Scrambling through my skincare collection in an attempt to pick our my budget favourites, it dawned on me that 90% of my regular products include brands that could be described as anything but. It appears that I love my serums, moisturisers, toners and brightening lotions to be filled to the brim with scientific advances and amazing ingredients - which unsurprisingly don't come cheap. However, if you know where to look then you can pick up some great products that help provide super smooth and healthy looking skin, without the need for a second mortgage. These three brands are new to my reportoire, but so far I'm really enjoying integrating them into my routine and pushing aside some rather costly alternatives.
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1. NSpa (From £5.00)
The product range of the UK's #1 day spa, Nirvana Spa, this is a seriously affordable brand that also delivers some great results. My current favourites include the Melting Cleansing Gel, that turns to a creamy milk when mixed with water to help remove makeup and impurities from skin, and their Illuminating Beauty Serum that contains a touch of highlighter for a healthy glow. Although these won't deliver the long-term care and benefit that I get from my more expensive lotions and potions, they're affordable and pleasant to use - plus they don't leave my skin feeling dry, stripped, greasy or tacky. You'd definitely think they were at least double the price you can nab them for.
2. Skin Drench (From £7.00)
Available exclusively online or via at-home parties, this is my new favourite brand. Created in Switzerland, the Skin Drench collection combines active ingredients, innovative formulae and skin nourishing vitamins for a super hydrating ingredients. I love the oil-free Day Gel, which contains algae extracts to help protect and hydrate skin in seconds, as well as the bi-phase makeup remover which lifts away even stubborn mascara without stinging the eyes. These feel premium, but don't carry the unfortunate price tag that leaves your wallet crying.
3. Aroma Actives (From £7.50)
Encompassing naturally active botanicals and essential oils, Aroma Actives has been developed by Geraldine Howard (founder of Aromatherapy Associates) exclusively for Sainsbury's. The range includes everything you need to look after your skin from beginning to end: cleansing lotion, night cream, face oil, gel masks, serums and even neck creams. If you're a fan of her original range but can't justify splurging out, then this is a great alternative - especially as the essential oils included smell delicious and really help to convey the image of something altogether more costly. I'm really enjoying the Hydrating Gel Mask which helps to inject moisture into the skin to leave it feeling silky, as well as the Recovery Eye Serum for lazy Sunday mornings when you need a pick-me-up.
Have you tried any of these brands? Do you prefer your skincare expensive, or are you always on the hunt for something a little more affordable that works?
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1. NSpa (From £5.00)
The product range of the UK's #1 day spa, Nirvana Spa, this is a seriously affordable brand that also delivers some great results. My current favourites include the Melting Cleansing Gel, that turns to a creamy milk when mixed with water to help remove makeup and impurities from skin, and their Illuminating Beauty Serum that contains a touch of highlighter for a healthy glow. Although these won't deliver the long-term care and benefit that I get from my more expensive lotions and potions, they're affordable and pleasant to use - plus they don't leave my skin feeling dry, stripped, greasy or tacky. You'd definitely think they were at least double the price you can nab them for.
2. Skin Drench (From £7.00)
Available exclusively online or via at-home parties, this is my new favourite brand. Created in Switzerland, the Skin Drench collection combines active ingredients, innovative formulae and skin nourishing vitamins for a super hydrating ingredients. I love the oil-free Day Gel, which contains algae extracts to help protect and hydrate skin in seconds, as well as the bi-phase makeup remover which lifts away even stubborn mascara without stinging the eyes. These feel premium, but don't carry the unfortunate price tag that leaves your wallet crying.
3. Aroma Actives (From £7.50)
Encompassing naturally active botanicals and essential oils, Aroma Actives has been developed by Geraldine Howard (founder of Aromatherapy Associates) exclusively for Sainsbury's. The range includes everything you need to look after your skin from beginning to end: cleansing lotion, night cream, face oil, gel masks, serums and even neck creams. If you're a fan of her original range but can't justify splurging out, then this is a great alternative - especially as the essential oils included smell delicious and really help to convey the image of something altogether more costly. I'm really enjoying the Hydrating Gel Mask which helps to inject moisture into the skin to leave it feeling silky, as well as the Recovery Eye Serum for lazy Sunday mornings when you need a pick-me-up.
Have you tried any of these brands? Do you prefer your skincare expensive, or are you always on the hunt for something a little more affordable that works?
