe $14 lip balm is way better (healthier, better moisture, etc.) than my good old Burt’s Bees lip balm, then go ahead and buy it.
I’m just asking that we truly think about/evaluate what we buy. Why are you buying the item? Do you really need it? Is there something equally good available but at a better price? Do you have the money readily available (as in, you’re not going to charge it and then spend six months paying off the bill)?
I believe introducing a little financial discipline and evaluation into our purchasing decisions will change the way we spend our money. Hopefully, we can end up saving some and doing something truly worthwhile with it, like donating it to our favorite causes or by going on a volunteer trip.
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