When maximizing your clothing choices, sharing clothes is just one way to join in the fun. Maybe you’ve considered splitting the cost of a designer top with your best friend or subscribing to a clothing rental platform to ensure you can wear that viral sequin dress for a few days. Now, with the higher cost of living, some of us are saving similarly by sharing more non-traditional luxuries – namely skincare products.
For Sarah, 26, sharing skincare and other beauty products with her husband was a happy accident. Sarah said: ‘Before we moved in together, my partner had his skincare regime, but the month after we moved into our apartment, our daily routines started to merge. “Now we almost always shop together because we both have dry skin, so it’s super convenient for us to use the same things.”
The couple’s shared makeup list includes a gentle cleanser and sunscreen from La Roche-Posay, all perfumes (their current fragrance of choice is an exciting product from Maison Margiela), and a classic Nivea cream. They always use up everything down to the last drop. Sarah estimates that sharing these products has saved her and her husband between £40 (about $51) and £80 (about $103) per store. While there are a few exceptions to Sarah’s shared routine (notably some Korean beauty serums, which she says are better suited to her than his skin type), she describes the newfound savings from her shared routine as a subconscious benefit. “Sharing helps us with the cost of living we have at the moment,” she says. But in the end, the roommate also helped them clean the bathroom cabinets.
Amber, 27, started sharing beauty products with her mother in 2021. However, the switch was not motivated by a desire to save money. “I started sharing skincare with my mom at the end of COVID,” she explains. “We had a lot of time on our hands, and she started taking a real interest in skincare, which was a wonderful, intimate experience for us.” Amber says her work in beauty PR prompted her to do this, but adds: “I’ve been coming in for the last few years to teach her all the products, procedures, and how they work on the skin. So even though we started using my products with her, we’ve now reached the stage where we’re buying products together.”
Amber estimates that their joint skincare shopping list saves them between £200 and £300 ($257 to $386) a year; it currently includes CeraVe Foam cleanser, The Organic Pharmacy’s hyaluronic acid Serum, Weleda Skin Food Light, and SuperGoop! Sunscreen. Amber admits that while the cost is split in the middle, she tends to use more products. “My mom doesn’t love beauty as much as I do, but it’s a lot cheaper financially because we’ll never have two of the same things,” which is usually a quick waste. “Whenever we run out of a product, we refill it,” says Amber. Amber says that in their two generations of daily life, all the basics – like facial cleansers and moisturizers – worked for her and her mom. Like Sarah, however, she also uses a separate serum to treat specific skin problems. “My routine is longer, but being able to take care of my skin this way has evolved into a beautiful and ongoing journey of discovery [for skincare] for both of us.”
It’s easy to underestimate the economic impact of sharing beauty products. Still, the statistics are clear: skincare prices have been steadily rising in the United States. A recent YouGov report found that most Americans surveyed believe affordability is one of the most important factors when buying skincare products. This validation of the audience’s concerns about affordability in the beauty industry is crucial, as it shows that their experiences and struggles are shared by many. There is no doubt that the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated our shrinking beauty budgets. According to a recent study conducted by Mintel, the rising cost of living in the wake of the pandemic has forced many beauty addicts to consider scaling back their beauty spending.
Aside from financial reasons, 31-year-old Mariana started sharing skincare products with her partner to cut down on waste. Mariana said: ‘I often struggle to use most beauty products because my skin is moody. “Sometimes I’ll use a new product for a few weeks, and it works great, and then I’ll experience a hormonal burst and need to switch products.” Because of this, Mariana often finds that some of her skincare products are forgotten and eventually expire. Instead of continuing the cycle, she found a solution and shared it with her partner. There are economic benefits, too. “My partner earns more than I do, so he pays a slightly higher share, but we split most of the expenses – bills, rent, and eating out – that way.” Mariana and her partner have similar skin types and share foaming cleansers, serums, and sunscreens. One thing she won’t do, however, is share the skincare products in the jar. “I’m a neat freak, and the thought of someone else’s hand in my skincare products — even someone I know — makes me sick.”
It doesn’t seem to bother Becca, 25, who shares most beauty products, including lip balm and gloss, with her roommate and best friend, who is more like a sister to her. “We have most of our basic products, but given that we share a bathroom, we both understand that we can use each other’s stuff whenever we want.” We share shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products such as heat protectors, lip balms and gloss, blushes, perfumes, body washes, and acne patches.” There are some rules, though: “If you run out, tell the person and get a new one. Beauty products are pretty big, so using a few of hers, and vice versa, every once in a while isn’t too bad. Sometimes, we swap repos; for example, if I buy acne patches this time, she’ll buy them next time. We don’t split costs, and there’s no question of equalizing costs because we have our primary beauty products. For example, I use a large basin of Vaseline on my lips after brushing my teeth. She uses it too, but if it’s finished, I’ll repurchase it because it’s mine.” Have you ever been unsuccessful? “One time, I accidentally broke a product she had in a glass bottle (it was almost ready, but there was still enough product in it), and she said it was okay,” Becca said. “She just bought another one for herself. The same thing happened to my serum; She broke it, but it’s just a product, and accidents can happen in a shared bathroom.”
Eden, 31, also shares skincare products with friends to avoid sending half-full products to landfills. “I tend to change my skincare products often – every season, to be exact. I let my friends try my skincare products, so if they like a product I’ve used, I don’t mind if they keep it. At least the product will be completely used up instead of having half-empty bottles on my shelves. Also, sometimes I buy a product that doesn’t work for me, so I’d rather give it to someone who enjoys using it.”
For some people, sharing skincare products makes financial and moral sense, but what are the actual downsides, if any? Dr. Carlos A. Charles, a dermatologist and co-founder of 456 Skin, warns that if you’re considering a group approach to beauty, there are a few things to consider. “For those who share skincare and makeup products on jars and palettes, be aware that these products are breeding grounds for bacteria such as E. coli and other infectious viruses.” Therefore, Dr. Charles recommends washing your hands thoroughly before use, especially since bacteria may be lurking under the nails. “It is essential to avoid cross-contamination when submerged in water,” Dr Charles said. “For long-term use, consider using a sterile spatula to pour the product into smaller, separate POTS.”
Skin experts also recommend that when using skin care products, do not touch the face with a serum dropper or pipette to avoid introducing bacteria into the product. Instead, use the back or palm of your clean hand. Finally, don’t be afraid of skin care products that contain preservatives. The “clean” beauty movement has led many of us to believe that preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria inside products are inherently harmful. On the contrary, they are safe and necessary, especially if you share your skin care products. The same hygiene rules apply to cosmetics. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sharing makeup, brushes, or toiletries can cause acne because acne-causing bacteria, oils, and skin cells transfer easily to other people’s skin and can clog pores.
In addition to hygiene, setting some ground rules is essential. (If you’ve never suspected your roommate of using your expensive shampoo without your permission, count yourself lucky.) If you split 50/50, it pays to determine how much of the product each of you will use – and how often – before committing.
Despite these words of caution, skincare expert and senior facial beauty clinician Dr. Nina Barr notes that sharing skincare has one particularly underrated benefit: turning what often feels like a chore into a fun social activity. But there’s a problem. “It is important to remember that while certain products may be suitable for one person, another person may not be as tolerant, so be aware and watch out for any signs of allergies and irritating skin contact reactions.” These reactions may manifest as skin redness, itchiness, burning, and, in extreme cases, blisters and long-term skin sensitivity. If you experience any of these side effects, immediately contact your doctor or skin specialist.
Suppose you’re not ready to split your serences (even among friends), but you’re eager to save money and reduce waste. In that case, it’s worth stripping down your skincare routine to its essentials. Most dermatologists will recommend a gentle cleanser, such as Byoma Cream Jelly cleanser, a moisturizer in the morning and evening, and a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen during the day. Brands such as L ‘Ormacal Paris, The Inkey List, Neutrogena, and CeraVe all offer reasonably priced options.
If you need more inspiration, I asked a few of my fellow beauty editors to share some reasonably priced skincare brands that are so good they could pass for luxury. Jacqueline Killicquita, vice director of beauty at Refinery29, spoke highly of The Ordinary. “Most of them are under $15, but don’t underestimate them,” she says. “In my opinion, ingredients and formulas are just as powerful as luxury goods, and they have an incredible effect on my skin.” Kilikita currently uses a glycoside foam cleanser. “My partner actually shared this with me, and I didn’t have any qualms about it because you only need a pea-sized amount to produce a rich froth, so it feels even better.” In addition to this cleanser (which we repurchase), I also love the 12% Serum glucoside ascorbate, a mild form of vitamin C that works wonders for skin stains left after breakouts.” When it comes to SPF, Kilicquita says you can’t beat The Inkey List’s polyglutamate sunscreen (SPF 50) and Garnier Ambre Solaire’s Ultra UV Daily Invisible Face Serum (SPF 50+). “It proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find good, effective skincare products – especially if you don’t want to share them with others.” Beauty podcast host and author Charisse Kenion is equally enamoring of Inkey List, its bioactive ceramide repair and Fullness moisturizer. “It’s a third of the price of most high-quality ceramide moisturizers, and its light weight makes it perfect for the warmer months.” These affordable options prove that effective skincare doesn’t have to break the bank.
All in all, the best products are the ones that fit your skin type, lifestyle, and budget. While the benefits of sharing skincare products are not to be underestimated – especially with bills and costs rising – whether you decide to split it or keep the product to yourself is entirely your prerogative. Remember, your skincare routine is a personal choice, and you have the power to make decisions that work best for you.
