Should a Woman Buy Like a Man?

An interesting article entitled "Why It Costs More to be a Woman" by M.P. Dunleavey is featured on msn.com (link is http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/ConsumerActionGuide/dunleavey-why-it-costs-more-to-be-a-woman.aspx). This piece reported the January issue of Consumer Reports compared six different health and beauty aids that are available in his and her versions, as well as neutral and feminine concoctions. The result of this comparison is that products specifically marketed for women can cost more than 50% extra. The article further stated many insurance companies charge women higher premiums (especially women of childbearing age) and mentioned the disparity in earnings between men and women. This article sparked a host of comments relating to male/female debates, which did not interest me. Of interest were the useful postings interspersed between the heated debate comments.

I gleaned some notable tips from the comments, and the Consumer Reports blog "Marketing the Same Products to Men and Women" mentioned in the article. For instance, someone reported that a Clinique sales clerk confessed that M Lotion for Men is the same product as Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. The Dramatically Different product has been widely touted over the years as one of Clinique's best sellers. M Lotion for Men costs a little more than half than the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion!

Another posting stated a mother used men's Rogaine because the women's version cost more, but was the same chemically. Another woman bought a pair of Born shoes in the boys' department to wear with jeans. One female commenter stated men's cold weather clothes are more durable for outside chores and less expensive than women's. One post reported that Correctol laxative, which is marketed for women, has the same active ingredient as Dulcolax, although the price differential, if any, was not known. Commonly mentioned were men's razors, razor blades, and shaving gel being less expensive. Some women have the knack to shave with nothing but soap and finish unscathed. I am not one of those - my legs would appear to have been involved in a cat fight! I prefer the cheapest hair conditioner to shave with as it is the less expensive option and does not dry my skin like shaving gel.

This article provided some food for thought and I would consider some male products, as long as a manly scent is not included!