Splurge or save? A product-by-product guide

Some products are almost always fine as store brands. Some are worth thinking about. And a few are best decided with a professional. Here's a quick guide by category.

Usually save It depends Ask a professional

Category	Verdict	Why
Cotton pads, swabs and tools	Usually save Store brands do the job.	Basic tools last for years if you clean them.
Cleanser and body wash	Usually save It's on your skin for seconds.	A gentle, basic cleanser is fine for most skin.
Shampoo and conditioner	Usually save Try a store brand first.	Specialty formulas can make sense for specific needs.
Plain moisturizer	Usually save Basic often works as well.	Compare the first few ingredients and price per ounce.
Sunscreen	Usually save Same SPF label, same rules.	Broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, in a texture you'll wear daily.
Mascara	Usually save You replace it every few months.	A pricey mascara you toss after three months has a high cost per use.
Foundation or tinted products	It depends Shade match matters most.	Ask for samples or check the return policy before buying.
Brushes and a hair dryer	It depends Daily use can justify more.	Look at cost per use over the years you'll use it.
Haircut	It depends A good cut lasts longer.	A cut that grows out well can mean fewer visits a year.
Hair color	It depends Depends on the change.	Small changes at home; big changes at a salon.
Treatments for a skin condition	Ask a professional See a professional first.	A doctor or dermatologist can recommend what will actually help.

General information, not medical advice. We don't recommend brands or earn anything from any store.

Four rules for splurging well

1
Splurge only on things you use every day and love.
2
Compare cost per use, not price.
3
Wait 30 days before buying anything new and expensive.
4
Check the return policy before you buy.

See what your routine costs with the routine cost calculator, or read when it can make sense to splurge.