Do you like to spend or splurge on beauty products? After 15 years working in fashion and beauty I’ve come to learn that there are some things like skin care, for which you just have to spend.
For every rule there’s an exception however and I have some ex-ceptional products all under $30 that your skin will love. Let’s go!
Andalou Naturals CannaCell Beauty Oil 30 ml $29.95
I’ve been using this product for about three years now and there’s so much to love about it. If you’re new to face oils then it’s a great starting point as it absorbs easily and is light in texture. I’ve raved so much about this on socials that I think I’ve converted at least three people on to it #obsessed. It has a slight botanical scent but nothing overwhelming and is best applied after all your water based serums, usually at night. For the price point (RRP $29) it’s made from excellent quality ingredients.
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA 30ml $12.70
What an underachiever this one is! When I was pregnant and breastfeeding I had to let a lot of my cosmeceutical regime go, which I absolutely hated. This was one product I could still safely use, and it’s designed as a gentle introduction to acids. I found with continued use, I did actually see some results and for the price, it absolutely punches above its weight. If you’re keen to try acids but are worried about the strength of AHA’s and BHA’s, this is a really good starting point. Have I mentioned the exceptional value for money yet?
Olay Complete Daily UV Moisturising Lotion SPF30 $14.99
This is one of those perennial products for me, I might not use it all the time, but old faithful here never lets me down. I started to use it around 20 years ago when I knew I had to use SPF everyday but didn’t have a lot of money to spend as a cash strapped uni student. While I don’t use this as an everyday moisturiser at the moment, if I ever need something in a hurry, while I’m travelling or suddenly realise I have an empty on my hands, this is my go-to. Also available in a sensitive skin version.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream 30ml $29.95
You might remember my review from a previous winter skin guide on Egyptian Magic, it’s pretty…magic. Here’s what I said back then:
“It’s a celebrity favourite but can this cream live up to its name? And what….is it? Funnily enough, Egyptian Magic consists of only six ingredients, blended together to the consistency of balm rather than cream. Honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis. That’s it. The feeling can be a little bit greasy, and it might take a little while to absorb, but as I’ve learned you don’t need much of it. I’ve used it as a primer under makeup and it looked FABULOUS.”
Still true!
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Wash For Acne 150mL $13.50
I started using in my teens and all these years later, it’s still available, and still great value. The properties of tea tree oil are well known for combating acne, cuts, abrasions and all manner of skin conditions. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘acne’ in its title however, this is a great every day fashion wash. With combination skin, this suits me well and it absolutely helped to clear up my acne as a teenager. The foam can remove makeup as well, but it’s never drying or harsh. For the price, I think this is one of those cleansers that you might walk past in the drug store or pharmacy and not look twice at. Next time I would definitely give it a go!
