Generic Beauty Buys -- Savings Experiment

Buying the generic version of any product is going to save you money, but not everything feels like a safe bet. However, when it comes to makeup and skin care you're likely spending much more money than you need to.

Name-brand beauty products are seemingly high quality and luxurious, but most of that perception is the result of clever marketing tactics. Although generic items may come with plain packaging, they're just as good as their more expensive counterparts.

If you look past the fancy bottles and boxes, there are almost no chemical differences between name-brand and generic products. For example, Olay Regenerist face cream costs $21.99, while the CVS version is priced at $14.97.

When comparing the ingredient list, it's the same exact product but the generic is 32 percent cheaper than the name brand. Unfortunately, the cost of packaging and advertisements ultimately falls onto you, the customer.

So, the next time you're looking to replace your makeup and skincare staples, consider going generic. You'll find that beauty doesn't have to come at a cost.