Beginners Guide to Affordable Skincare

Hello sunshine, 

Taking care of your skin from a fairly young age is essential to have that healthy and glowing looking skin when you are older. But there are so many options available in the market that sometimes you tend to get confused and end buying things that are not necessary when you have just started off with a skincare routine.

There are five basic steps that one should follow while applying your skincare products: 

1.   Face Wash  

2.   Toner 

3.   Serum 

4.   Moisturizer 

5.   Sunscreen 

Today i will be telling you about a few skincare products that are perfect for people who are just starting and trying their hand on skincare. All of the products are super affordable and are worth investing in. Everything that i will be mentioning will be under Rs. 500. 

Cleanser

1. Biotique Bio Honey Gel Refreshing Foaming Face Wash 

 

This is a face wash that is easily available in the market as well as on various online shopping platforms. It is a beautiful product and claims that it can be used by people of all skin types. It is hydrating and does not dry your skin out which makes it perfect for people with a dry skin type, and smells divine. Has a nice lather and A little bit goes a long way, you do not need a hefty amount of product to get it working. 

Biotique also has a wide variety of face washes and also a good size range, so you can choose according to your preference and skin requirements. It is great for all you unicorns who want something that will be pocket friendly but also works for the skin. 

It retails for Rs.65 - Rs.375, from the smallest to the biggest size. 

2. Himalaya Herbals Purifying Need Face Wash 

 

This is a classic Face wash that has been around for years and has been a cult favorite of many. This product aims more specifically at girls who have a more acne prone skin. Neem and Turmeric (Haldi) here are the main ingredient. Neem, which we are all aware, is known for its anti-bacterial properties that help fight acne and other skin impurities. Turmeric on the other hand is a great antiseptic and helps heal your skin. It can also be used by people who do not face skin problems, as it will keep your skin healthy and squeaky clean. Since it is more of a gel based cleanser, it does not lather up like a conventional face wash, but that by no means makes it less effective. 

Himalaya too like other brands has brought out many more variants and has good amount if sizes to choose from. So you can choose what you think you might like or may suit your skin. It is easy on the pocket and you cannot go wrong with this one.

Its price ranges from Rs.15 (15ml) to Rs. 350 (400ml) 

Toner 

1. VLCC Rose Water Toner 

 

You can never go wrong with rose water, even more so when it comes from a brand like VLCC. This is a basic toner that your skin will love. It beautifully tones your skin, is not too harsh on the skin and leaves your skin hydrated with a subtle glow. It balances your skin and rejuvenates it. It has a beautiful rose fragrance that it is not disturbing. It does not contain any parabens. 

An overall amazing toner that can work for every skin type and is ideal for anyone who is starting their skincare journey. It is not very expensive and also has a good amount of product that will last you for a good amount of time as you won’t need too much. It is absolutely worth the buy, Highly Recommend you try as it has been a personal favorite. 

This toner comes only in once size (100ml) and retails for Rs. 170.

2. Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner with Himalayan Water

 

This is another beautiful product from Biotique that will not disappoint you. This toner is worth every penny as firstly it is made of all natural ingredients and secondly it is super affordable. It is made with cucumbers, coriander, Himalayan waters, and other amazing natural ingredients. This products does exactly what it claims, minimizes the pores. Initially gives a tingling and cooling sensation but that subsides within a minute. It also is great in controlling oils from the skin which makes it perfect for people having oily skin. It is extremely gentle on the skin does not irritate the skin. 

It has been my top toners of all time, as it is affordable, made of natural ingredients and does the job. Do give this one a try if you have oily skin. But you can also try the honey variant if you are looking for a more hydrating toner. 

It is priced at Rs. 175, and comes in only one size (120ml)

Serum 

1. Good Vibes Radiant Glow Face Serum - Rose Hip

 

 

Good Vibes is an Indian Brand that does amazing skin care and other interesting products ranging from lip scrubs to foot shampoo, at an extremely affordable price. This rose hip serum is good for all skin types. Rose hip being the hero ingredient really makes this serum worth the buy as rose hip is known for skin regeneration and proving moisture to the skin. The formula of this serum is slightly on the thicker side but it does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin and quickly absorbs into the skin. It leaves your skin hydrated and gives you a beautiful glow. 

This brand is cruelty free and is affordable, with excellent product quality and quantity. You can purchase other serums from this range that tackle your skin concerns. This is a basic serum that is great for beginners. 

Comes in two sizes (10ml and 30ml ) and is priced at Rs.215 and Rs. 399 respectively.

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Capsule in Serum 

 

This will be the ONLY product in this entire blog that is going to be a little over the budget that is given, because in general serums are the most expensive product in every skin care range. This product from Neutrogena is a classic and provides the right amount of hydration that your skin needs. This serum has round capsules that are packed with vitamin E and burst when pumped, the actual serum has Hyaluronic acid that is great for quenching the skin. It beautifully hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling supple.

This serum is great for people with normal to dry skin; it is lightweight and does not irritate the skin. Has a very mild fragrance and provides instant hydration. 

Retails for Rs. 699 and has 30ml of product.

Moisturizer  

1. Garnier Wrinkle Lift Anti-Ageing Cream 

 

This product is my number one favorite from all the products that i have mentioned in this article. It has been a constant for as long as i can remember. This cream from Garnier is made of ginger, cherry essence and bilberry extracts that are great ingredients for skin regeneration. It has a beautiful texture that is neither too thick nor too runny, just the perfect texture. It provides your skin with all day hydration and gives the skin a dewy finish. It works beautifully underneath makeup as well. 

This can be used by people of any skin type but can be even better for people with normal to dry skin type. Keeping the claims of anti-ageing aside this is a perfect moisturizer in a budget that will do you no wrong. You can start by buying the smaller size to test the product out. I highly recommend this product out of personal experience. 

It has two size variants 18g and 40g, they retails of Rs. 150 and Rs.260 respectively.

 

2. Pond Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E 

 

Ponds has been a prominent brand in India for the longest time. This moisturizer from ponds is packed with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Glycerin which are all great for the skin, in terms of proving hydration and protecting the skin. It has beautiful gel like texture that does not feel heavy on the skin. It absorbs right into the skin, and does not leave the skin feeling oily. 

It is perfect for people with oily skin and also for everyone in general, because it’s a non-oily and non-sticky formula. Ponds is a very reliable brand and is perfect for good products under a budget. 

Retails for Rs. 149 and Rs. 299 respectively for 73g and 147g of product

Sunscreen 

1.  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50

 

This sunscreen by Neutrogena has to be hands down my favorite sunscreen that is not too heavy on the pocket. It is a Broad spectrum sunscreen that is made with helioplex technology that provides protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. It has a very lightweight formula that does not clog your pores and easily disappears into the skin. 

Perfect for every skin type and is super affordable. Using a sunscreen is and should be a mandatory part of your skincare. You should definitely get your hand on this. 

Retails at Rs.199 for 30ml

2. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel Pa+++ SPF 50

 

This sunscreen from lotus is made with the goodness of Horse Chestnut, Comfrey, and Vanilla extracts. It protects you skin against all kind sun damage that your skin may face. It has a beautiful gel like formula that gives a soothing effect on the skin. It completely dries on your skin and gives a matte finish and does not feel heavy on the skin 

It is ideal for oily skin as it dries down matte and gives you a fresh look. Lotus makes great sunscreens and this happens to be one of my preferences. 

Comes in two sizes 50g and 100g, and is priced at Rs. 315, Rs. 440.

This completes all the steps that are ideal for a beginners skin care routine, there is something for everyone. All the products that are mentioned have been tried and tested. They are super affordable and can be repurchased without having to worry about the price. They will help your skin in some way or the other. 

Do try these products and I will see you with my next blog. Until then take care of yourself and your skin.

Thank you ❤️