Resourcefulness got me into an MBA program without finishing high school or college, helped me build a venture-backed tech startup, and helped me prove my own story after a journalist questioned it.
This weekend, it led me down a skincare rabbithole. Let me explain:
Every year, I look forward to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — especially the Beauty Exclusives (Yes, I may or may not have an 80-step skincare routine 😄).
A few years ago, I bought an expensive product that seemed to go bad way too quickly, and after multiple unanswered emails to the company to find out the manufacture or expiration date, I became more determined.
Fast forward to me diving into AI, chats, and reviews for answers, and here’s what I uncovered:
1️⃣ AI can compare products effectively.
I compared two Kiehl’s moisturizers (one for face, one for body) and, surprise, the ingredients were nearly identical! The face product was smaller and more expensive, but the body moisturizer worked just as well on the face.
2️⃣ Product codes are not random!
I used a site called CheckFresh to decipher the tiny, seemingly random product codes on the packaging and found that a Clarins serum I just purchased was almost 2 years old… before I even opened it. And this $200+ serum is listed with a 2-year shelf life. Same for Lancome.
3️⃣ Consumers are more informed than ever.
Thanks to AI, I found that many “premium” skincare products weren’t actually better—in fact, many less expensive options had the same ingredients.
Another surprise: Items packaged as a set for the sale had very different manufacture dates, months or years apart. Are old products being repackaged?
What does this mean for the future of skincare…and business?
As AI spreads, consumers will demand more.
More transparency, better consumer knowledge, and the rise of natural ingredients that offer real value.
I will still buy some “premium” products, especially if they have higher-quality ingredients but I’ll do more research first!
If there’s one lesson here, it’s that resourcefulness always pays off — whether you’re navigating business or the beauty aisle.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 | Clarins USA, Inc. | L’OCCITANE Group (B Corp) | ELEMIS | Beiersdorf | CheckFresh.com
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