A comparison of drugstore vs. department store daily facial moisturizers.
We get this question a lot: What’s the best moisturizer? The pricey department store brand with all the bells and whistles and an occasional free gift with purchase? Or that drugstore brand that comes minus the slick packaging and the hefty price tag?
The answer: it all depends!
Read on for a comparison of daily facial moisturizers for great skin at every age or watch the video!
20s
In your tender twenties, natural oil production is at an all-time high giving you that dewy glow and for some, pesky and persistent breakouts. Opt for a light, non-greasy moisturizer.
Drugstore: Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine-Free Mattifying Oil Free Moisturizer, $6.99. Advantage: Natural, skin-soothing ingredients such aloe vera and bamboo extract absorb oils and maintain moisture balance.
Department store: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $27. Advantage: Oil-free formula that helps maintain daily moisture balance especially in the T-zone. A convenient pump keeps you from overdoing it and a little goes a long way.
30s
In your thriving thirties, the first signs of sun damage and fine lines will often make an appearance. Look for antioxidant-enriched formulations that kick up your external vitamin intake.
Drugstore: Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer, $10. Advantage: Formulated with skin-loving lycopene to balance blotchiness and watermelon and red tea to control oil and banish blemishes. Petroleum and paraben free.
Department store: Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea, $59. Advantage: A multi-action, anti-aging moisturizer free of parabens, sulfites, synthetic dyes and fragrances and petrochemicals with a high level of sun protection.
40s
The fabulous forties are the time to take a firm stand against aging. Add a daily moisturizer fortified with lifting and firming agents along with antioxidants to your routine.
Drugstore: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Firming Cream SPF 15, $12. Advantage: Light, non-greasy, creates an ideal base for your daily foundation while keeping skin hydrated and protected throughout the day with an anti-aging complex that firms and smooths.
Department store: Clarins Extra-Firming Day Wrinkle Lifting Cream, $79. Advantage: Contains hyaluronic acid and oat sugars to smooth skin on application plus a host of natural extracts to restore skin’s elasticity. The matte finish stays sheer under makeup. Free of parabens, petrochemicals and other chemicals.
50s and beyond
In your 50s and beyond, the name of the game is glowing from the inside out. Keep your skin fit with a daily dousing of hydration that pumps up collagen production and strengthens skin on a cellular level.
Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $21. Advantage: America’s #1 selling anti-aging moisturizer, this cream has proved to reduce the appearance of lines and boost hydration with daily use. Comes with a money back guarantee (Olay will refund your purchase with a Visa prepaid debit card if you are unhappy with the product performance).
Department store: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme, $206. Advantage: The formulation is based on scientifically advanced technology featuring proprietary “Life Re-Newing Molecules” that re-energize cell function. Contains black tourmaline to support new collagen production and a lifting complex that creates immediate plumpness and suppleness.
