Cheap 'must have' skincare essentials for under £5!

I'm really not one for spending loads of money on beauty or skincare items. I much prefer shopping in places like Superdrug, Savers and Body Care and finding 'the bargains!' Maybe if I tried some high-end products that worked miracles, then I might be converted but I've had a few experiences in the past when I've splashed out on something 'high-end' and the product hasn't lived up to expectations or its price tag! Also, maybe it's just me but I'd rather have, say 10 different 'cheaper brand' lipsticks in different colours instead of ONE really expensive one. Or a giant tub of moisturiser that I can slather on instead of a teeny tiny tub I feel guilty using up. 

There are a few bargain skincare products that I've been buying for years (and some I've just discovered) that really are 'must haves' for anyone who doesn't want to splash the cash but still look and feel great. 

Skincare essentials

Vaseline Lip Therapy - £1.99 - Superdrug

This little tin of Vaseline has been a firm favourite of mine for years, and it's all I use to keep my lips  in check! (the aloe-vera version is also fab) Not only can you use it as a lip-balm, it can be used over groomed brows to keep them in place, to perk up lashes without any mascara or on stubborn dry bits of skin!

Germolene Antiseptic Cream - £2.15 - Superdrug

Over the years I've spent loads on 'spot fighting, zit zapping, blemish blasting' products in an attempt to reduce the appearance, and occurrence of blemishes on my face. Hardly any that I've bought in the past have made a difference but the one thing I've found that actually helps is traditional old Germolene! It might smell like the stuff you got covered in when you were wee and had chicken pox,  but the simple Antiseptic formula works wonders on the spot-fighting front. 

Sudocrem - £3.50 - Superdrug

Although there's not much chance this happening in Scotland, if you've overdone it in the sun then Sudocrem is brilliant for relieving the pain/redness of particularly OUCHY sunburn. 

Superdrug Vitamin E All Over Body Cream - £2.99 - Superdrug

Less than £3 for a massive tub (475ml) of this great moisturiser from Superdrug is one of my best buys! It smells lovely, isn't greasy,  rubs in well and is inexpensive so you don't feel bad about using loads of it to cover yourself after a bath or shower!

Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50 - Boots

I don't always remember to use eye cream, but it's something that I'm going to try and use more in the future! This little eye gel is great for refreshing tired eyes and reducing puffiness. Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling treat!

Boots Epsom Salts B.P - £1.25 - Boots

Although more traditionally used for ahem, digestive problems Epsom salts are an absolute bargain for a multitude of uses!

To combat cellulite and bloating add a couple of tablespoons to a bath, soak for 15 minutes then wash it off in a shower. The magnesium soaks into the skin to draws out excess water, and removes toxins from muscles. (also great for relaxing muscles after the gym!)

You can also add some of the salts to a cleansing cream for a gentle facial scrub, or add some olive oil to a larger amount for an exfoliating body scrub.


Connect to my blog to make sure you don't miss the 'must have' beauty products for under £10 coming soon! 

What's your 'bargain' skincare essential?

Thanks for reading, Melissa x


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