Oooh, good point Meredith! I think people are just now starting to understand serums, that they're more potent than lotions and creams and that adding one can ramp up your whole routine. Maybe next year! Have you reviewed your Pure & Simple serum here yet?

you know what I don't see here that really helps me out? SERUM!!! I found out about serums when I went to Pure and Simple. Ever since I started using it, it's helped my skin a LOT!!!

I am going to post a review on serum!

I have a friend who scrapes and saves to buy a jar of Creme de la Mer every year. She's tried a lot of different creams with similar claims and textures -- she'd rather not have to spend that kind of cash either! But for her, Creme de la Mer makes a difference. For someone else, it's all about Vichy, or Neutrogena, or Neostrata (I'm using Neostrata at the moment). Skincare is less about splurging or saving and more about finding what works for you, hopefully without a lot of struggle and hopefully at a workable price point.

It's much easier to save when it comes to makeup. CoverGirl's Lash Blast and Lash Blast Fusion mascaras are great for me, as are the LiquiLineBlast pencils. GOSH and Carmindy's pencils are great as well, and many drugstore glosses look just as pretty as the pricey types. Right now I'm trying an Almay concealer I quite like, and have on deck a new Rimmel concealer, due in the new year, that looks really, really promising (I'm already a fan; just need the right shade).

Cathy3087 also made a great point: the better your skin, the less you have to ask of your cosmetics.

And if your lifestyle is good -- you eat well, sleep well, exercise -- the less you also have to ask of your skincare. I'm working on that part... *sigh*

I think it really just depends on what works for your individual skin type. For some people, an expensive treatment could be less effective than a steal. ProActiv works for me - but I know people who have used it and it did absolutely nothing for them. It's completely subjective!

I'd much rather have great skin and have to wear minimal makeup rather than try and cover up (I'm know most of us will agree!). Not to mention that what you put on your face will seep into your body, so you do want to be aware of the ingredients used.

I think that price shouldn't be a deciding factor in which skincare product to purchase - but within reason of course! Creme de la Mer is way too overpriced for me!

It's great how there are so many products out there, but sometimes I really wonder: does it really pay off to splurge on the more expensive treatments?

I'm curious to see what you guys splurge on and what you guys use change for. Personally I think it's more important to take care of the skin on your face, but does spending more really amount to better results?