Shop budget brands
There are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of your skincare routine – from everyday moisturisers to potent serums.
Raj Arora, a GP and skincare specialist, says: “Many budget brands use the same key ingredients as luxury lines. Save on cleansers, toners and moisturisers, and spend a little more on your retinoids, peptides and sunscreens.
Boots and Superdrug also have their own inexpensive skincare lines and frequently run promotions and deals.
For instance, Superdrug’s Me+, Naturally Radiant, Vitamin E and B. Skincare ranges are a fraction of the cost of many high-end options – a 200ml bottle of toner in the Me+ range is now £8.99 and available on a “buy one, get second half-price” offer to loyalty card holders.
Brands such as The Ordinary, The Inkey List, CeraVe and Simple offer a range of products for various skin types and problems with a more affordable price tag than some luxury ranges. The Ordinary’s oat cleansing balm, for instance, costs £12 for 150ml.
Arora says: “If you find a budget product that works for you, try the other products in the range as they may suit you, too.”
Look for refills
Many skincare brands have embraced sustainability by offering refills. For example, Neal’s Yard and Charlotte Tilbury have refillable options available across their ranges. At Charlotte Tilbury a 50ml jar of Magic Cream moisturiser costs £79, while a refill the same size is £69.
Brands such as Kiehl’s and L’Occitane have introduced in-store stations where customers can refill containers. These offer discounted prices on products when using the refills, as well as being more environmentally friendly.
Multitask
Get more mileage out of your skincare products by using them for multiple purposes. For example, you don’t need a separate neck cream – you could use your face moisturiser on your neck and décolletage. Similarly, you may choose to skip a dedicated eye cream, and gently apply your face serum around the delicate eye area.
You may also be able to find products around your home that can become part of your routine.
Joyce Connor, a professional makeup artist and skincare expert, says: “Coconut oil is great for removing makeup, and good for hair. It is very rich, so not suitable for oilier skins. Coconut oil is also great for dry hands and cuticles.”