Skincare doesn’t have to break the bank. If you are new to the world of skincare I understand it can be overwhelming with so many products available for an array of skin types, but it doesn’t have to be. Firstly determine your own skin type, your concerns and budget then go from there!

Any Makeup Artist will tell you that skincare/the skin prep part of makeup is crucial to achieving flawless looking results. I am by no means a dermatologist and have had my fair share of skin troubles over the years. I don’t tend to speak on skincare on my socials other than from a makeup prep perspective, or about products in my own routines that I have tried and tested that work for my own skin type. I have normal to oily skin for reference.

If you are looking to put together a simple yet effective skincare routine on a budget, here are some of my favourite products that I have tried, tested and repurchased over the years including some staples that I always have in both my personal stash and pro kit that I have tried on a variety of skin types.

This post features some gifted items with no obligation to post and contains affiliate links. To learn more, click here.

SHOP MY FAVOURITES

GARNIER | Micellar Water

Developed for sensitive skin, I always have this on hand to remove makeup or to quickly cleanse/refresh models skin pre makeup.

BIODERMA | Micellar Water

Another favourite micellar water that is suitable for sensitive skin, removes makeup and soothes skin. Micellar water is great to remove makeup with when you don’t have access to a sink to cleanse.

NIVEA | Eye Makeup Remover

Removes stubborn, waterproof eye makeup with minimal rubbing. Suitable for contact lens wearers like myself.

THE INKEY LIST | Oat Cleansing Balm

Gently dissolves makeup, SPF, oil and impurities from the skin without stripping or drying out the skin. Perfect as the first cleanser in your double cleanse routine.

CERAVE | Hydrating Cleanser

Cleanses the skin to remove excess makeup and dirt. It’s gentle formula contains 3 essential ceramides to help protect the skin barrier. I like to use this as a second cleanse.

SIMPLE | Makeup Wipes

Whilst I don’t recommend using makeup wipes to remove your makeup, I do find they come in handy to clean up makeup, or for on the go when you need to remove your makeup quickly and plan to double cleanse later, so I always have these to hand!

L’OREAL | Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Formulated with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, this serum visibly hydrates and smooths skin, leaving the appearance of a radiant surface.

L’OREAL | Revitalift Vitamin C Serum

A 12% vitamin C serum that helps to visibly brighten the skin and diminish the look of pores, fine lines and texture.

THE INKEY LIST | Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Another great hyaluronic acid serum if you are looking for something to hydrate on a budget.

THE ORDINARY | Hyaluronic Acid Serum

An affordable water based hyaluronic acid serum that works to nourish the skin and target the appearance of wrinkles and texture.

THE ORDINARY | Niacinamide + Zinc Serum

The lightweight serum infused with Niacinamide works to minimise the appearance of blemishes and imperfections whilst the Zinc helps to absorb excess oils.

CERAVE | Eye Cream

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, this eye cream encourages a visibly smoother and brighter under eye area.

CERAVE | Moisturising Cream

A non-greasy, moisturising cream that contains three essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise and protect skin’s natural barrier. Suitable for dry to very dry skin.

EMBROYLISSE | Lait-Créme Concentrate

A favourite among makeup artists, this multi-tasking formula removes make-up, moisturises and primes the skin and can also be used as a repairing mask.

WELEDA | Skin Food Cream

A multi purpose, rich cream for the face and body. Intensely nourishes dry skin. A little goes a long way and best applied warmed up in the hands before applying.

L’OREAL | Revitalift SPF50+

A lightweight SPF that provides multi-skincare benefits, combining vitamin C and SPF protection in one formula.

E.L.F | All Set For Sun SPF30

A clear, quick-dry, broad-spectrum SPF30 setting spray that easily reapplies over makeup and locks in your makeup for long-lasting wear with a natural finish.

E.L.F | Invisible Sunscreen SPF30

A lightweight, velvety-feel clear gel broad-spectrum SPF 30 that doubles as a blurring primer to grip makeup for long-lasting wear. Great for those with oily skin types that prefer a more matte finish.

VASELINE | Lip Therapy

A classic that helps to relieve and heal dry lips and glides on smoothly to give you natural, glossy lips. Available in various scents and subtle tints. My personal favourite is the cocoa butter one.

DR PAWPAW | Balm

I have a few of these decanted into a lip prep palette for my kit as they are a great multipurpose balm. The tinted ones can be used on both lips and cheeks for a flush of colour with natural healing qualities.

CARMEX | Lip Balm

Another classic that moisturises & relieves dry cracked lips with added SPF15 benefits.

RELATED POSTS

Affordable Skincare Favourites

September 1, 2023

Beauty & Skincare