by BR Kellie
I am a reformed nine-step skincare lover. Once upon a time I spent an hour a night applying my skincare, and a whole lot of money buying the products that I applied. Then, after a year of being on isotretinoin to help clear my acne, I discovered that all I needed was the basics. Not just any basics, but budget-friendly ones, which - let's be honest - is something I think a lot of us can get on board with right now as the cost of living continues to rise.
Luckily for us, our wonderful Beauty Review community have made doing the research when creating a simple, affordable, skincare regime easy. Check out these products that have achieved the Top Rated badge of approval.
Cleansers
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
If you're a makeup wearer then a double cleanse is a must, and Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a great place to start. Affordable and effective, it easily removes a day's worth of makeup. Don't wear makeup, but still want a good cleanser? You can't go wrong with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Super affordable (especially when bought in a bigger pack size), it leaves your skin clean but not squeaky and stripped.
Moisturisers
CeraVe Moisturising Cream Olay Sensitive Moisturising Lotion
No one was more excited than I when CeraVe hit the New Zealand market. During my year-long stint on isotretinoin I'd read over and over again people recommending it to help with dry skin... and they weren't wrong. It definitely did the hydration trick! For those who prefer a lighter moisturiser, the likes of Olay's Moisturising Lotion does a wonderful job of plumping up the skin post-cleanse.
Want to take things a little further in your daily regime? Check out these affordable extras...
Toners
Goodness Be Cool Mist Toner essano Hydrating Rosehip Mist Toner
Cleansed your skin, but want to give it some extra love before moving on to moisturiser? You can't beat a toner to help further hydrate and balance your skin, and both the Goodness Be Cool Mist Toner and the essano Hydrating Rosehip Mist Toner get the Top Rated badge of approval!
Exfoliators
essano Hydrating Rosehip Gentle Exfoliator St Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub
Skin feeling a little rough around the edges? A weekly exfoliation can be just the trick! Beauty Review members have raved about essano's Hydrating Rosehip Gentle Exfoliator, as well as the St Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandrain Orange Scrub.
Mask
Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Black Sheet Mask
For an extra dose of hydration a sheet mask can be a real treat. There are plenty wallet-friendly masks at the supermarket, and they're often on special too. Bonus!
So, my lovelies, are you a basic skincare beauty lover? What are your go-to cheap and cheerful skincare products? And are you tempted to try any of the products mentioned above? Chat below!
Oooh yes, I go for cetaphil, cerave and essano when I want good products that are affordable. Especially for products I am sharing with the teenagers, I hide the pricey stuff away!