[R.e.v.i.e.w] Can Cheap Price Makes Good?



I've been studying Marketing and Advertisment before, which makes me a bit hard to trust the blind faith held by some people, "the most expensive, the better". That is why I always try to discover those cheap but effective items no matter in supermarkets or stores or can only order online. Don't get me wrong though, it doesn't mean all the expensive skin care products are worthless. Of course some of them are indeed something! You just need to spend some time and acquire the unique "golden eyes" to distinguish the right ones among thousands of products with even more commercials on magazines or TV. For me, what I am currently applying on my face everyday, are them, on the picture, from left to right  (price may vary from different currency and discount policy, etc. I list a local regular price for future reference)

 L: ACO Face Cleaning Lotion (original from Sweden),  Price: 200ml - 49Kr (6 Euros)

C: Nivea Soothing Toner (original from Germany), Price: 200ml - 45Kr (5.5 Euros)

R: Avene Thermal Spring Water (original from France), Price:150ml - 99Kr (12 Euros)

ACO is a Swedish original brand, established in 1939, and currently popular in Scandinavia. It is a Nordic product line. They are well known for their gentle and mild feature, causing no allergy to skin. They also have a wide range of products for all aspects as you can image, very fair price and only sold in pharmacy that just so perfect for sensitive skin type. 

I have been using this ACO Face Cleaning Lotion for more than two months, as you can see on the photo, only half of the lotion left inside. The thing is, I did not like it at all at the beginning. I was recommended this cleaning lotion "can remove make-ups on face and eyes and lips, no need to rinse it off", and it is "for dry and normal skin" (I'm a mixed skin type, sometimes can be sensitive). This is really tempting that I could clean my face without water when I am about to fall asleep with a completely dizzy spirit? For a lazy and sleepy girl, what a saver! However, in the first week, it desperately turned me down. The texture of this lotion was too thick and oily, it only left a sticky feeling, as i never made my face clean. Unfortunely at that moment I was also allergic to the Scandinavian wind, when both of my cheeks remained red marks, I had to use a light Karin Herzog Cleaning Lotion instead, to repiar my skin.  Until my cheeks finally got back to normal two weeks later, I tried it again,and I suddenly found out I never used my ACO lotion a right way. Yes, otherwise it should have worked on me! Two very important things about how to correctly use this lotion, massage, and still rinse it off even they tell you no need!

Then I kept trying it for two months according to my way:  squeezing the lotion on a clean cotton pad, a bit more than usual if I have foundation or powder left on. Evenly wipe them on the skin (including neck), wait for a few seconds, and then start to massage everywhere slowly and carefully for a while.Give it a little bit time for the make-ups and dirt fully melting in the lotion, until I feel all the pores are clean and comfortable, and there are no dirt or make-ups left on the pad. Warm water can help to get rid of the lotion oilness and all the dirt but no need to "wash" it, only wet face for a couple of times and  dry it with a clean towel. Well, that is how I make it works on me, and I feel my skin is perfectly clean, not too dry and I like it a lot now!

There is one thing I concern about after checking the safety of its ingredients online, Ceteareth-6. It is always used in make-ups and creams as an emulsifier, however, i feel it is not one hundred percent safe to apply it everyday for a long time though. And this one actually contains stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, can be a little irritant for sensitive skin. I will hold it to investigate.

Nivea is originally from Germany however you can find it everywhere in half of the global nowadays. I used this toner when I was 18 years old in college, and I use it again these days because it's really cheap and very easy to get in all supermarkets,when i am too busy to discover something new to have a dig at, i always chose ones i am familiar with. Generally, I don't see any obvious flaws for this product except the artificial smell is way too strong (some people really hate it). I used to apply them on three pieces of cotton pads, put them separately on both cheeks and forehead for 10 minutes, a simple everyday facial to keep skin wet as a way to prevent the winkles appear, easy and cheap, mild effect, either too good or bad. Checking the ingredients, most of them look fine. But still i don't understand why so many kinds of fragrance have to be added that makes the smell is so awful? And, remember, the contained hydroxycitronellal is something easy to be allergic to some certain types of skin. in that case, I'm almost sure I will only use this one if I have no other choice or emergency situation.

Avene from Paris has always been my choice for skin allergy problem. To be honest I can't live without this product when I am travelling abroad or experiencing a season change. Somehow it is never failed to relieve my red marks. When I have skin problem, i don't use any toner or or lotion or cream except this spray. There are only two ingredients listed on their package: Avene thermal spring water and nitrogen, and some figures for chemical element. It's natural and comfortable. I would highly recommend it as a must-have item in ladies' purses (they do have smaller package than 150ml) . You can use it even after make-ups just comfort the skin for not too dry. Price is alright, can get it in all pharmacy!

Ok, I hope you all enjoyed this review, that I personally think it is interesting to make the Price vs Effect as a comparison, then you will know exactly where your money should go! I will keep updating this project. Feel free to comment, share your expereince and send suggestions, i will reply. Thanks!