How-To Guide: 8 Tips for Choosing the Best Beauty and Health Products

With literally thousands of beauty and health products out in the market today, choosing the best one that suits your needs and budget often seems impossible. 

Whether you are looking to buy health supplements, skincare products, or makeup and cosmetics, here are 8 tips to help you choose the best beauty and health products. 

Tip #1: Do Your Research

Today, most people try to obtain information on beauty and health products through beauty guides, video tutorials and online reviews by prominent individuals. While this method is not necessarily wrong, there is a slight problem with it. The problem with this method is that the skin type and health requirements of each person varies. 

Every person on this planet is unique and no two people are similar. In a way, this concept applies to beauty and health. It is not advisable to mimic other people’s beauty and health routine – this is particularly true when it comes to taking supplements. The products that other people are using may not necessarily be good for your skin or your overall health. Therefore, you should always do your own research before trying out any beauty and/or health product – do not simply rely on the reviews of other people. Also, take into consideration your own needs and circumstances. Do you have any allergies? What’s your skin type? How’s your overall health? These are factors that are unique to you so make sure to consider them as you choose beauty and health products. 

Tip #2: Determine Your Skin Type

One of the most common mistakes that many people make when purchasing skincare and beauty products is disregarding their skin type. However, this is the most important factor that you have to consider before purchasing any product. Why? Your skin type will determine what kind of compounds and ingredients your skin needs – and what you need to avoid. 

There are five different skin types, namely normal, dry, oily, sensitive, and combination. Others might find this information irrelevant, but the fact is, the entire foundation of your skincare and beauty routine will depend on it. Simply put, you cannot use products that are not suitable for your skin type because it may lead to unwanted side effects (i.e. allergic reaction) and it may aggravate the skin condition(s) that you are trying to treat. 

Tip #3: Pick Products with Evidence-Based Formulations

Before purchasing any nutritional supplement, make sure to do your research on minerals, vitamins, and plant-derived ingredients. The amount and form of each nutrient is highly important. Why? Some types of nutrients are better absorbed than others. Studies that have shown benefit for different conditions have used specific doses and forms of a nutrient. These doses and forms are not necessarily represented in each supplement. Moreover, remember that more is not always better. You need to make sure that the amount of each nutrient is safe and doesn’t exceed the tolerable upper intake level. 

If you choose products with plant or herbal extracts, you should know what type of extract has been used, how the extract is standardized, and what dose is necessary for benefit. For instance, if you want to take a cranberry supplement to promote your urinary tract health, choose a whole cranberry extract with 36mg of proanthocyanidins per daily dose – this is the amount that has been shown to offer the most benefit. 

Tip #4: Avoid Proprietary Blends

Today, many beauty products and health supplements contain proprietary blends. But, what exactly is a proprietary blend? Essentially, a proprietary blend is a special blend of several ingredients. However, the main problem with this type of ‘secret recipe’ blend is that although the ingredients are listed from highest to lowest content, the amount of each ingredient in the blend is not always revealed. 

Knowing the amount of each ingredient in the products you are using is important for a variety of reasons. For instance, when taking supplements, you want to ensure that the dosage of each nutrient is safe and appropriate for you. When choosing beauty products and health supplements, more and more consumers are choosing transparency. This is why many companies are shying away from using proprietary blends to increase transparency and consumer trust. As a consumer, you have the right to know exactly what is in the product that you are using. For this reason, try to avoid products that contain proprietary blends; instead, choosing products with transparent labeling. 

Bonus Tip: Transparency doesn’t just apply to transparent labeling that lists the amount and form of each active ingredient. It also applies to the company’s ability and willingness to connect with consumers about their products. Look for companies that employ dermatologists, registered dietitians, and other healthcare professionals who are available to answer your inquiries and concerns. 

Tip #5: Always Read Labels

Today, many beauty and health products contain a variety of ingredients and compounds – and not all of them may agree with you. For instance, some products may contain active ingredients that you are allergic to. To avoid unwanted side effects and health complications, always read the label before purchasing any product.

Even if you don’t have any allergies, it is still best to do your research on what kind of chemicals, ingredients, and compounds you should avoid. It is highly important that you steer clear of harmful components because they may lead to health problems in the long run.

Tip #6: Consider the Costs

Cost is another factor to consider when purchasing beauty and health products. Even though you should not spend more money than necessary when purchasing a product, you should, however, know that high-quality products will always be a bit more costly. Therefore, you should think twice if you find a beauty and/or health product that is very cheap before buying it. 

If you want to save some money, you should shop around so that you can compare prices between different stores. Shopping around will give you the opportunity to find out which store has the most budget-friendly price for the beauty and/or health product that you want to purchase.

Tip #7: Listen to What Others Are Saying

In tip #1, we mentioned that obtaining information regarding beauty and health products through beauty guides and online reviews made by other individuals is not necessarily wrong – and that’s true. There is nothing wrong with listening to what other people are saying. Today, word of mouth spreads incredibly fast online. From BBB consumer reviews to celebrity endorsements on social media, there are numerous ways to find out what other consumers think of a certain product. Their experiences can help you determine if it’s the right product for your skin type, health needs, and budget. 

Start by asking people you know in person for suggestions. For instance, if your friend achieved a rosy, white complexion, ask them which products they use. You can also checkout Facebook groups and other online beauty forums to get honest opinions for real beauty product enthusiasts. If a product is truly effective, people will want to share their excitement. If a product is not effective at all (or at worst, if it causes unwanted side effects), they will want to warn others not to waste their money and time. 

Ultimately, the best beauty and health products are going to be the ones that are thoroughly tested, backed by scientific research, and addresses your unique needs. 

Tip #8: Consult a Healthcare Professional

A lot of people think that consulting a health professional will just be an unnecessary and added expense. You might think that reading online product reviews and talking to your friends about their experience is enough – but the fact is, it’s not. 

You should always consult a healthcare professional before using any new products, particularly if you are about to take a health supplement. Some health supplements may contain active ingredients that could cause unwanted side effects and may interact with your medications (be it an OTC or prescription medication). Some active ingredients found in beauty products and cosmetics may also react negatively with your skin type. So, whether you are new to the industry or if you are just feeling unsure about a new product, it is best to ask advice from a healthcare professional. 

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right products is crucial for proper skincare and your overall health. Therefore, you should take the time to understand what kind of products you really need. 

Instead of jumping in the bandwagon and simply going with the latest trends, it is better to do individual research on beauty and health products that you think will work best for your needs. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help you achieve the results that you want.