Product Junkies

Just curious...what influences you the most when you're trying to decide on products? Do television or magazine ads play a role in helping you choose one product over another or do you simply view them as a way of letting you know what's new? Do you ask advice from family or friends, check out consumer reviews or tend to stick to particular brands?

Personally, I see the different advertisements as my update on what's new, but I seldom believe the hype in the ads. When  something catchs my eye, I check to see if I can find buzz about it online, especially at our message boards here. Plus, I tag my dd for her experience with new things, cause she's a bigger product junkie than I am! LOL

Last year, when I quit my job and found a new one a few months later, I was forced to reassess my entire life and dramatically reduce spending in every area because I no longer make the kind of money I used to. I eat differently, go out less, and spend less on clothing, cosmetics, etc. Here are some things I've found that work for me...

Cleanser: Lavender soap from Sabon
I love soaps from Sabon, and at about $7 a bar, they are a bit of a luxury for bar soaps, but still inexpensive enough for me to not feel guilty about buying a few bars. The scent is light and pleasant, and the lavender is very soothing.

Toner: For this, I buy an inexpensive bottle of rosewater from a local persian market. It costs around $2-3.

Mask: I'm currently making the rounds at the Lush counter. They have some great products, and their masks are natural and relatively inexpensive. I am currently trying Cosmetic Catastrophe, a blueberry and rose infused concoction that is quite nice and costs around $6.

Moisturizer: Nivea Soft
Here is where I've made some of the biggest cuts in spending. I used to be a sucker for expensive creams, but noticed that Nivea did wonders for my dry hands, so I picked up the Soft formula, which is much lighter, and tried it out on my face. A risk for me, as I am known to be very sensitive, but thankfully, it worked!

Eye cream: Sabon organic eye serum
Here is one of my bigger splurges. At $45 or so, I felt mildly guilty, but those feelings were overcome because this stuff is great. I like that I can actually feel the skin around my eyes tighten a little after applying it.

Hair care:
No big cuts here, either...I like Ojon conditioner, and use Pureology and Bumble & Bumble styling products. For shampoo, though, I still go cheap(er) and use Herbal Essences.

Cosmetics:
Major breakthrough changes here! I used to be a regular at expensive cosmetic counters (think Guerlain, Laura Mercier...) I completely stopped using foundation and stick to concealer (Estee Lauder) & powder (Cover Girl translucent). I have found eyeshadows that I love from Clinique and even Wet & Wild. At this stage in my life, I do not use blush, and if I feel like I need a little color, I dab a bit of lipstick on my cheeks (Estee Lauder Tiramisu). My eyeshadow base and Mascara are from Too Faced (not dirt cheap, but affordable and the eyeshadow base is a real treasure!). For eyeliner, I either use my Wet & Wild black/grey shimmery duo (a real steal at $3) or my Stila smudgepot in black, which I occasionally also use under some shadow for a dark, smoky look.

Now to answer the original question :)

I always go through my personal inventory (doesn't take long!) before I make a new purchase. My personal grooming purchases then, are dictated by what I need, as opposed to an impulse, need to have it splurge (I just know I would be guilty of many of these). I use the internet, usually ivillage, to find out what is new, but since I no longer purchase magazines, I don't view many ads. I also don't have a tv or radio, so I really minimize the effect advertising has on me, I THINK. I am willing to spend more money on pieces that will last through the seasons (both trendy and weather-wise, which is a major concern for me as I live in a climate that seems to change at whim), but leave the trends to places and brands that are much cheaper.

Love your lists you shared earlier; I've become a fan of some of the Wet N Wild products since my dd introduce them to me. ;-)

And I'm glad to hear you use iVillage to find out about new things; I'm do the same. I've really found some great products and other info by visiting the boards and strolling around the site!