The Best Skincare Products Under £5, According To A Beauty Editor
Contrary to popular belief, great skincare doesn’t have to cost the earth. While luxury products may have their place in your beauty routine, there are a handful of affordable buys that beauty editors and dermatologists can’t get enough of — and they deserve just as much recognition as their high end counterparts.
In 2021, cheap doesn’t mean second-rate. Thanks to brands like The Inkey List, The Ordinary and Florena, products are formulated with buzzy skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid, and have been developed alongside some of the very best experts in the business.
So what’s worth your money? Refinery29’s beauty editor whittles down the affordable beauty products you need to try ASAP.
Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.
Ask any dermatologist to recommend an affordable sunscreen and they’ll probably point to Altruist. This SPF 50 sun cream boasts UVA and UVB protection to shield skin against sunburn, skin cancer, lines and pigmentation. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (less likely to clog pores), making it great for reactive and acne-prone skin.
If you’re after a fuss-free moisturiser, look no further than this. With hydrating hyaluronic acid, it works for all skin types (including oily and dry), absorbs fast, doesn’t leave behind a greasy slip and sits perfectly under makeup. It’s simple but all you really need from a moisturiser.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, $, available at Cult Beauty
You won’t find a better balm for chronically parched lips. It smooths over cracks and makes lips super soft and plump after just one use. Beauty editor tip: it’s often on offer at Boots and Superdrug.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Unscented Stick, $, available at Boots
Florena Skincare is a relatively new brand but it’s shaping up to be a cult favourite. This isn’t a sheet mask, rather a sachet of what feels like a nourishing face cream. It makes skin soft and bouncy after just five minutes thanks to moisturising glycerin and a dream team of natural oils. I’m a big fan of the Milky Cleanser, too, and you can also shop the range on the high street at Boots.
Florena Fermented Skincare 24h Hydrating Face, $, available at Escentual
This is the ultimate flash treatment for fresher-looking skin. There are three star ingredients: kaolin (which mops up excess oil), vitamin C (for brightening) and vitamin E (which moisturises dry skin). Unlike other clay masks, it’s gentle and won’t leave your face feeling as though it might crack.
Simple Protect ‘N’ Glow Detox & Brighten Clay Mask, $, available at Boots
Combination skin? You’ll love this light moisturiser. Vitamin B3 (otherwise known as niacinamide) reduces oil and minimises the appearance of pores, while vitamin C provides protection against pollution and vitamin E moisturises deeply.
The Inkey List Vitamin B, C And E Moisturizer, $, available at FeelUnique
It’s hard to believe that this 200ml cleanser is just £4.99. If you have very oily skin and find that most face washes don’t cut it, give it a go. Natural charcoal washes away dirt, grime and face grease, while glycerin ensures it doesn’t dry out your skin.
Biore Rose Quartz & Charcoal Daily Purifying Face Wash, $, available at Boots
Don’t sleep on Boots’ own-brand skincare range. This £5 moisturiser contains three ultra moisturising ingredients: glycerin, squalane and hyaluronic acid to quench tight skin. The texture is featherweight so it’s perfect for oily, combination or breakout-prone skin.
Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser, $, available at Boots
Nothing cuts through heavy makeup, oil and daily grime quite like this micellar water. It makes skin feel squeaky clean and fresh in moments, so no wonder it has countless five-star reviews. Follow it up with a proper water-based cleanse to remove all traces of makeup and dirt.
Garnier Pure Active Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Oily Skin, $, available at FeelUnique
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