We all know how important skincare is, with the basic routine of ‘cleanse, tone and moisturise’ ingrained in most of us. However, sometimes the sheer cost of a serum could leave your wallet weeping, because luxurious ingredients often make products extremely expensive. Well, skincare doesn’t have to be exorbitant to work, so here are a few brands which are tried, tested and affordable.
The Ordinary
If you like to get a bit geeky with your skincare, and love learning about various ingredients and what they do for your skin, The Ordinary by Deciem is a brand you certainly need to try. The products range from acids to cold-pressed oils for all skin types and woes. A fair warning — which is a thumb rule before using acid-based products from any brand — start slow and always use sunscreen in the day. Start by using it twice a week, and as your skin adjusts, you can start using it more regularly.
Products you need to try: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (₹422) if you have uneven skin with acne scaring, Advanced Retinoid 2% (₹749) for mature skin as it helps combat wrinkles and pigmentation, and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (₹577) which is a natural moisturiser that plumps your skin – perfect to use under daily moisturisers for an added boost of moisture! The Ordinary is available on beautybay.com.
Pixi Beauty
Started by Petra who was an aesthetician and facialist in Sweden, Pixi’s ‘Skintreats’ are formulated to be all about the glow. The iconic Glow Tonic (which contains 5% glycolic acid) is a resurfacing and revitalising toner that is gentle enough for all skin types, but particularly good if you have problem skin. If you like feeling super clean after a long day, the Double Cleanse (released in collaboration with Caroline Hirons) is the perfect product, consisting of a solid balm to remove makeup, and a cleansing cream.
Products you need to try: Glow Tonic (₹1,220), Glow Peel Pads (₹1,620) Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse (₹1,620) and Glow Mist (₹1,050). All available at cultbeauty.com with free shipping over GBP 50.
YESto
YESto is a natural skincare brand that formulates its products around the properties of fruits and vegetables. The products are at least 95% natural and do not break the bank. If you prefer natural products and don’t mind waiting for results to show, this is the brand for you.
Products you need to try: YESto Coconut Ultra Hydrating Facial Souffle Moisturiser (₹999) for intense hydration (a personal favourite), YESto Blueberries Face and Neck Oil (₹1,152) to combat lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, YESto Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask (₹921) to detoxify sensitive skin without stripping it, YESto Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mask (₹922) for combination skin. All available on beautybay.com.
Kama Ayurveda
Kama Ayurveda is an entirely natural brand that makes some great products. The Eladi Hydrating Ayurvedic Face Cream (₹895) hydrates the driest skin without leaving an oily residue. The Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser (₹675 for 100ml) is gentle on the skin. And finally, the Nimrah Anti Acne Face Pack (₹885) is great for pigmentation and acne-prone skin. In fact, you can see an almost immediate brightness to your skin when you take it off. Kama Ayurveda is available in their stores and at nykaa.com.
A lot of skincare specialists argue over the importance of acids in skincare, while others claim natural skincare is the best. Personally, I love a combination of both — acid toners and serums with natural moisturisers and oils. It’s all about finding out what works best for you.
This column is your fortnightly dose of products, brands and how-tos from the world of beauty
