Keeping your skin hydrated is an important part of your beauty routine but finding the right face moisturiser isn’t always easy.
Some people will need extra hydration for dry skin, while others enjoy using products more sparingly on those pesky patches that need a moisture boost.
If you have a quick scan of the shelves in Boots, Superdrug and budget stores like Home Bargains and B&M, you will find all manner of moisturisers that promise to perfect every skin problem imaginable. And the price tags vary just as much.
READ MORE: I tried a £6 foundation praised for ‘gorgeous coverage’ and it beats high end brands
The aim of a good moisturiser is to leave your skin soft and supple once you’ve put the moisture back in. But with so many on the market – and plenty of budget buys alongside the pricier options – where do you even start?
With that in mind, we decided to put a range of face moisturisers to the test to see how the budget buys compared to more expensive products. Here’s the results:
Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Looking after my skin is high up on my list of priorities but since I don’t have a lot of time to spend on a skincare routine, I’m always on the lookout for simple, yet effective, products.
After spending my teenage years – and a lot of money – trying every moisturiser under the sun, I finally came across Aveeno around two years ago.
Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion is formulated with Shea Butter and a unique naturally active Triple Oat Complex containing finely milled Colloidal Oatmeal, Oat Oil, and Oat Essence.
According to the product description, it is “clinically proven to moisturise for 24 hours and soothe on contact, providing immediate, long-lasting relief for extra dry, irritable skin.”
I can confidently say that Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion does exactly what it says on the tin. The moisturiser is smooth and creamy without feeling greasy or too heavy on the skin.
It is fragrance free and absorbs very quickly, which means my skin can be feeling smooth and ready for the day within minutes.
The product lasts all day and only needs reapplying after I’ve washed my face and am getting ready for the evening. The large bottle lasts a very long time too, so you definitely get a lot for your money.
I’ve always suffered with dry skin and finding something that actually managed to keep it under control was a miracle. I’ve been using Aveeno for several years now and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Price: £5.99
Where to buy: Superdrug, Boots, Home Bargains and more
Rating: 5/5
Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
I’ve got one of those skin types that seems to change its mind with the weather. When its cold it can feel dry and sensitive, then in hotter weather my make up will be sliding off my face.
For me the perfect moisturiser is one that instantly sinks in but leaves a little bit of dewiness to help my make up sit just right, and Nivea Soft comes pretty close.
I’ve tried the Nivea cream in the darker blue tub and my skin just doesn’t seem to want to absorb it. But the Nivea Soft (£4.99 for a 200ml tub from Boots) sinks straight in, giving a healthy, plumped up appearance. I don’t get any tightness or flakiness when I use it, no matter how cold the weather gets.
The product is rich and creamy, yet not at all greasy and it can be used on face, hands and body. It’s very budget friendly too and you can pick up huge tubs that last for months at Home Bargains for less than a fiver.
Price: Varies depending on retailer but typically £4.99 for 200ml
Where to buy: Boots, Superdrug and you will also find it in most supermarkets and stores including Home Bargians, B&M and Wilko.
Rating: 5/5
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser
After washing and exfoliating, it’s important to moisturise to ensure your skin remains hydrated and healthy. However, it can be difficult to pick the right moisturiser for your skin, with some making your skin greasy, and others not combatting any dryness.
I began using Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser at the start of this year, and haven’t had to search for another moisturiser since. Designed for sensitive skin, it contains no perfume or harsh chemicals, which is always a bonus for your skin even if it’s not necessarily sensitive.
After washing and exfoliating my face, I use this moisturiser on my face and neck in both the morning and at night. I noticed a significant difference in my skin when putting my make-up on in the morning, with my make-up setting much better, my complexion seeming clearer, and my skin overall looking smoother.
One of my main concerns when moisturising my face is clogging up my pores, but even after using this moisturiser daily, it still didn’t. My skin can be prone to occasional periods of dryness, which this moisturiser has ultimately stopped. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser is light, and non-greasy, and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Price: £4.29
Where to buy: You can purchase Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser at Boots and Superdrug, as well as Home Bargains, B&M, and most supermarkets.
Rating: 4/5
Glossier Priming Moisturiser
I use a few different moisturisers depending on what state my skin is in but at the moment, my absolute favourite is Glossier’s Priming Moisturiser.
American skincare and beauty company Glossier promises California cool-girl skin and effortlessly chic, glowing makeup looks to its customers.
The popular brand’s Priming Moisturiser is a great place to start. Its lightweight, creamy and buildable formula glides onto the skin and creates a dewy, fresh look.
It’s also noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog the pores, and that’s ideal for spot prone skin like mine.
The cream is a perfect base for makeup, offering a priming effect which ensures makeup goes on perfectly without crumbling or going patchy.
I am absolutely obsessed with this moisturiser, it doesn’t make my skin greasy but it also doesn’t dry it out. It’s like it knows what my skin needs – overly oily day? No problem, it’ll keep excess oil at bay with ease. Dry patches and flaking? Sorted – all it takes is a little dollop of this magic stuff.
This is one of those products I’ll buy again and again.
Price: £18
Where to buy: You can buy Glossier’s Priming Moisturiser direct from the Glossier website by clicking here
Rating: 5/5
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