Here I am after a nice vacation in Zanzibar! I’m finally back with those product suggestions I promised a while ago, with the last two »basic skincare« posts. So, until now you learned the why, what and when, and now it’s time to finish the basic series with a selection of some handpicked quality products in at least three budget options, that you can include in your awesome skincare routine.
But before you jump on the suggestions and head on a wild cosmetic shopping spree, please keep in mind that:
- suggestions are only that – suggestions. While all the listed products are of good quality in terms of ingredients and performance (tested either by myself or by colleagues that I trust), they are not necessarily right for you and your specific needs. I’ve tried to keep the list as »neutral« as possible regarding skin types, but I just can’t totally avoid my subjective tendencies (dry, sensitive but otherwise non-problematic skin). Whenever possible obtain samples of the products before splurging a fortune on products, that might not suit you.
- the products in one category can’t be compared – meaning: the cheaper products are not dupes of the more expensive ones. In most cases, the higher price is related to the better quality of the ingredients and the formula.
- the prices are approximate and I’ve listed the sellers from whom I usually buy. This is not necessarily the best option! Google all the options before buying, try to find some discounts or deals.
Micelar water
- Derma E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water, 175 ml, 20€, Beautybottled
- Bioderma Sensibio H20 Solution Micellaire, 250 ml. 12€, Local Pharmacy
- Paese Argan Micellar Solution Make-up Remover, 210 ml, 7€, Paese Slovenija
- Balea Micellar Reinigungs Wasser, 400 ml, 4€, Drogerie Markt
Cleansing balm, oil or emulsion
- Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, 100 ml, 60€, Lookfantastic
- Banila Co Clean it Zero, 100 ml, 20€, Iherb
- Skintegra Atomic, 200 ml, 20€, Superskin
- Biobaza Exclusive Micelarno Olje, 150 ml, 13€, Drogerie Markt
- Balea Reinigungsöl, 100 ml, 3€, Drogerie Markt
Gentle cleanser
- Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash, 125 ml, 18€, Lookfantastic
- Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, 160 ml, 10€, Ebay
- Jessa Intimpflege Parfumfrei, 300 ml, 2,50€, Drogerie Markt
Yes, the last one is an intimate wash gel. It is perfect for washing you face due to its suitable pH and gentle cleansing agents. It knows how to take care of all precious body parts!
Toners
- Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich , 120 ml, 42€, Ecco Verde Slovenija
- Derma E Firming DMAE Toner, 175 ml, 22€, Beautybottled
- Bocassy Clean & Tone 200 ml, 10€, Mueller
Vitamin A - Retinoids
Tretinoin products (big guns)
- Retirides (available without prescription in Spain), 15€, Pharmacy
- Retin – A (available without prescription online), 15€, Ebay
- Airol (available without prescription in Greece, Serbia), 4-20€, Pharmacy
1% Retinol (big guns)
- Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol 1% Cream, 30 ml, 70€, Cult Beauty
- Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, 30 ml, 60€, Superskin
- The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, 30 ml, 7€, Cult Beauty
Other retinoid types (milder, less researched)
- Pestle & Mortar Superstar Night Oil, 30 ml, 70€, Lookfantastic
- Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, 30 ml, 50€, Cult Beauty
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% (or 5%), 30 ml, 10 – 15€, Cult Beauty
Vitamin B
- 100% Pure Multi Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum (10% Niacinamide), 30 ml, 51€, Orca
- Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, 20 ml, 47€, Superskin
- Alpha H Vitamin B with Copper Tripeptide, 25 ml, 45€, Lookfantastic
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc, 30 ml, 8€, Superskin
Vitamin C
Serums with higher Vitamin C concentrations (big guns):
- Add Actives C20 Tetraforce Activator (20%), 30 ml, 94€, Beautybottled
- Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum (20%) 30 ml, 25€, Timeless.eu
- The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, 30 ml, 8€, Superskin
Serums with lower Vitamin C concentrations (milder):
- Skintegra Superba C (10%), 30 ml, 27€
- Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (5%), 35 ml, 26€, Skintrick
- Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum, 30 ml, 25€, Iherb
Moisturizer
Simple, soothing moisturizers. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Near Skin Total Ceramide Cream, 50 ml, 25€, Missha Slovenija
- Skintegra Lunar, 30 ml, 22€, Superskin
- COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, 110 ml , 21€, Lookfantastic
- Eucerin Atopicontrol Face Care Cream, 50 ml, 15€, Local Pharmacy
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, 56 ml, 4€, Iherb
Sunscreen
Products with physical / mineral protection solely.
- Paula’s Choice Calm mineral moisturizer SPF30 (normal to dry), 60 ml, 35€, Superskin
- Niod Survival 30, 30 ml, 30€, Superskin
- Neostrata Sheer Physical Protection SPF50, 50 ml, 34€, Notino
- Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF50, 30 ml, 25€, Lookfantastic
- A’pieu Pure Block Mild Plus Sun Cream SPF32 PA++, 50 ml, 14€, Missha Slovenija
Acids and Enzymes
Products with AHA and BHA Acids (bigger guns):
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA, 2% BHA, 50 ml, 70€, Cult Beauty
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (12% AHA), 30 ml, 80€, Cult Beauty
- Paula’s Choice Resist Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA, 30 ml, 41€, Superskin
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, 30 ml, 7€ , Cult Beauty
Products with AHA, BHA and PHA Acids (lower concentrations):
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, 100 ml, 22€, Skintrick
- Alpha H Liquid Gold (Glycolic Acid 5%), 100 ml, 35€, Cult Beauty
- Skintegra Lumion, AHA & PHA Acids, 100 ml, 26€, Superskin
- Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid) 250 ml, 20€, Lookfantastic
- Skintegra Clarion 2% BHA, 4% AHA, 30 ml, 19€, Superskin
Products with AHA and BHA Acids (toners):
- Pestle and Mortar Exfoliate Glycolic Acid Toner, 180 ml, 29€ , Cloud 10
- Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid), 250 ml, 20 €, Lookfantastic
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, 100 ml, 19€, Skintrick
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, 240 ml, 7€, Cult Beauty
Enzyme peelings and masks:
- Oskia Renaissance Mask (Fruit Acids and AHA Acids) , 50 ml, 60€, Cult Beauty
- Elemis Papaya Enzyme Mask, 50 ml, 40€, Lookfantastic
- CadeaVera Enyzme Peeling, 30g, 5€, Mueller
That’s it! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Ciao!