The survey examined how consumers shop for beauty products, what influences their purchase decisions, and what they’re looking for in beauty products.

The 1,952 participants revealed they use beauty products for a variety of reasons:

• 69 percent use them to make sure hair and skin stay healthy
• 67 percent use them to help solve specific skin and hair problems
• 59 percent use them to maintain a certain look/style
• 55 percent use them to look the best for their age

Consumers report that they like when products offer free samples or trials and coupons. But they also say recommendations from friends (55 percent) and experts (43 percent) are factors in motivating them to try new products.  Celebrities are also a big influence, especially when it comes to hair—69 percent of respondents said they were influenced by famous figures.

More than 50 percent of respondents showed a preference to established brands over generics because they are more reliable and are perceived to have higher value. Consumers prefer established brands over generics for cosmetics (73 percent), skin care products (72 percent), and hair care products (67 percent).

Despite the economy, consumers are willing to pay for beauty products if they meet their needs; almost half (47 percent) said price was not a factor if a product solved their beauty problem. Read more about the 2010 Beauty Study.

Skin Speaks Spa M.D. carries upscale brands of skin care and makeup products, including Obagi, Glo Minerals and La Roche Posay.

But Don’t worry: a few simple steps and skin care products can help.

Products

Find antioxidant moisturizers that contain water-binding and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as these:

- amino acids and fatty acids
- ceramides
- sodium PCA
- Glycerin

Your lips are especially vulnerable to the elements.  Keep them soft and smooth with quality lip balm.  Look for these key ingredients:

- Hemp oil
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E
- Beeswax
- SPF 15

Skin Care Steps

1. Don’t forget the sun protection.
2. When your skin feels tight, apply moisturizer.
3. To allow better penetration of moisturizer, exfoliate scaly areas with glycolic or salicylic acid.
4. Get a humidifier in your home.
5. Stay hydrated!