The fact money is tighter than ever won't come as a shock to anyone.
Bougie skincare lovers, you know what we're talking about.
A little while ago, we asked our wonderful Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast Facebook group (if you haven’t yet joined, you’re missing out!) for the most expensive skin product in their routine.
Then, we realised we'd also like to know what affordable skincare products people swear by.
Sometimes, you might wonder if 'cheap' skincare is as good as the exxy stuff...
Hearing about what other people love (and why) helps!
From $8 pimple patches to the super affordable Cerave cleansers, here are the most affordable products AB customers will never stop buying.
Including AB staff - considering we get a very generous staff discount, that's saying something!
What:
CeraVe are well known for their wide range of cleansers that are targeted to each skin type.
While they are all popular, here are the main ones that came up:
CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser 236ml is suited for normal to dry skin types.
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 236ml is a good one to try for those with normal to oily skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236ml is suited to normal to dry skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 236ml - if you have normal to very dry skin, give this one a go.
Why they're great:
CeraVe is one of the most popular and well-loved affordable brands, and for good reason.
Their products are made with dermatologists, are formulated with ceramides and they get the job done with no fuss.
Here are just a few reasons people love them:
“CeraVe foaming cleanser doesn't strip the skin or leave it dry. My skin always feels so fresh and clean after using it!! Being under $15 is just the cherry on top!” - Meg.
“I second that one! Takes off my make up beautifully and doesn’t leave it feeling dry!”- Laura.
Shop these CeraVe cleansers here:
What:
One of The Ordinary’s best-selling serums, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% helps with skin texture, balancing sebum levels and can be used as part of an anti-acne skincare routine.
Why it's great:
Newest Adore Beauty customer service member and beauty lover Talia found this helped with her acne scars.
“I still suffer from occasional acne in my 20s and with that came scars and pigmentation and I felt like this product really helped to combat both the acne and fading those spots!”
I also concur. Read why this is one of my favourite products of all time here.
AB customer Sari is also a big fan.
“It is easy on the bank and has helped my skin so much! My redness has gone down dramatically."
What:
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Made from hydrocolloid ( a type of wound dressing that works by drawing out all that pus and icky stuff from your pimples), these alcohol-free patches promise to prevent scarring, reduce redness and the appearance of your pimples in a matter of hours!
Why they're great:
Also reviewed and rated by Senior Editor Amy, these pimple patches seem to be a crowd fave!
Here are some of the reasons our customers love them!
“COSRX Pimple Patches! They work so well and are only $7.90.” - Alana.
"$7.95 for 24 patches...a packet lasts me forever. They are so effective at calming angry spots, my saviour for a week in every month. I will never not have them in my arsenal." - Katie.
"These are amazing at shrinking pimples that have already formed or helping to prevent them from getting bigger. I love popping one on overnight as soon as one is forming, and seeing the results in the morning!" - Sharon.
What:
One of these Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator 150ml lotions is sold every two seconds in Japan - enough said really.
It combines three types of hyaluronic acid molecules with different molecular weights.
The larger molecules seal in moisture in the skin's surface for that instant plumping, smoothing effect, while the smaller ones penetrate into the deeper layers.
Why it's so great:
Got dry skin? In her Hada Labo review Senior Editor Amy said this product is, “basically a big drink of water for your thirsty face.”
AB staffer Nikki adds, “I love how hydrating it is, especially paired with a mist. It’s great value for money as you get 150mls - it's super lightweight and doesn't have a sticky tacky feel. I think it's just a must have!”
What:
French Pharmacy brand Bioderma is famous for their cult micellar water (there’s lots of dupes out there, but nothing beats the OG).
But it turns out, you guys love some of their other cleansing products too!
Got dry and/or sensitive skin? Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil 200ml will leave your skin nourished not stripped.
Sensitive skin havers who like the feel of a soothing gel cleanser can look to the Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel for comfort and lastly, the iconic Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution 250ml will help remove impurities and makeup while respecting the skin's natural balance.
Why they're so great:
We’ll let these Bioderma cleansing fans do the talking:
"Bioderma Cleansing Oil - SO good and is cheap full price, but can be even more of a bargain on sale!" - Kristina.
"Bioderma Sensibio cleanser is clean but not squeaky. Leaves my skin feeling comfortable." - Cailtin.
And for AB customer Stacey, the Bioderma Sensibio Toner and The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA are her ultimate affordable skincare duo.
“This has really helped the texture of my skin and I have been using them for 12months now! So cheap.”
Shop these Bioderma products here:
What:
This exfoliating serum works to even skin tone and texture, while also hydrating and calming the skin.
BOOST LAB AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum is also formulated with lactic acid (exfoliates), manuka honey (hydrates and soothes) and aloe vera (calms and moisturises dry and sensitive skin).
Why it's great:
Who better to get skincare product recommendations from than Adore Beauty’s CX Team Leader Hannah?
So why does she love this serum?
“So affordable and never lets me down! Also hydrating which I love (love you lactic acid).”
This is a great skincare proddy for dry skin havers to try if they are looking for something comfy on the skin!
What:
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a gel-to-oil cleanser that uses a blend of squalane and skin-similar esters for a gentle and skin-smoothing cleanse.
Besides being vegan and cruelty-free, it’s also suited to all skin types including sensitive thanks to its alcohol-free formula.
It would also work well for those who are prone to redness or dehydration.
Why it's great:
AB customer Emily reckons it feels like a massage for your face.
“I’m obsessed with The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser, it’s so gentle and effective, plus it feels like you’re having a nice massage while you’re using it!”
I mean anything that feels like a massage for your face has us already sold.
What:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution helps with improving skin radiance and textural irregularities thanks to its 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry.
Why it's great:
According to these The Ordinary users, this seems to be a great body use product too.
And AB customer Tamalane tells us she isn’t the only one in her household who loves this product.
“My husband uses it post gym on his back, I use it on my underarms and all over my body a few days before a spray tan. So many uses from one bottle.”
Adore Beauty staffer Sam also uses this as part of her tanning routine saying.
“I actually do not use this on my face but all over my body (especially the feet) to slough off fake tan and tan prep to smooth those dry spots.”
Her pro tip?
“Put an old spray nozzle on it to spritz your back too! Works a charm AND your tan will be even with longevity.”
What:
If the dry skin on your body is making you look part reptilian, CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion 473ml has got you covered.
Made with 3 essential ceramides to help strengthen skin’s barrier, hyaluronic acid, and a patented MVE technology for slow-releasing hydration for up to 24 hours, you can happily wave goodbye to dry, scaly body skin.
Why it's so great:
When AB customer Grace doesn't want to go through her fancy Dermalogica moisturiser so quickly, this is her go-to affordable sub-in.
“I went from using Dermalogica Active Moist 100ml for years and wanted to try something a bit more budget-friendly."
"I find it extremely similar, thick but not too thick. It doesn’t feel heavy, it gives my skin a nice glow and it settles into the skin quite quickly.”
What:
With a high 5% concentration of caffeine supported by Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves, this Ordinary eye product helps to relieve puffy under eyes.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG comes with a lightweight texture and it feels refreshing on the skin.
Why it's great:
AB customer Nicole says it's "The best eye serum I have ever used and only $12.70”.
And brb imma add this to my cart immediately.
What:
Sensitive skin types who are looking for a sheet mask to soothe their skin, look no further.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g hydrates, soothes and the vitamin B5 also makes it great for any post-procedures and post-treatments.
A great one to also have handy in the bathroom when skin is being a little difficult.
Why it's great:
Sheet masks are also one of those great and easy beauty products you can take on the plane and on travel.
AB customer Bella loves them for this precise reason and also for her dry and stressed skin.
“I love the La Roche Posay Cicaplast sheet masks. They’re super cooling, soothing and hydrating on stressed or dry skin, and are perfect after a long flight, or just as a refreshing pick-me-up!”
We agree Bella!
What:
DISCIPLE Juicy Mist is an instantly refreshing and hydrating mist infused with hyaluronic acid, orange blossom water and aloe juice.
It’s also calming, rejuvenating and can help to reduce the appearance of redness.
Why it's great:
AB staffer Sharon has incorporated this mist into her skincare routine saying:
“I love using this hydrating mist after I cleanse and before applying my serums to give the skin a refresh and help the serums sink in better."
"It has a very light scent so it isn't overpowering.”
What:
Green tea extracts power the innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum to give dry skin hydration, protection and leave skin feeling fresh.
Also contains a dual moisture-rising technology to help prevent water loss and the green tea extract also help deliver a brighter and clearer complexion.
Is this serum suited to all skin types? Sure is!
While ideal for those who are prone to dehydration and skin discomfort it’s also suited to those with sensitive skin.
Why it's great:
Hydration is one of the main reasons why this was AB customer Letitia's fave affordable skincare product.
“Innisfree tea tree serum, feels amazing on the skin, nice scent and hydration which I love!”
What:
Weleda Skin Food is an award-winning moisturiser that many beauty editors and beauty enthusiasts agree is one of the best affordable beauty products.
I recently recommended it to my aunty who wanted something for her super duper dry skin that she could alternate with her more luxe moisturiser and she fell in love.
It's known for its deep hydration and intense moisturising abilities while also supporting the skin’s protective barrier.
And if it feels a little too heavy for you, don’t worry, it also comes in a light version!
Why it's great:
This is AB customer Rebecca’s moisturiser of choice who loves it because it's the "best moisturiser for my skin and it's affordable.”
What:
We're sure by now you know about the powers of vitamin C.
But in case you forgot here’s its main gig - brightening, evening out skin tone, delivering radiance and defending against free radical damage.
Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL does this as one of the most affordable vitamin C products out there.
A cosmeceutical product, it contains 5% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, native Australian plant extracts and algae extract.
Why it's great:
Senior Editor Amy did a whole review article on the launch of Viviology skincare and its standout products.
This vitamin C was one of her faves!
“I think I’d say the Viviology vit C serum - it’s not the ‘cheapest’ in my routine, but it’s the best bargain in terms of bang for buck!"
What:
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contains contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help flush out impurities and cleanse away dirt and oil from the skin.
It’s recommended mostly for oily to combo skin types and can also assist with acne-prone skin concerns.
Why it's great:
Adore Beauty CX leader Brooklyn is in love with this product.
“A little bit goes a long way and it's super creamy!”
Affordable AND cost-efficient? Say no more.
What:
CeraVe Moisturising Creamis a thick-textured cream that works to nourish the skin on the bodies of dry to very dry skin types.
The fast-absorbing moisturiser maintains the softness in the skin while strengthening its protective barrier.
Why it's so great:
AB customer Sarah loves this for her skin sensitivity.
“I use the moisturiser mainly for the body but I love it because it doubles as a face moisturiser when my skin sensitivity flairs (as it’s super gentle) or when I’m running low on my regular more exxy one and don’t have a spare ready."
What:
This much-loved product doesn't need an introduction, so we’ll give you a quick recap.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balmis a multi-purpose restorative balm, with a creamy moisturiser texture that is suitable for babies, children and adults.
It not only nourishes your skin but also helps with chafing and dry patches.
It can also be used on the body, face and lips. I tried it on all three in my review of this wondrous product here.
Why it's great:
A staff favourite in the Adore Beauty office, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't love Ciciaplast after trying it.
It gets us through every winter and helps soothe angry or flakey skin all year round.
This is one of my (many) affordable skin picks, but if I had to give you two words for this baume, it would be 'skin saviour.'
Watch our 5 People Try YouTube video with the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume below:
And there you have it! Some of the most affordable skincare products in your routine.
We love getting skincare inspo from you guys and hearing what you love spending your money on.
And we know that what may seem 'affordable' for one person might not be thought of as so affordable for someone else.
It’s always best to spend whatever you’re most comfortable with for your specific skin type!
Check out some of our reviews on these much-loved affordable products below:
You Can Now Buy CeraVe Skin Care at Adore Beauty & Here Are Our Top Picks Under $30
Hada Labo Review: The Cult ‘Super Hyaluronic Acid’ Serum That Sells Every 2 Seconds
The Ordinary’s Niacinamide Is the First Product That Really Transformed My Skin
This Is the Best Vitamin C Serum Under $60 I’ve Tried (& I’ve Tried a Lot)
