8 Of My Favorite Drugstore Skincare Products

With so much to choose from these days in terms of skincare products for our morning and nighttime routines, it can seem overwhelming to figure out which ones are the best ones to go for. Has anyone spent hours trawling through reviews unable to decide which one to go with? I have been there, and it is definitely a neverending process. Being very obsessed with skincare, I have done a lot of research over the years and have found that a few key products have stood the test of time for me. Here are 8 of my favourite affordable skincare products available in any drugstore that will definitely improve your skin, encourage glow and prevent ageing.

1. Sukin Cream Cleanser

This cleanser is one of my favourites. After having done a lot of research over the years, having spoken to dermatologists and trawling through numerous online blogs, the consensus seems to be that the best type of cleanser for your face is a gentle one. The skin itself is a very delicate organ and cleansing with cream ensures that your skin does not dry too quickly. I, unfortunately, had my share of adult acne and thought (in error) that I needed to use more abrasive and gel type cleansers to get rid of my spots. I was recommended to try a mild and delicate cream cleanser instead that purifies the skin and lets moisture back into it. Generally, acne prone skin is actually very dehydrated, and scrubbing it or cleansing it in a harsh way can make the condition worse. Over time, after using a cream cleanser instead of a gel based one, I saw great results and my acne eventually cleared up over time! This cleanser from Sukin is perfect as it has no nasty chemicals and is a great gentle everyday cleanser to use morning and night.

2. Eaoron Hyloronic Acid Hydrating Collagen Face Mask

Anyone who is serious about their skincare will definitely incorporate a weekly paper face mask into their routine. I have tried several types, including ones from Garnier and have found that this one is my favourite by far. The only downside to these kinds of masks is that it would probably freak out your boyfriend! 🙂 Maybe warn him in advance! Make sure to use it once a week to get your shot of hyaluronic acid and collagen all in one. My advice would be to leave it on for as long as possible and make sure to rub the excess serum onto your neck and once you take it off, add some moisturiser and you are set. This particular one is Australian made with no harsh chemicals making it one of my repeat must-haves.

3. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar Water is a dream magic makeup removing product. I have always used natural oils to remove my makeup, followed up with a cream cleanser as I mentioned above. Recently, however, I was told that double cleansing is important to get every last trace of makeup off, as leaving that can be toxic and detrimental to the skin in the long run. This Micellar water by Garnier is one of my favourites. I generally would remove eye makeup using a cotton pad with Extra Virgin Olive Oil to get the stubborn mascara and eyeliner off and condition my lashes and under eyes simultaneously – (olive oil really is a wonder product) , then use the Garnier Micellar Water to remove any excess oil or eye makeup and finish off with a skin cleanser. This is definitely a holy grail product and there is in no way any need to break the bank to look good.

4. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

This product is a new find for me, which I found as it was recommended by Kim Kardashian as one of her favourite drugstore products. Retinol is a product that is recommended to be used in your late 20s to exfoliate the skin and prevent ageing and this product contains the right amount necessary equal to the amount that expensive brands contain. This is a great product to start with in your anti ageing skincare journey. I have noticed a great difference whilst using this serum and it has definitely become one of my holy grail skincare products.

5. Antipodes Avocado & Rosehip Oil

I have been using oils for a very long time, ever since I was 18. I was always told due to my background that oils did wonders for the skin, and much to the advice that is out there, it is also recommended to use even if you have oily skin. Oily skin generally can actually be very dry. Excess sebum is produced in order to give much-needed moisture to the skin. Using oils are a great way to provide moisture, hydration and smooth and glowing skin. Rosehip oil, in particular, has a whole host of anti ageing benefits. I remember one of my girlfriends telling me that she had applied rosehip oil to a burn she had every day, and the next week, that burn had disappeared. Avocado oil is very nourishing and this combination made by Antipodes is one of my favourites of all time.

6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL 50+ Sunscreen

One of the most important skin care tips that I wish I had known earlier is that sunscreen is a must, and that it must be used every single day and not just for those times that you go to the beach. One of the biggest causes of ageing is exposure to the sun. The scary thing about this is, that the signs of it will not appear in your youth, however, they will present themselves when you are older. Although some makeup lines or skincare brands have added SPF into their moisturisers, these are largely unregulated and the amount that is specified on the bottle is rarely the actual amount in the actual product. You may think that you are getting some protection from your favourite primer or moisturiser that labels itself as 15+ or 30+, but sadly that is not the case. After my research, I do believe that 50+ sunscreens are the only way to go as they provide the most protection. It can be undesirable however as sunscreens can leave a white cast over your skin. This one by Roche-Posay is one of my favourites as it is light, not sticky and blends into your skin very well.

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7. Vitamin E Oil

I had known about the benefits of Vitamin E Oil but had not used them in my routine until recently as I was never able to find the pure form of it. I stumbled across this product in my pharmacy a couple of months ago and was astounded at the great reviews from people who used it. This is a wonder product to prevent ageing and can be used on your lips, all over your face or on your under eyes before bed. Beware, it is very sticky, so it is important to use this in the night time so that it absorbs into your skin overnight. This is a holy grail skincare product that many women swear by that they feel has prevented them from getting wrinkles.

8. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

I found this skincare product a while ago after reading that it was a product that several celebrities adored. This multipurpose skin cream is a lifesaver for those dry winter months and when you are in need of extra moisture. It can be used all over the body and on the lips, under the eyes and in any dry spots. It will leave you very hydrated and I need one of these in my bathroom cabinet at all times.

What are your thoughts on the skincare products listed above? Have you used any of these, and are there any others that are your holy grail products that you buy time and time again? Let me know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!