"Couture" versus Cheap foundation. SheSez Gets Suckered, Then Surprised.

We’ve all heard the dermatologists’ stories  – expensive cosmetics aren’t worth it – unless you place a premium on pretty containers.  The ingredients in cheap vs. expensive cosmetics are the same.  Even so, I fell for a pricey brand recently. I was so underwhelmed by the results that I decided to do a little test panel – the results of which might surprise you. 

But first, a background story. I used to know a woman who had beautiful skin and impeccable makeup and I asked her what she used. She seductively replied, “Only Cle de Peau.”   I vowed to check out the products the next time I was at Neiman’s.  

Cle de Peau is considered haute couture makeup, and despite the French name, its owned by the Japanese luxury line Shiseido.  The Cle de Peau ads say things like says, “Each product is infused with Super Bio Hyaluronic Acid providing exceptional hydration.  Precious Argan Tree Oil from Morocco allows for the smoothest textures and application.  Treatment Lucent Powder re-creates the radiance of perfect skin reflecting and transmitting light, spots and other skin concerns.”  Wow, either that copywriter is doing serious hallucinogens or this is great stuff - right?  That’s the fantasy.  The reality, as I found out at Neiman's, was that Cle de Peau is outrageously expensive and not in my budget.

That all changed over a fun getaway over Labor Day weekend. My friend Melanie and I were shopping in downtown Park City, Utah, when we stumbled across signs for a cosmetics store down the street going out of business.  The signs shouted, “75-percent off!”  If I told you we broke out in a mad dash knocking over handicapped people to get there, it would be an under statement.

Once inside, we were positively giddy - everything was indeed seriously marked down.   Low and behold, one of the product lines still available was Cle de Peau.  I had a quick flashback to that beautiful woman's face, broke out in a light sweat and zeroed in on the shelves.  There were a lot of skin care products - with names like Essence Equilibrante and Emulsion Soyeuse.  Melanie and I had no idea what the pretty little bottles contained and we were frantically querying the sales people – what is this?  What kind of skin is this for?  I’m convinced a few took an early lunch hour just to get away from us.

One of the items I bought was the refining fluid foundation. A 1-ounce bottle retails for $118, but with the discount, I thought it was within reach. What girl doesn’t want to try the best at least once before dying – right?

Melanie, a saleswoman and I spent considerable time trying to find the right shade for my skin.  Soon, two shopping bags between us, we were out the door luxuriating in high-end make-up heaven.  Couldn't wait for my face to begin transmitting light.

However, in the weeks that ensued, the Cle de Peau foundation turned out to be disappointing.  No one commented on my new "look." Wasn't the Super Bio Hyaluronic Acid working?   What about the Argan Tree Oil? When I wear foundation, by the way, I always cut it down 50-percent with Lubriderm so it’s not so thick and offers just a bit of coverage.  But not one single reaction.  Even my sister, always good for a “Hey you look good today, what are you doing to yourself?”  (Sometimes, it’s “Hey you look awful, did you get a bad night’s sleep?”).  Nothin’.  Zip. It’s that sinking feeling you get when you shell out for a Barney’s outfit and you don’t get a single compliment.  You think, “I should’ve just picked up something cheap at Banana Republic!”

So, I found myself sitting in a doctor’s office flipping through an In-Style magazine. There was a little blurb on L’Oreal’s True Match foundation – saying it was the best inexpensive foundation on the market – and it had won their makeup artist favorite award several years in a row.

The next time I was in Target, L’Oreal True Match was on my list.  I took my Cle de Peau and my perennial favorite Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer so I could match shades. I picked up a 1-ounce bottle for $9. As you can see from the photo – it’s half the size of the Cle de Peau, but they contain the same amount of makeup.  Just want to point out here that the Cle de Peau ($118) was 11 times more expensive than the L'Oreal.

The next day I applied the Cle de Peau on half my face and the L’Oreal True Match to the other.  I had a girlfriend lunch that day, which basically meant I had a lovely panel of five to weigh in for my little test.

Get this – five out of five women preferred the side of my face that had the Loreal foundation on it.  The comments about that side of my face included:

*The foundation on this side of your face blends in better with your skin and offers better coverage. It looks more natural.

*It’s more subtle and flattering. It’s more luminescent.

*There’s better coverage with this side of your face – it seems like it’s a more expensive product than what’s on the other side.

*It’s just a hint of makeup – looks like you might have dusted your face with a little powder – but aren’t wearing a lot.

And the Cle de Peau side?  Not quite as glowing.

*With this side I can see that you’re wearing foundation – it’s more obvious - but it’s not giving you as good of coverage.

*Your face looks cakey, like you are wearing too much make up for daytime.  Maybe it might work for the nighttime if you had eye make up and lipstick on, but for daytime it’s too much.

*It’s not a good match for your skin tone.  It seems too dark and it’s kind of dull.

*It seems like it is just sitting on the top of your skin, whereas the other side (Loreal) seems absorbed and therefore its more natural looking.

So there you have it ladies.  Once and for all. Don’t succumb to the “couture” makeup.  Don’t be swayed by the fabulous copy.  Don’t always want what you can’t have. Go the more inexpensive route with makeup and, with the savings reaped, run out and treat yourself a great pair of boots, expensive ones.

 

 

Comments

[Linleigh Richker]

Bravo, Linda. I have always been skeptical of the whole beauty product industry in regards to the expensive lotions and potions. I rarely buy at the department store cosmetic counters. Instead I buy most of my products at beauty supply stores and the local drug store. Linleigh

[Melanie]

LOL funny...brought back the mad rush we made for the clearance products. What was even more hilarious was I had never heard of Cle de Peau, I walked out of that store feeling like I had just discovered my parents Santa loot! Thanks to you Linda, who knew the brand name, I can hold my head high when someone asks "hey have you heard of Cle de Peau? I did come home and use all my samples and loved the light moisturizer and toner. Yes I spent a pretty penny, but loved how it felt, and still have half a bottle! I was using so many different products, it's nice to have a consistent skin care product, my skin loves it too. Have to say the best foundation that I have found is the pressed mineral powder by Jane Iredale. Great cosmetic products. I use the powder and spritz on the hydrater after...looks very natural!!! Linda we need another sale, instead of storm chasers, we can be sale crashers! Love it, see you soon!

[Foundations]

Looks lovely.. And the contents seem good..
https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&send_id=817789614&email=7cff47bb7cdcb76fbfa15e66c81a1961