The best things in life are free, but the second best things can be quite cheap — if you know where to look. Scoring beauty products for a steal gives you the best of both worlds: you loot a new item and your credit card company doesn’t send you spending notifications. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top picks of wallet-friendly beauty products that are just as good to our bank accounts as they are to our skin.
You might also be surprised at what you can get for the price of the average restaurant bill (hint: a lot). So go ahead, click through to check out the best that very little money can buy:
CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
The quest for choosing the perfect moisturizer can be frustrating, and it can end up taking a toll on both your patience and your wallet. Combining oil-free hydration with skin-strengthening ingredients, this lightweight, dermatologist-developed moisturizer slips on combination to oily skin types easily to soften, smooth and pack a moisturizing (not greasy) punch.
For drier to normal skin types, consider the silky, penetrating formula of Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.
Get it here at $47 (was retailing at $60).
LANEIGE Clear C Advanced Effector
Ask any skincare junkie and they’ll tell you that a serum is a really good thing to add to your skincare routine. Fortunately, getting your hands on a potent serum doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Containing 92.5% super berries, this vitamin C-rich skin booster prevents skin from oxidizing for brighter, clearer skin. It is also quickly absorbed by skin as it moisturizes.
Get it here at $45 (was retailing at $56).
BENEFIT Porefessional Face Primer
If a primer prolongs makeup while simultaneously minimising the appearance of pores and fine lines for a smoother-than-smooth canvas, then we consider that a ‘yes’. Multi-tasking beauty is what we live for, after all. The silky, lightweight formula can also be used throughout the day to mattify shine and touch up problem areas — it’s so translucent, no one will know you’re wearing anything!
Get it here at $48 (was retailing at $56).
CAUDALIE Grape Water
The perfect pick-me-up to toss in your purse or have on your office desk, this dose of hydration can be used as a toner after cleansing or to refresh and hydrate skin throughout the day. The signature, 100% organic formula is extracted directly from grapes in Bordeaux, France, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With the dual power to increase hydration and reduce sensitivity, it’s no doubt a cult favourite.
Get it here at $21 (was retailing at $23).
SULWHASOO Gentle Cleansing Foam
Gone are the days where we rely on cleansers that leave a taut, squeaky-clean feeling behind. If you’re a die-hard for foaming cleansers, let this gentle, botanical cleansing foam keep your skin dewy and totally gorgeous. Formulated with natural ingredients such as duckweed and chestnut, the rich, abundant lather leaves skin moisturized and smooth for a superior cleanse.
Get it here at $42 (was retailing at $50).
INNISFREE Orchid Sleeping Pack
Beyond the affordable price tag, this meticulously extracted orchid sleeping mask delivers exceptional sleekness to your thirsty skin with its outstanding antioxidant effects. By providing an all-in-one care, it tightens skin, diminishes wrinkles and brightens the overall skin tone. The nutritious, jelly-like texture cocoons and nourishes skin while you’re asleep for smooth, resilient skin by morning.
Get it here at $25 (was retailing at $28).
CLARINS Hand and Nail Treatment Cream
Let’s be real, people can drop $100 on a moisturizer, but still neglect their hands. Care for them with this invisible protective ‘glove’ that shields hands from the harsh elements, keeping skin smooth and silky while minimising signs of aging. It further strengthens nails and condition cuticles for naturally soft, youthful-looking hands — perfect for a little #TreatYourself moment, or if you need a great gift.
Get it here at $34 (was retailing at $43).
MAMONDE Floral Hydro Cream
It can feel like the only way to get supple skin is to drop your entire paycheck on the fanciest creams. This couldn’t be further from the truth, it’s entirely possible to get amazing skin without going into debt and we have proof: this narcissus (or daffodil) moisturizer. The lightweight texture absorbs like a gel with the moisturizing properties of a cream to quench and hydrate even the most dehydrated skin.
Get it here at $32 (was retailing at $37).
CRÈME SIMON Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment
Featuring a range of benefits that are worth investing in, all at an attainable price point, this one-of-a-kind eye treatment has over 90% natural ingredients that makes dark circles a distant memory. To prevent ‘milia seeds’ undereyes, the ideal gel texture helps to boosts blood circulation while massaging away fine lines and puffiness. Green skincare lovers would also be glad to know that it has 0% parabens, silicones, oil, alcohol and colourings.
Get it here at $23 (was retailing at $25).
When possible, it’s great to get more bang for your buck. This month only: redeem a $10 storewide discount when you shop via the VIIMART mobile app — simply download the app and find the code in the homepage section! Download for free on the App Store (for iOS mobiles and tablets) or Google Play (for Android mobiles and tablets).
