Budget Beauty: Fantastic moisturizers under P600
As much as I want to stick to my HG moisturizer, I'm a fresh graduate in search of my first job so it's sadly out of my budget. I don't want to go back to mediocre skin care though, so I've been on the lookout for something that works just as well with a more affordable price tag. If you're on the same boat as I am, check out these moisturizers that cost less than P600!
I love green tea and even use it to wash my face sometimes, so I was happy to learn that The Face Shop has a product that features this ingredient! The Face Shop Green Tea Emulsion (P495) is infused with organically grown Boeseong Green Tea extract, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because it's an emulsion, it feels a lot lighter than a cream-based moisturizer, and is easily absorbed by my skin. It's supposed to be good for normal to oily skin, and even for sensitive skin because it doesn't contain irritants like alcohol or artificial coloring. It has a mild scent of green tea and herbal extracts that goes away soon after application, but I wouldn't mind if it lingered a bit longer as I find it very pleasant!
Liz is a big fan of Nivea, so I was very intrigued about trying Nivea Soft (P239). It's so cheap, and can be used for the body as well. It has a light, creamy formula that blends smoothly on the skin, and I like that it has jojoba oil and vitamin E to amp up its moisturizing effect.
The Human Nature Sunflower Oil (P149.75) is an old fave for moisturizing. I apply a small amount before going to bed, and wake up to a nice glow! Regular application has also worked to make some of my scars disappear completely so it's really a product that I swear by. I just need to exfoliate regularly though to avoid millia.
If you’re a fan of Japanese skin care, you better try Muji’s Moisturising Milk Moisture (P595). The minimalist packaging immediately caught my eye, and the formula made me want to take it home! It's formulated with grapefruit extract that leaves skin feeling refreshed and moisturized, without that sticky or oily feeling. This is good for sensitive and dry skin as it has no alcohol, parabens, or perfumes. It feels very light and easily absorbed by the skin, but if you're very oily, there's an even lighter version available.
To be honest, I didn't expect to like Olay Total Effects Day Cream (P389) because I thought it would have a thick and heavy formula. Not so! It looks like a thick cream when dispensed but it spreads well and gets absorbed pretty quick. It lightly evens out my skin tone and seems to minimize the appearance of my pores as well. I know I still have to apply a separate sunscreen but I appreciate that it has SPF15 for additional protection!
I have to mention the Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Gel (P245) again because after so many readers swore by it, I just had to try it myself. And I get why! Even with the light gel formula, it moisturizes very well and can work for those with combination to oily skin. You can even add a drop or two of your favorite beauty oil, which is a great way to use them if you're worried about feeling too greasy.
These budget picks are just supposed to tide me over until I can save up for another bottle of my HG, but the great performance and affordable price tags have gotten me thinking about keeping them in my routine permanently. What’s your favorite budget moisturizer? Do you alternate between cheap and HG-quality skin care?
