I love blogging about great budget skincare products that actually live up to their claims and promises. I’ve picked my current favourites, making sure I’ve included something for every skin type and age group.
PLUMP LINES & WRINKLES IN 40+ SKIN
L’Oreal Revitaflift filler Renew, R279.99
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the best ingredient for plumping the skin. It is naturally found in the skin, however, as we age, natural reserves of HA diminish. This leads to skin to loose its fullness, causing wrinkles to deepen and become more visible. To combat this loss of volume, many women turn to fillers (that are made up of HA).
Now, Hyaluronic acid is used in a lot of skincare formulations, but the problem is that the actual molecule is too big to travel into the dermis. What makes Revitalift filler Renew so unique is that L’Oreal have shrunk the HA molecules used in this product, so it’s now able to travel deeper into the surface of the skin, where it binds water to the skin, causing a temporary plumping effect.
The cool packaging (which I think looks a little like a giant syringe) has an innovative applicator that delivers the ideal dose needed of the serum. You simply apply a few drops of this lightweight serum onto your fingertips, and then massage it into the face.
HARDWORKING SKINCARE FOR YOUR 20’s & 30’s
Even though your skin appears youthful during your 20’s and 30’s, factors like stress, fatigue and an on-the-go lifestyle can cause enlarged pores, imperfections and uneven skintone. The Skin Perfection range by L’Oreal is designed to address these three issues.
L’Oreal Skin Perfection Correcting Day Moisturiser, R280, is enriched with an ingredient called PERLINE-P, which helps to correct and improve the appearance of the skin. It not only hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth, but within one week, pores are visibly tightened. After about a month of use, skin will look and feel smoother and have a more even tone. Use it every morning.
L’Oreal Skin Perfection Anti-Fatigue Eye Awakening + Correcting Cream, R280, works to combat and correct dark circles, fine lines and under eye bags. It’s enriched with caffeine & Vitamin CG – both great at targeting bags and dark circles. The formula is tinted, so almost immediately one can see an improvement in dark circles and fatigue.
L’Oreal Skin Perfection Advanced Correcting Serum, R280, really is the hero of the range. In addition to refining texture and tightening pores, it also brightens the skin tone. The serum contains a powerful active called LR 2414 that optimizes the structure of the epidermis to improve the quality of the skin’s appearance. In addition, an ingredient called Perline-P has been included which helps tighten pores and refines skin texture. Use this serum morning and evening, before applying your moisturiser. Apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage into your face.
GREAT FOR NORMAL, DRY, DEHYDRATED & SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES OF ALL AGES
Vichy Idéalia Skin Sleep, R450, is one of my favourite products launched this year. I kid you not! Essentially this is a night cream, although it is referred to as a “treatment”. The texture of this product is sublime; part gel, part balm and is light and easily absorbed, without leaving the skin feeling sticky. It contains apricot kernel oil (nourishing), an acid derived from liquorice (good for brightening), salicylic acid (great for keeping blemishes at bay), Hyaluronic acid (plumping), Niacinamide (diminishes dark spots) and Vichy’s lauded thermal water. I use mine at least three times a week and love how I wake up with beautifully plumped, radiant and nourished skin. This is a winner and you HAVE to try it.
GREAT FOR EVERYBODY, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE
I blogged about the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, R79.99, a month ago (read my in-depth review HERE), but just had to mention it again as I adore it and think it’s great value for money. In a nutshell, it cleanses, tones and hydrates the skin. I love how effectively it removes make-up (even waterproof mascara) and that is hypoallergenic and unscented. In the mornings, I use it before my moisturiser to refresh my skin. There is a formula especially for oily and acne prone skintype too.
GREAT FOR NORMAL & OILY SKIN AGES 16-30 YEARS
Nivea Perfect & Radiant 3-in-1 Mattifying Cleanser for normal to oily skin, R79.99, is a wash, scrub and mask in one product. It effectively removes impurities and make-up and prevents breakouts. The fine beads gently exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, more even looking complexion. When used as a mask, it helps soften and mattify the skin. The product is enriched with magnolia and white clay that removes impurities. It is suitable for daily use.
Just look at that texture!
What are your favourite budget beauty buys? Please leave a comment below and let me know.
