When I first started blogging, I wrote much more content around beauty and make-up. At the time that is where my passion firmly sat, but life as a mum became quite a rollercoaster and although my love for all things beauty never waivered, it just didn’t seem all that relevant. If I’m truly honest, I struggled with motherhood when Hugo was born and juggling life with a newborn after almost seven years was challenging. My whole beauty regime took to the back burner, and I was lucky if some days, my hair even had a brush!! Now that Hugo is older, sleeping through the night and becoming his own little character, I am getting back to being me again, and I wanted to share with you these affordable must-have skincare products I’ve discovered along the way!
Life in Lockdown
When the UK hustled into lockdown, many people used this as an opportunity to better themselves. Some took to working out, others learnt a new skill or worked on themselves, and then there are “the others” – often referred to as parents who have quite frankly just tried to survive through this process with their children still intact. It’s safe to say that in this house there has been ample “lockdown let go”, but when I caught my reflection in the mirror, I was quite appalled at how bad my skin was looking.
Skincare
I understand the importance of proper skincare and my face lets me know when that isn’t happening. As a Psoriasis sufferer, my skin can be quite dry, and without the right care, it can appear red, angry and means that no matter what make-up is applied it looks cakey. I have noticed over the past couple of weeks my skin has become dull and tired, making me appear much older than I actually am!! This was a huge wakeup call that I needed to take better care of my skin, and so I went on the hunt for some hero products to help. Little did I realise I was about to stumble upon some affordable must-have skincare I was about to fall in love with.
Affordable Must-Have Skincare Products
Affordability is relative to one’s circumstance for sure, but I am always out for a bargain where possible. I’ve indeed fallen into that “you get what you pay for trap before”, and overall, it’s relatively accurate. However, I have been led to believe that you cannot get good skincare for an affordable price, and that’s simply not true. Yes, there are products on the market that aren’t worth the bottle they are dispatched in, and in some cases, a splash of water offers far greater benefits, but over the past few years affordable skincare has really upped its game.
Cleanser
In the past, I used a mid-range cleanser that I would swear by, but then I caught on that cleansers essentially end up down the drain! It seems silly to pay more than you need to for a product that doesn’t even stay on your skin. When it comes to cleansing finding a product you love that works well in combination with your skin is all you really need!
I picked up the Boots Glow Cleansing Balm Stick because I liked the idea of having something small and compact that I could throw in an overnight bag when travelling – not that I’m doing much of that right now!! You wind up the stick and apply directly to your face. I then add some warm water to lather slightly then remove using a warm cloth.
When I say, I am loving this product that isn’t an exaggeration. This cleanser melts away even stubborn make-up and doesn’t leave any residue on the skin. It doesn’t leave the skin dry or irritate, and the scent is gorge!!! This product long-lasting, vegan and not tested on animals with a price point of £4.00 it’s well worth it!
Revolution
Revolution is a brand I’m sure you will have heard of. They do some absolutely amazing make-up lines that I quite frankly love!! When I heard they were delving into the realms of skincare, I wasn’t at all sure. Through experience, it’s difficult for make-up brands to expand into skincare well. It’s a bit “pick a lane” in my opinion, and some of my favourite make-up brands have skincare lines that honestly belong in the bin! I purchased a few products from their range with quite low expectations, but Revolution really cleaned up!
Revolution Skincare 5% Glycolic Acid Toner
This product comes in two strengths 2.5% for those new to the world of Glycolic Acid and 5% for those that have been using for a while. After cleansing in the morning and evening, you sweep this across your face using a cotton pad (reusable ideally.) Formulated with key ingredients like Witch Hazel to help tighten pores, Ginseng to brighten and Aloe Vera to add condition and help soothe skin.
My face is visibly brighter through using this product, and it is helping shift that tired and dull appearance I was sporting a few weeks ago. I got this for £6.67 as Boots currently have an offer on, but it is usually £10.00 a bottle which I would still say is a complete bargain! The bottle looks barely used even after daily use, so it’s definitely long-lasting making it one of my affordable must-have skincare products!
Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Plumping & Hydrating Solution
Hyaluronic Acid helps draw moisture to the skin’s surface, making this perfect for someone like me who is on the dry side. After use skin looks immediately healthier and feels soft and silky with no excess residue. I have worn this under make-up without any implications, and if anything, it actually provides a really great base!
You can use this product in the morning and evening, but because I use a Retinol (see below), I skip this one in the evening. It is in a clear bottle, so make sure you keep it in a dark place; this is my only gripe!
I purchased this from Boots for £4.00 again because it was on offer, but it is usually priced at £6.00 which still makes it really affordable, oh and it’s also vegan and cruelty-free!
Revolution Skincare 0.5% Retinol Super Serum with Rosehip Seed Oil
As I mentioned above in the evening, I use a Retinol, and this one makes one of my affordable skincare must-haves! This serum has a 0.5% Retinol dose to encourage natural cell turnover for even skin tone and smoother complexion. The added benefit of Rosehip Seed Oil means there is added hydration which for someone whos dry like me is very welcome.
Again this product is vegan and cruelty-free with a price point of £10.00, but I got it on offer in Boots for £6.67. It is in a clear bottle so needs to be kept in a dark place but other than that I love, love, LOVE this!
SPF
Listen, I know the benefits of an SPF, and I chastise myself daily for not using one! The trouble is I wouldn’t say I like how many of them feel on my face. They are heavy, clunky and often interfere with my make-up. I feel like my poor face cannot breathe, and I have tried more than I care to list! I usually rely heavily on the SPF included in my foundation, which I know is in no way sufficient! When I saw the Simple Protect & Glow Liquid which is an SPF 30, I was intrigued.
Initially, I thought this was a product you add directly into your other skincare because of the term booster however you apply directly to the face and let me tell you it is a DREAM! You simply press a few drops into your face and voila. It’s light, silky and absorbs really well without interfering with my other products!
Suitable for all skin types, it is 100% free from artificial colours and perfume
So there you have it – my affordable must-have skincare products for right now! Do you have any affordable skincare finds to share?
Thank you for stopping by! Check out my last post here.
Love as always!
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