Beauty on a Budget Affordable Products That Actually Work
Cleansers: Gentle Reset Under 500 Rupees
Cleaning your skin is the foundation of any good skin care routine. Instead of using harsh soaps that will dry out your skin, look for a product that will cleanse your skin of makeup, SPF, dirt, sweat, and pollution, while also providing moisture to your skin.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This is not a foaming cleanser, and it is pH balanced and free from fragrance. It hydrates while cleaning your skin of dirt and makeup and is a dermatologist-favourite for those with sensitive, acne-prone or aging skin. You will not have that tight, dry feeling after washing your face.
COSRX Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Tea Tree Oil and milder BHA unclogs pores without stripping the skin. What stands out about this gel cleaner is that it lathers lightly and rinses off cleanly.
Budget Skincare Heroes: Transformative Serums
Active ingredients are what will make a difference in your routine. You don't need to have a 10-product regime; a product that contains an active ingredient will work much better for your skin in the long run.
The 10% Niacinamide+ 1% Zinc Serum by The Ordinary
Helps control oil, helps to minimize pores and even skin tone within four weeks on the skin. The product is non-irritating for Indian skin and in hot, humid weather. You can layer this product under your moisturizer, and you will not have any issues with pilling.
Minimalist 10% Vitamin C + E Ferulic
Helps brighten up dull skin, fade out the results of pigmentation from the sun and pollution. Ferulic helps to stabilize Vitamin C and makes it safe to use during the day. After applying, it may take some time for the glow to build up.
Moisturizers: Maintain Results without the Oily Look
Heavy creams will clog the pores of your skin, while lightweight hydrators will provide the hydration that you need without adding extra oil.
Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
Mixture of niacinamide and green tea to provide 6+ hours of matte coverage to oily skin. The gel-like texture is non-comedogenic which means that the product will not clog your pores. This product is also the perfect base if you plan to wear make-up.
Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisture
The combination of Hyaluronic acid , vitamin B5 and vitamin B3 gives you a plump skin without creating a shine. Perfect for combination and dehydrated skin which require a barrier to be restored.
Affordable Sunscreens: Must-Have Protection
- is the MVP of the skincare game! All of the following sunscreens are easy to apply and do not leave a white cast on the skin.
Re’equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50
- both UVA and UVB rays + protects from pollution with PA++++ rating. Has a matte finish that also does not fill under your make-up when reapplied every 3 hours.
Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++
Super lightweight + Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) + Has antioxidant properties that can blur out pores. A must-have sunscreen if you have dark skin tones.
Targeted Treatments: Address Specific Skin Issues
For Acne/Redness- Benzac AC 2.5% Gel
Targeted benzoyl peroxide therapy for killing the p. acnes bacteria overnight. Use only on the affected area and do not apply all over the face. Best to pair with a lightweight moisturizer.
For Hyperpigmentation- 2% kojic acid serum by Derma Co.
Has been proven to reduce dark spots caused by acne and sun exposure in 6-8 weeks when used consistently. Always wear sunblock with this product.
Dry/Flaky Skin: CeraVe PM Moisturizer
Mixture of niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid will help to restore the skin’s natural barrier overnight. Has a non-greasy texture and no scent.
Create Your Daily Routine - Simple and Effectiv
- AM Routine - Cleansed Face, Apply Vitamin C Serum, Moisturizer, Sunscreen
- PM Routine - Cleansed Face, Apply Niacinamide or Other Active, Moisturizer
Three Guidelines are as Follows:
1) Patch test new products for 24-48 hours before using constantly
2) Regular Use of the Same Four Products for 90 Days produces the most positive results, not Perfect Usage
3) The Fewer Products You Use, the Less Likely You Are to Irritate Your Skin.
The Total Cost of a Starter Kit is Approximately ₹2500 and Will Last for 3 Months, While a Comparable Luxury Kit Will Cost ₹15000+.
Shopping Locations/Methods for Saving on Skincare Products:
- Nykaa Luxe Days: You can purchase skincare products by The Ordinary and Minimalist, with upto 20%-40% discounts.
- Amazon Great Indian Sale : Bulk purchasing opportunities for Cetaphil and CeraVe skincare products are available during the Amazon Great Indian Sale.
- Myntra EOSS : While shopping during the Myntra EOSS online event, you will be able to take advantage of the sale of combination packs of Plum and Re'equil skincare products.
- 1mg & Apollo Pharmacy : Prescriptive active ingredients can be purchased from 1mg and Apollo Pharmacies with the added benefit of free shipping.
Pro Tip: Purchase Full Sizes After Trying Samples; Decant Trial Sized Samples into Travel-Sized Containers
Products to Avoid (Even if They Are Trending):
- Trending Sheet Masks (₹99 Used Once and Thrown Away)
- Glass Skin Mists (Overpriced Toners)
- Jade Rollers (No Evidence That They Improve Circulation)
Use Proven Actives: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Sunscreen, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
The Results and When You Can Expect to See Them:
- Week 2: Pores Are Cleaner and Redness Is Calmer
- Month 1: Tone Looks Brighter and Pores Are Smaller.
- Month 3: Pigmentation Has Faded and Texture Is Smoother.
Patience exponentialize results. Affordable beauty products will produce the best results after continued use. Everyone's skin changes over time, but very slowly.
You do not have to spend a fortune to get glowing skin. These quality products are very affordable and effective if used correctly. Start with a cleanser, sunscreen, and one serum, then add more products as needed.