Utterly shallow, but I *miss* lovely shampoos and moisturisers...

[Pruni]

We have no money at all and so have cut back on luxuries - not complaining at all, that's as it should be (esp as it was my decision to give up work, hence the poverty).

But I am horrified to find I really deeply miss Shampure, Aveda moisturiser, Dermalogica body cream etc. Dr Hauschka and Clinique

Is there any way I can buy these cheap? I've had a look at ebay but it all looks just a pound or two cheaper and there are so many ebay-shops, I have no idea what's dodgy and what isn't.

Thanks

Hah! I knew it. You ARE a Clarins girl. Personally, I pinch my kids' Oilatum for hands and feet. And to be honest, I can't be bothered with face moisturizer. It would take away from my precious hair straightening time in the morning. And I HATE the curls.

I've never tried Clarins.

how about suggesting these items when people ask what you want for christmas or birthdays..?? When I got pregnant with dd I was worried that I wouldn't be able to have these luxaries although DH stated that he didn't have a problem with me continuing to by them I just felt it wasn't right esp as i'm a sahm iykwi.

Anyway when my mum,pil,grandparents as what I would like I usually suggest these products or gift vouchers..?? Worth trying....

I do what Melrose does too. yes you shell out, but you get all the extras. I also brazenly ask for samples at the same time. I love Clarins, but we're trying to cut back too .
Another thing; get a Boots Advantage card - buy basic toiletries, sun creams, electrical things etc there, save up your points and you'll soon have enough for a Clarins body lotion or similar treat.

These were the type of things I cut back on - on becoming a sahm. After 6m of this I threw all my toys out of the pram as they were something I really really missed. I never realised I was so shallow. Can only really echo the others on Christmas pressies/mothers day/birthday. - did find a website or two for £2 to £5 off Clarins stuff but lousy delivery so can't recommend.
Also ask anyone travelling to get it duty free for you - only real extra suggestion
Just know you are not alone

i cut back from mine and found garnier stuff fabulous or even the olay stuff depending on what you can get.

Boots own brands are great..I switched to them after having DS and have grown to love them, the Skin Kindly range is really good, and Boots Botanics hair products are as good as ones 3x the price.

oh and for those that like trying new expensive stuff
sign up to
www.cosmeticresearchonline.com

I have been a member for two years and have had all sorts to try, from Clinique makeup to Loreal fake tan, La senza underwear, Simple baby lotion, window cleaning wipes, Clarins body lotion...
and my favorite was some p.js from karen millen..really nice pure silk vest and boxers syle..i saw them on sale for £50 soon after!

You have to fill out every single part in the proile section..and add all your family members too..d.p has had boxers, socks, and all kinds of razors and things.

oops, forgot the important part..they send you an email when they are trialing these things, and you get a full sized product for free, and all have gone past initial trials and safety checks so are perfectly safe to use.it's more os they can make claims on adverts like
'92% of women experienced more bounce when using this shampoo' ..lol.how do they quantify 'bounce'

Lush do good products, not too expensive and they don't test on animals. \link{http://www.lush.co.uk\Try this}

Pruni: Success! Got quince moisturiser, am emailng you :)

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!

you make your kids eat beans and chicken 4 days a week for a good moisturiser.

so funny!

Avon stuff is surprisingly good (as many fashionistas will tell you) and is pretty cheap.

I'm all for a bit of luxury but think cosmetics and toiletries are outrageous rip offs and can't understand why normally discerning women are fleeced.
I have washed my hair tonight in 29p shampoo and it is fine.

(That quince moisturiser is bloody nice though...)

It's just chemicals in marketing. Pentapeptides my arse (she makes my skin crawl, that woman).

What you do is you buy the clinique stuff that you love and flog all the little freebies on Ebay. I did this and it worked out about the same as buying boots stuff full price (which of course you never do, but anyway).

And ask for vouchers for whatever shops sell the stuff you love, so you can get the next thing you need.

And sell your unwanted smellies on Ebay too.

FIT!! You star!
MD you are right, but I have four or five absolute favourites that I haven't been able to find cheap substitutes for. I make do a lot of the time but a girl can only have so much of the straw-haired, flaky-skinned look...
I don't have sensitive skin as such but I cannot do pongy creams, hence Lush and Boots brand no good. I do rate Boots quite highly but the niff gets to me after a while.
And I never buy anything with pentapeptides, or Boswellox.
Lots of fab ideas and links on this thread, thanks everyone.

Pruni - do you want to email me directly (laura dot roberts 67 @ ntlworld dot com) I might be able to help with the Clinique stuff. :)