Your Guide to Budget-Friendly Skincare Products

Let’s be honest, we all want the perfect skin care routine for that glass-like clear and clean skin, but how do you achieve that while on a budget? Our favourite influencers and celebrities endorse some of the biggest brands and naturally, we want in on those shiny goodies, but alas, the budget just won’t budge. 

Now, now, don’t you worry because we have the perfect list of budget-friendly skincare products from bestselling brands, but that’s not the only “best” part here - oh yes, it’s also under Rs. 200! 

So, shoppers and clear skin enthusiasts, get your carts ready for the best skincare-on-a-budget haul of Summer 2021 with products that we swear are some of the best you will find in this range. After all, who doesn’t love affordable and cheap skincare products? 

Summer Skin Bummers

With the rising temperatures, there’s no dearth of skin-related woes on your hands. From oily skin breaking out with mask-ne (Acne caused by wearing masks) to dry skin reaching concerning levels of desert-like dryness, it looks like the elements are out to get our pores. With the monsoon here, it’s time to step up our summer skincare routine with some new additions and we have the best affordable skincare products for you to introduce to your daily beauty regime. 

1. Splash of Moisture!

a) Nivea Soft Light Moisturizing Cream 

Rating: 4.4 / 5

The Nivea Soft Light Moisturizing Cream is a quick-absorbing formula with the goodness of Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil that you need for flawless and fresh skin on the go. 

Beat the greasy feel with this light and creamy moisturizer that gives you soft and supple skin in minutes and the best part? It works well with all skin types, making it the perfect purchase for your affordable skincare needs. Its compact size makes it easy to carry along with you as you go about your daily routine because re-application is key for plump skin. 

Did you know?: Moisturizing is arguably the most crucial step of your post-shower routine because it protects your skin from sun exposure and pollutants when outdoors. 

Tips: Apply your moisturizer 20-30 mins before climbing into bed to ensure that your skin absorbs it instead of your pillows.

We have a whole range of moisturizers among the best affordable skincare products, specially curated for you!

Explore - Nivea Face Moisturizer & Day Creams

2. Sun’s Out, Sunscreen In!

a) Biotique Bio Sunflower Matte Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 UVB/UVA PA+

Rating: 4.2

A unique gel formula with healing extracts of Sunflower, Ashwagandha & Sesame to keep skin soft and moisturized for a flawless matte finish.

Biotique products are household name for most Indian skincare users and of course, it had to be part of the list for being both effective and efficient for affordable skincare on a budget. Not only is it suitable for all skin types, but it also tackles skin concerns like acne and prevents signs of ageing, giving you healthy and ageless beauty. 

Do check out the best sunscreens in India you can get your hands on! 

Did you know?: Franz Greiter, a Swiss chemistry student, developed the first-ever effective suntan lotion, back in 1938, due to a sunburn he suffered from when he climbed Mount Piz Buin in the Alps, according to The New York Times.

Tips: Always go for SPF 30 or higher regardless of the occasion or location. 

Explore: Biotique Face Sunscreen

3. Sheet Mask’s On, Skin Prob’s Gone!

c) Good Vibes Skin Purifying Sheet Mask - Green Tea 

Rating: 4.4 / 5

The Good Vibes Green Tea Skin Purifying Sheet Mask revitalises your skin with its moisture-rich formula, acting as your personal skin care specialist as it refines your skin’s texture. This sheet mask is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the appearance of dark circles and blemishes resulting in soft and visibly glowing skin. 

It takes all but 15 mins for flawless skin, which is perfect for a quick glow-up before any con-call or special occasion. Best of all, for the amazingly low price of Rs. 99, you can also try out the other affordable skincare products that are available in this range that target specific concerns or are meant for particular skin types. 

Did you know?: Sheet Masks originate from Japan and South Korea, owing to their dedication to improving the quality of cosmetics and skincare products. 

Tips: Don’t waste the precious essence in the packet - apply it to your body or save it for later in a container! 

Explore: Good Vibes Sheet Mask

4. Clarify & Cleanse Away!

d) Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Skin Whitening Facial Foam

Rating: 4.1 / 5

This cleanser deeply purifies your pores, removing dead skin cells and residual makeup, while also preventing melanin production that causes skin darkening, allowing brighter radiant skin to surface. 

Lotus Herbals cleansing facial foam is the right choice for you if summer has struck you with dull and dry skin, but if that doesn’t apply to you, fret not. You, too, can benefit from its formula that’s enriched with milk enzymes and aloe vera gel because it’s meant for all skin types - everybody wins! And it’s also one of the most budget-friendly skincare products.

Did you know?: While you may want to scrub your skin imperfections to be rid of them, this can worsen conditions like acne, says dermatologist, Vermén Verallo-Rowell, M.D., founder of VMV Hypoallergenics.

Tips: Always cleanse your face before and after bed because regardless of how clean your skin looks, chances are its surface is covered with impurities that aren’t visible and it can harm your skin. Get rid of ‘em! 

Want more varieties of face washes among other budget friendly skin care products? Worry not, you're at the right place!

Explore - Lotus Herbals Cleansers

5. Lotion it up in a budget!

e) Himalaya Aloe & Cucumber Refreshing Body Lotion 

Rating: 4.3 / 5

Let your pores indulge in the goodness of nourishing Almond Oil with Rose extracts that provide intensely deep hydration. This cool and lightweight lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no sticky residue behind. 

Himalaya is yet another household name that we remember all the way back to seeing them on the dressing tables of our moms and grandmothers. It’s a trusted and much-loved brand with products that leave no room for complaints, especially this lotion which is enriched with the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of Aloe Vera, giving us softened and sun-protected skin, making it one of the best affordable skincare products in the market. Worried about your dry skin? Check out these best body lotions for dry skin to include in your skincare regime!

Did you know?: Tans stay for longer when your skin is hydrated - don't lather on the lotion until your tan develops! 

Tips: For the best results, apply your body lotion on warm skin, giving you max absorption and super moist skin. In addition, you can use a warm towel and leave it on the area you want to apply the lotion on - it seems like work but it’s well worth it!

Explore - Himalaya Body Lotions & Moisturizers

 

6. Wash Away The Day!

f) Nivea Shower Gel Powerfruit Fresh Body Wash

Rating: 4.4 / 5

Start and end the day with this refreshing and effective cleansing formula that contains gentle oil pearls that give you long-lasting freshness with its silky and soft foam. Soothe your senses with the fragrant scent of Antioxidant Blueberry and maintain your skin’s natural pH balance. 

The Nivea Fresh Powerfruit Shower Gel is one of the most popular cheap skincare products commonly found in stores that fit your budget-friendly skincare product goals while slaying your skincare woes like body odour and dullness. Like most shower gels, it works best when paired with a loofah for max foam and fun, and of course, this price range is accompanied by other fragrant ingredients like Lemon, Water Lily and Frangipani.

Did you know?: While warm showers are great for detoxifying the skin, hot water causes your skin to dry up rapidly - what a steamy hot mess! 

Tips: Once you lather up, rinse thoroughly with warm water because this helps reduce moisture loss caused by transepidermal water loss.

Explore: Nivea Body Wash & Shower Gels

7. Mist Me With The Good Stuff!

g) Alps Goodness Rose Face Mist 

Rating: 4.1 / 5

Feel the refreshing and soothing spritz of the ever calming and hydrating Rose with every application, while also balancing your skin’s pH levels. Just sit back and enjoy having freshly hydrated and glowing skin. 

This amazing concoction from Alps Goodness is the best companion for the warm and wet summer months, giving you a burst of freshness occasionally and re-energizing you with its fragrant scent, which also happens to be available in Lavender as well. Who wouldn’t want a touch of Alps for this price when searching for affordable skincare products? We certainly do! 

Did you know?: Applying Face Mist is like drinking water for your skin - make sure to keep your skin hydrated at all times, especially during hot summer days! 

Tips: Eye shadow palette, compact or face pack looking drier than usual? Spray some Face Mist and it’s back to normal!

Explore: Alps Goodness Face Mist

8. Eye Spy Good Ingredients!

h) Biotique Bio Almond Soothing & Nourishing Eye Cream

Rating: 3.9 / 5

The Biotique Bio Almond Soothing & Nourishing Eye Cream is made with a refreshing formula that reduces and prevents puffiness, signs of stress and dark circles. It contains Seaweed extract and Nutmeg Oil, making it especially suitable and soothing for those who wear glasses. 

With most of us working from home or just scouring the internet for entertainment, having our eyes glued to the screens has left us with strained and puffy eyes and this budget-friendly skincare product is the ideal addition to your routine during these times. In case you’re looking for more options, you’re in luck because this range comes with two more variants that just might be the solution for you. 

Did you know?: It’s recommended that we use SPF daily to prevent sun damage that could lead to ageing around your eyes, or else, invasive cosmetic procedures may be needed to correct wrinkles and pigmentation. 

Tips: Apply all eye products in a semi-circle about an inch below your lash line - any closer and you risk it getting into your eyes, which could burn and lead to irritation. 

An under eye cream is the way to go to keep you stress-free and relaxed!

Explore: Biotique Eye Cream

9. When In Doubt, Pucker & Pout!

i) SUGAR Tipsy Lip Moisturizing Balm - 07 Bramble

Rating: 4.3 / 5

The SUGAR Tipsy Lips Moisturizing Balm makes having healthy lips fun with its flavoured and tinted formula that contains Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and the sun protecting goodness of SPF.

And you thought we won’t be able to find a way to get SUGAR on this list, but lo and behold, this petite product is the perfect way to fit a cherished brand into your skincare routine. While this adds a bit of razzle-dazzle to our list of affordable skincare products list, don’t forget that this range comes with more variants and flavours like Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Pina Colada, L.I.I.T, Irish Coffee and Mango Margarita. 

Did you know?: Chapstick has multiple uses - athletes use them around their nose in winters to prevent chapping, and you can also rub it into your cuticles to moisturize them, or even to lubricate a stuck zipper. 

Tip: Always make sure to reapply sun-protective lip balm in two-hour intervals, especially after a meal or drink.

Explore: Sugar Lipsticks

10. It’s Pore O’Clock!

j) HipHop Charcoal Nose Strips, Women - Blackhead Remover 

Rating: 3.8 / 5

Skin Type: All Skin Types

The HipHop Charcoal Nose Strips are a simple yet effective solution to get rid of skin woes like blackheads, whiteheads, excess oil and dirt. They’re completely painless and unclog your pores instantly, leaving you with smooth and naturally glowing skin. 

When you think of nose strips, HipHop is definitely one of those brands that come to mind with its Dermatologically and Clinically Tested products that guarantee quick removal of pollutants and particles that clog up your pores. This is one of those holy grails that you can always count on for instant results and we couldn’t think of a better product to add as the final product in this list. Cheap skincare products over cheap thrills (Sorry, Sia!). 

Did you know?: The post-strip nose can make pores look larger after the removal of the blackheads and this might make your pores more susceptible to infections - apply an ice cube to soothe your pores! 

Tips: Don’t pull the strip off the left to right or vice versa, instead pull it off from bottom to top - this helps you extract more blackheads! 
Explore:  HipHop Face Packs, Masks & Peels

Me: Knowing I spent money on pricey products, instead of the ones on this list 

On that note, it’s time for you to avoid crying over price tags and start shopping gleefully for the best affordable skincare products in the market you can find this Summer without burning a hole in your pocket or worse, getting caught by your mom. So, brave the heat of summer 2021 with the best Rs.200 and under skincare products, you can find and fall in love with. 

Good luck, fellow shoppers!

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