yes, but mostly because i like the smell better or other brands don't have the same exact thing

It depends on the item. As for oil blotting papers, to really save money try either Starbuck's napkins, or other unbleached paper napkins, or even toilet seat covers.

I'm with the majority here. It depends on the item for me. For something like oil blotting papers, sure.

It depends on the item, I will try the store brand and sometimes stick with it. Bella, you are not alone in feeling "weirdly delightful" about seeing the blotchy oil on the sheet.

I was buying betadine this weekend (my dermatologist said its a must have, loving it so far) and the Purdue Pharma's brand was 17.99 for 8oz. The Walgreens brand was 12.99 for the same size. So I definitely bought it cheaper. I mean its Iodine solution..

They're somethings that you get what you pay for, I try to compare ingreidents first,and check to see if you might get more say 1oz compared to 1.5oz,not alot more but hey every bit helps,and most of the time the store brand is exactly the same,so if I can save a few bucks by not paying for a name brand, then that's even better.I also try to buy products that say made in the U.S.A.

Brian, I've never heard of that before. what was your derm recommending it for?

Yes, Brian, do tell!

mek123, we could start a club...

It completely depends. Some things are exactly the same and others there is benefit to getting the 'real thing'.

I usually buy the Clean&Clear Oil sheets at the Drugstore, but for everything else, it's to the Derm and to the MAC counter for me!

Brian, I'm curious too? Betadine can be used to prep/clean skin before surgery. My husband had a really bad allergic reaction to it - it blistered his skin something fierce.

I buy store brand q-tips, cotton balls, and hydrogen peroxide.

I didn't used to until my dad told me I was being snobby and made me read the identical ingredient list. Now I buy store brand when available, unless it's a specialty item.

Oh - sorry ladies, I had to do work today!

It is the same stuff that you see on the shows right before they slice up a leg or something!
When I go to the dermatologist to get zapped and extracted, she cleanses my face and then extracts. Immediately after, she puts the betadine on the open pore that's just been extracted to dry it and kill the bacteria. She told me if you are ever going to try to extract at home, you have to put this on after. It almost-immediately stops any bleeding (it happens) and honestly overnight I can see that the zit is smaller.
So I bought some at Walgreen's like I said. I cleanse my face and then apply it with a cotton ball or q-tip. It is definitely drying but I have not experienced any dry skin using it. It does make your skin a little orangey (so I'd stay home or wash it off ha) but doesn't stain. Don't panic!
Yogaforlife, I was looking on Wikipedia under iodine and apparently there have been cases of reaction to Povidone-iodine (Betadine) that have caused a chemical burn! Rare but a considerable effect it said.
Sorry this was so long!

it completely depends on the product. i try to go cheaper where i can, but sometimes the name brand is just nicer and worth the extra dollar. the one place where i always go store brand is with makeup remover, i love the neutrogena oil-free makeup remover, but the target brand is just as good (if not better!), so i always go target for that.

SO interesting Brian, thanks for the info!

CVS. Who knew? I used to buy Sephora blotters and switched to Clean & Clear . But I'll definitely switch to these . .. but I'll hide them in my purse. That's some hideous packaging.

Welcome mama

I definitely at least try the store brand. I use the CVS version of Neutrogena On-the-Spot Benzoyl Peroxide cream on a regular basis, and contact solution, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, cotton swabs, cotton facial pads, and tampons are almost always store brands.