In the world of skincare, there’s always a shiny new penny—or rather, potion—to be excited about. So, how do you develop a skincare routine that works for you? For starters, it is helpful to know that price isn’t everything. As technology advances, drugstore brands are now laying claim to the same efficacy and results as their glitzier counterparts.
And the easiest way to witness this principle in action is to allow us to develop a wallet-friendly skincare routine for you. Tick off all the essentials, pamper your skin where necessary and hold back when needed.
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Save: Find a cleanser under ₹400
When looking for pocket-friendly skincare, your choice of cleanser is where you can cut a few corners, if necessary. Since cleansers just sit on the skin for a few seconds before being washed off, you will find that budget-friendly options can get the job done just as well. As a rule of thumb, foaming cleansers work well for combination skin, while active ingredients can be used for specific skin conditions: think cleansing formulas spiked with salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.
Tira recommends:
The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Foaming Cleanser
Brillare 2% Salicylic & 10% Lactic Acid Face Wash For Acne Prone Skin
Splurge: Invest in a great serum
While most skincare products in a typical routine generally sit on the skin, serums are known to penetrate deeper. This is why you wouldn’t want to hold back on serums when looking for skincare products online. Depending on your skin’s specific needs, you can opt for serums in your skincare regimen accordingly. Serums with vitamin C and niacinamide make for a great buddy for your AM skincare routine. Retinols, on the other hand, are known to increase skin sensitivity to the sun and are best reserved for your nighttime routine.
Tira recommends:
Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum Brightens & Illuminates Skin For All Skin Type
Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule
Save: Find a moisturiser under ₹400
With your choice of serum doing all the heavy lifting for catering to your skin’s specific needs, moisturisers are the next entrant in your affordable skincare routine. The primary goal of a moisturiser is to serve as an additional layer of moisture on your skin’s surface and you will find that a host of drugstore brands have risen to this challenge admirably. If you are looking to give your skin some extra TLC, opt for active ingredients that align with your skincare goals: think niacinamide for combating acne or retinol for dialing back the clock.
Tira recommends:
Plum Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer With Niacinamide & Hyaluronic, Non-Sticky Daily Hydration
Olay Retinol Night Moisturiser’
Splurge: Invest in the right SPF
While you can cut a few corners when developing a basic skincare routine, you will not want to go easy on the sun protection front. In terms of efficacy, not all sunscreens are created equal. UV rays can penetrate through the clouds even on dark, gloomy days, which means that the right SPF will need to be your faithful companion throughout the year. For the unique requirements of Indian skin, it is advisable to opt for SPF 30 or higher when putting together a skincare routine.
Tira recommends:
Nivea Moisturizing Sun Lotion With SPF 50
Aqualogica Glow+ Infused Water Sunscreen With SPF 50+ PA++++
Save: Find a lip balm under ₹200
The crucial cornerstone of any lip-care routine is a trusty lip balm that you can swipe on regularly throughout the day. And the democratic landscape of lip balms means that you needn’t break the bank to keep your lips hydrated and plump. While finding the right lip balm for your wallet-friendly skincare routine is easy, you’ll want to pay attention to your lip-care routine. The first coat of lip balm should be applied in the morning with your getting-ready routine. From there, you can keep reapplying every few hours to treat chapped lips.
Tira recommends:
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Color Lip Balm SPF 11 - Pink Lolita
Nivea Original Care Lip Balm
Splurge: Invest in the best eye cream
Given the fast-paced lives we lead, an erratic sleep schedule can often lead to puffiness and dark circles. If your under-eye area needs some extra love in your skincare regimen, you will want a fail-safe eye cream or serum to repair your skin as you sleep. You’ll find that most eye creams, serums and gels are equipped with a metallic tip applicator to enhance lymphatic drainage and massage in the formula till it is fully absorbed.
Tira recommends:
L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Dark Circle Eye Serum
Foxtale Eye Candy Firming Eye Gel
