Facial care: how to buy a cream or serum and pay a fair price
Skin first, jar second
The same cream can suit one person and irritate another. So before buying, work out your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, breakout-prone) and what you want to fix: dehydration, pigmentation, wrinkles, redness.
If the problem is serious, such as constant inflammation or acne, see a dermatologist rather than choosing from a description. A seller in the chat can tell you what they stock, but cannot replace a doctor.
What to put in your request
- Product — cream, serum, mask, toner, cleanser, eye cream, SPF.
- Skin type — dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
- Concern — acne, pigmentation, wrinkles, dehydration, redness.
- Brand — if you already know, for example La Roche-Posay.
- Age — 25+, 35+, 40+: active ingredients depend on it.
- Volume — for example, 50 ml.
- Expiry date and that the product must be sealed.
- Budget and delivery city.
Example: “Looking for a vitamin C serum for oily skin with pigmentation, age 35+, sealed, 30 ml, original. Pretoria, courier delivery. Budget up to R 400.”
How to avoid fakes
Cosmetics from well-known names are often faked, especially when the price is suspiciously low. Ask in the offer for photos of the packaging and the batch code, and ask where the product comes from and whether there are papers. Check the ingredients on the pack against the description. Don't buy opened or tester jars passed off as new.
The expiry date matters just as much: creams with vitamin C, retinol and acids are best bought from fresh batches. Ask for the manufacturing date and, if the product was opened, how long it can be used after opening.
How to compare offers
- Count the price per millilitre, not per jar, as volumes differ.
- Check that the pack is sealed and the expiry date is given.
- Compare delivery: cosmetics should not sit for long in the heat.
- Read seller reviews: for cosmetics, authenticity and fast dispatch matter.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request and stop hunting for sellers: they send offers themselves. Before it is shown, the request is checked, with ads and contacts removed, and you are prompted for anything missing. Sellers see their place among the others and adjust their terms, so the price often ends up better. The best offer, judged on what it offers, is shown first, with reviews next to it. Your phone number stays hidden, and the service is free for buyers. Details: “How it works”.
Along with facial care you may like makeup and body care.
