Even those less than obsessed with their beauty routines must accept that taking care of their skin is essential reluctantly. The world is dangerous, full of dirt, pollutants, and harmful UVA and UVB rays. Developing a hardworking, effective skincare routine can be the only way to protect yourself adequately. But is it possible to do so on a tight budget?
Of course, building a good skincare routine that works for you doesn’t need to break the bank. Many of my skincare favourites are on the cheaper end of the price spectrum. The important thing is to find what works for you. You will need products that target personal issues your skin faces in formulas you enjoy using. A good-quality cleanser adds moisture, and an ingredient-led targeted serum is all you need. But if you want to explore the world of mists and eye creams, there are excellent budget options, too.
Sumptuous Skincare on a Budget
Some top new launches in the budget skincare realm have certainly paid attention to quality over price. The CeraVe SA Cleanser, long a favourite in the US, has finally made its way over the pond – and it’s well worth the wait. This cleanser feels as gentle as the rest of the range. It has a gel consistency and creates minimal foam. But boy, does it do a number on uneven skin texture and clogged pores.
Another new favourite is the Lanolips Face Base. For those who believed you needed to splash big bucks to get an intensively hydrating moisturiser, think again. This one feels thick and luxurious, spreads like butter and sinks in to leave a pleasingly dewy finish. It works as well under makeup as it does overnight.
A brand that has been blowing me away recently is the Inkey List. They’re an ingredients-driven skincare line that gives beautiful results at low prices. For example, the Ceramide Night Treatment has added moisture and strengthened the barrier to soothe my irritated winter skin. I also love their Brighten-i Eye Cream for tired mornings and their C-50 Blemish Night Treatment for when things go awry.
The drugstore has also recently been knocking it out of the park regarding toners. The Nip & Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Essence Mist is my new perfect hydration layer to pack in extra moisture as the temperature outside drops. More surprise hits have come from Garnier. Their Argan Spray is the drugstore’s answer to the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist. Their Thyme Toner is also refreshing, blemish-busting, and gentle enough for dry skin. Finally, if you fancy a Glossier dupe, check out their Micellar Milky Cleansing Water for lazy cleansing on nights when standing over the sink feels like an unsurmountable effort.
