Beauty Challenge: The P1,000 skincare regimen for oily/combination skin

Most comments from the budget makeup look challenges request a skincare version. Since each skin type has different requirements, this particular routine is geared towards oily/combination skin. All items are easily available through the local drugstores and online shopping portals.

The goal was to create a skincare routine with a budget of P1,000 that includes a cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, and a serum. The first three items are staples from the Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize regimen, and are applied in that order. The serum, if you are new to this item, is a concentrated dose of “active ingredients” geared towards a particular desired effect like brightening, whitening or anti-aging. When you add the serum to the skincare routine, the order of the application becomes cleanser, toner, serum, then, moisturizer. Because it has a heavier texture than the others, moisturizer acts like a barrier that locks in all the skincare you'd applied beforehand.

Products were selected based on  their non-comedogenic and oil-controlling properties, and how  gentle they are on skin. The result is a few pesos over, but the product size to price ratio of the individual items were pretty worth it. Here are the items that made the cut:

Human Nature Facial Wash (P199.75 for 200ml) There are two variants of this cleanser that I’d recommend: the Balancing Facial Wash and the Nourishing Facial Wash. The former is made with Manila Elemi specifically for oil control, but in case you don’t like exfoliating beads, opt for the latter which contains tomato extract. You can also get the smaller 50ml bottle if you want to try it out first.

Olay Oil Minimizing Toner (P202 for 212 ml) Toners for oily/combination skin need to be able to balance removing excess oil and maintaining healthy moisture levels in the skin, something that Olay promises and delivers. User reviews hail its effectiveness in oil-control, possibly because of the Witch Hazel Extract. Find this online at BeautyMNL.

Celeteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer (P127 for 50ml) Even oily skin needs regular moisturizing! Every time you wash your face, natural oils are washed away as well so your skin will try to compensate by producing even more oil. The important thing is to use water-based moisturizers. This one comes from Celeteque’s Hydration skin care line, which is formulated to “hydrate sensitive and dry skin”. Light, easy to apply, and formulated with skin-soothing Aloe Vera extract, it has everything you need from a moisturizer!

Pond’s Flawless White Ultra Luminous Serum (P480) This step was the most challenging because most serums range from P600 to P2,000. Pond’s is mostly known for their moisturizers so I was surprised to discover that they now carry serums at affordable prices, too. In online reviews, users generally agree that the White Ultra Luminous truly works against dark spots.

• Cleanser - P199.75
• Toner – P202
• Moisturizer – P127
• Serum – P480

Total: P1,007.75

Optional: Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream (P280 for 15ml) Aside from snail slime trending as a beauty ingredient, eye creams are recommended regardless of age and skin type. This “multifunction formula” is hailed for its moisturizing and brightening  effect. Find Mizon on BeautyMNL, or at Suesh, its local distributor.

Got other budget skincare picks for oily and combination skin? Share them in the comments section!