Sure can. Let’s start out with haircare - because here’s where you can get great products at really reasonable prices. I regularly use the likes of Pantene, Sunsilk, Clairol, Dove, Garnier and VO5 (yes, very promiscuous when it comes to my haircare) and can honestly say I can’t see - or feel - a huge difference in my hair, compared to when I use more expensive shampoos and conditioners (although I know a few hairdressers who would whack me around the head with their Mason Pearson brush for saying so). Most of these brands also have impressive hair styling products in your price range.
Onto skincare … I have to start with my all-time top buy: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (from $6.50). I’ve been using it since I was 16 and although I regularly road-test other cleansers, I always go back to it. It’s a great skincare basic, especially if you’re spending more on other more active skin treatments. Speaking of which - I generally recommend investing more money for good-quality serums, creams and eye creams. You can, however, find some great sachet-masks at pharmacies for under $10 - they’re always handy for boosting skin whenever it’s dehydrated, stressed out or a little lacklustre. The pharmacy is also where you can get the best - and cheapest - anti-ageing skincare buy out there: sunscreen. As long as you buy a high SPF number that’s broad spectrum (best ingredients to look for are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), you can be sure that you’re getting great protection against premature skin ageing.
As for makeup, one of my favourite bases is Dove Protective Tinted Moisturiser - checking in at a mere $8.99. Gives gorgeous glow as well as impressive skintone even-out. Australis is your best bet for everything else - most of its makeup is priced just below $10. One definite must-buy is the Shimma Stick ($9.95) - I’ve heard many a makeup artist rave about this one, insisting it’s just as good as one cult illuminiser that’s about nine times the price.
Lastly, bodycare. You’re spoiled for choice here. There’s Palmer’s, Nivea, Dove - to name just a few. Each has a delicious line-up of creams, as well as lovely gradual tanners. You know, even when people think they can afford to spend a bit more, I usually recommend going cheap and cheerful in this category. Don’t forget: you want to be able to slather them on daily for the best results, so you need to be able to buy something you can not only afford to buy once, but can afford to regularly top up.
Hi Kat I recently bought a pimple fighting skin wash from Oxy.
Do you recommend it or does it not work?
Comment by Paula — June 21, 2008 @ 9:36 am