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Beauty Blog: Do’s and Don’ts of Generic Beauty Products

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Generic beauty products may serve as excellent alternatives to brand name merchandise not only because they are cheaper, but also because they produce the same results as their competitors. On the other hand, certain products may be worth the few extra dollars. So how can you save money without compromising the quality of your purchase? Keep these tips in mind for your next visit to Target or Walgreens!
 
DO:
Buy generic basic body lotion and other basic products.
 
WKOW, the ABC-affiliated television station for Madison, Wisconsin, reports: “With a basic body lotion, the generic version tied with the brand name equivalent. That’s because the simpler the ingredients, the easier it is for a private label brand to copy the formula.” Also buy other generic basic beauty products, such as body wash, eye makeup remover, cleansers, and scrubs. Good Housekeeping states that trying generic brand products won’t hurt your wallet since most market brand stores will give you a refund if you’re dissatisfied with their product.
 
Generic brands that are commendable include: Ulta, Equate (found at Walmart), Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS/Pharmacy. 




 

DON’T:

Buy generic age-defying products and anything else that’s supposed to yield long-term effects.
 
Leesa Suzman, Beauty Director of Good Housekeeping states: “You definitely want to go with a name brand when you’re looking for something to be an anti-aging product or anything that is going to produce a benefit over time.” Also, CBS News recommends splurging on higher-end department store foundation, like Laura Mercier.
In addition, Michelle Fryer, freelance writer for OC Moms, licensed esthetician, and professional makeup artist recommends buying a name brand product that will stay on your skin for a long time. Serums, facial moisturizers, and facial masks are worth the splurge. 



Sources:
http://www.wkow.com/story/10984149/generic-verses-name-brand-beauty-products
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/generic-336999-products-brand.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-3480_162-6598113.html
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/makeup-skin-care-hair/article.aspx?cp-documentid=20801402&_p=00000065-0000-0000-0000-00002ff8e401
 

Emily Cleary is a 22-year-old news-editorial journalism major hoping to work in the fashion industry, whether that be in editorial, marketing, PR or event planning is TBD. With internships at Teen Vogue and StyleChicago.com, it's clear that she is a fashion fanatic. When she's not studying (she's the former VP of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta), writing for various publications or attending meetings for clubs like Business Careers in Entertainment Club, Society of Professional Journalists, The Business of Fashion Club, or for her role as the Assistant Editor of the Arts & Entertainment section of her school's magazine, she's doing something else; you will never find her sitting still. She loves: running (you know those crazy cross-country runners...), attending concerts and music festivals, shopping (of course), hanging out with friends, visiting her family at home, traveling (she studied abroad in London when she was able to travel all over Europe), taking pictures, tweeting, reading stacks and stacks of magazines and newspapers while drinking a Starbuck's caramel light frappacino, blogs and the occasional blogging, eating anything chocolate and conjuring up her next big project. Living just 20 minutes outside of Chicago, she's excited to live there after graduation, but would love to spend some time in New York, LA, London or Paris (she speaks French)!