With the rise of the Instagram Skincare shelfies (yes, that's now a thing!) and influencers sharing what's in their obviously curated bathroom cabinets it's easy to think a good complexion comes only from more premium skincare products, shall we say.
But with drugstore brands constantly upping their game it literally couldn't be further from the truth. With the possible reason for a lack of cheaper skincare on social media being they just aren't as Instagram worthy! Budget skincare very much rivals more premium brands these days and while my own skincare routine consists of a mix of the both, I really believe you can achieve the complexion you want on any budget.
Below discover seven of the best budget skin care products for all skin types can enjoy! Let me know if you discover anything new or spot any old favourites.
L'Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water Moisturiser £9.99 | 70ml - BUY HERE
Serum-like and non-descript this L'oreal product is definitely something that could easily be overlooked when in the market for new skincare. With no clear description or labelling of what it is (Boots call it a moisturiser on their website - it's not), it doesn't seem one of L'Oreal stronger products. However, it is in fact pretty damn great!
I'd personally describe this product as a hydrating serum, gliding over the skin before moisturiser to plump, refresh and hydrate. Quickly soaking into the skin with very little tackiness, it actually gives quite a silky feel, this is a product for all skin types. However, there are three versions available - normal to dry, sensitive and combination, although is should be noted my oily/combination skin type is totally happy with the normal to dry version.
For me, this is very similar to Vichy Aqualia Face Serum, similar in texture and results as it contains a good amount of hyaluronic acid to keep skin happy and hydrated. The one thing I wish L'Oreal would change about this product is the scent - god it's awful! Think a teenage boys aftershave! Yes, I really haven't a clue what they were thinking or why they have kept it. In fact, I'd be tempted to try the sensitive version in hope that the fragrance has been removed - here's to hoping! Thankfully the scent doesn't linger and the results and price are good enough to make it not a big deal!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 £5.90 | 30ml - BUY HERE
When I'm talking budget skincare I think it's pretty much a crime if I don't include The Ordinary as they really are the brand to look to if you want a cheap but highly effective skincare routine.
Again, I have another affordable hydrating product here because I believe hydration is the key to a happy complexion. Stripping all other unnecessary ingredients away this is Hyaluronic Acid in its simplest form, although it thankfully contains different molecular sizes to really penetrate the different layers of the skin, with a scent-free slightly tacky serum. If you are big on hydration or want something that will work separately from your moisturiser to keep the skin plump, free of fine lines and dry areas without congesting the skin then you need to try this!
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% £5.50 | 30ml - BUY HERE
While my list of recommendations from The Ordinary is long, there are only a few products I'd suggest for all skin types and this is one of them. Again, another super affordable price for a product that actually gives visible results.
Described as brightening skin tone while visibly boosting texture and minimising blemishes. along with being an acid that doesn't cause irritation – in fact, has been shown to reduce redness and rosacea this is a product that has a lot going for it.
For me, the white slightly mattifying balm-like texture did take some getting used to, although it works perfectly on all skin types even oily/combination, I was glad I held on as the textural difference in my skin even within a week of use was amazing! I continue to use this in my daily skincare routine as I feel like my skin can't be without it, giving that smoothness especially along my jawline and keeping blemishes at bay especially in congested areas.
One of the most unrated skincare products I've tried that more people need to know about!
Lacura Healthy Glow Exfoliating Toner £3.99 | 250ml BUY IN-STORE AT ALDI
Back when this dropped towards the end of 2018 this product created both a stir and hype, being instantly compared to cult classic Pixi Glow Tonic. Really, how could it not? Looking almost identical to Pixi Glow Tonic and containing the same 5% glycolic acid, along with aloe vera and ginseng.
Now while I wouldn't call it a spot on dupe as the ingredient are vastly different I'm on my second bottle and won't be returning to Pixi Glow Tonic any time soon. Why? Because it does the same job while containing different ingredients!
If you are looking for a good way to slough away dead skin cells with an acid toner to give a smoother, brighter complexion and you don't want to spend a lot then this is an amazing buy that you really can't go wrong with - well unless you overuse it. A real bargain buy!
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter £10 | 90ml BUY HERE
As much as I believe in hydration for all skin types, cleansing really should be the basis of all good skincare routines and is the key to having a clear complexion. That said there are more rubbish cleansers on the market than good ones that actually thoroughly remove all makeup and grime from the skin. So while micellar waters and cleansing gels may look appealing you really need to be opting for a balm, butter or oil to remove your makeup in the evening.
I will hold my hands up and say I'm a fan of more premium cleansers from the likes of Emma Hardie, Oskia and Eve Lom however one budget offering that is on a par with my favourites is The Body Shop's Camomile Cleansing Butter. The 700+ positive reviews on The Body Shop website speaks volumes about this product.
Much like any good balm or oily cleanser, this cleansing butter melts under the warmth of the fingertips to create a good oil based slip over the skin. This allows the product to be worked over the makeup, dissolving it perfectly so that it can be washed away with a warm damp flannel. Perfect for all skin types even those with sensitive skin or heavy makeup wearers.
If you are in need of a heavy duty cleanser that removes all makeup and daily dirty from the skin or you realise you need to step up your skincare game then with is the ultimate budget cleanser to try out.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea £7.00 | 118ml - BUY HERE
While facial sprays may seem like a simple product they aren't all created equally - some doing absolutely nothing for the skin, in fact drying it out with the high alcohol content. While others can work at hydrating the skin pre-makeup and post-makeup to set everything in place!
For me, Mario Badescu offers the best range of facial mists, perfect for refreshing the skin any time of day and fix base makeup products in a single spritz if everything is looking a bit too matte or cakey. My go-to is the Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea as it's the perfect pick me up for the skin especially first thing in the morning or to re-hydrate after a clay face mask.
L'Oreal Pure Clay Face Masks £7.99 each | 50ml - BUY HERE
In the past few years, L'Oreal has brought out what I can only describe as the best drugstore face mask range. The range now consists of 5 masks (see above) and a trio mini kit (here) offering something for all skin types.
I think it's been established that clay can work for all skin types and L'Oreal are clearly big believers in this, so while there's the usual detoxifying clay-based mask, there's one for glowy skin and even brightening. My personal favourite is L'Oreal Pure Clay Charcoal Detox Face Mask with reminds me very much of the GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment mask, really drying down and drawing out oily and impurities from the pores.
These face masks are definitely not be overlooked!
Let me know in the comments your own favourite budget skincare items!
Fee xo.
