I recently wrote a blog on what I would ask my imaginary best friend travelling from the USA to India to bring for me from any online store in the US
This is part 2 of that blog. The main criteria for product selection is:
- the products must be skincare and
- each product must be under US$ 27 – US$ 30 (INR 2,000).
I’ll be honest, with such a small budget its almost impossible to find stellar American products, as:
- Low price point skincare products are better in Europe because French pharmacy brands (e.g.) Bioderma, La Roche etc make exceptional value for money products.
- Kama Ayurveda and Forest Essentials make amazing facial cleansers. Also, Kama’s 100% Pure Rosewater is one of the best toners money can buy at INR 1,150.
- I would not buy sunscreen in the US if I had the choice between Europe, Made in India European sunscreens and the US (and do…). Even Lakme SPF 50 is better than most American sunscreens.
The products I found are “mini” versions of more expensive products and yes, this represents a serious underlying problem. These issues are I am allergic to selfish men, tacky cheap products and white supremacists (irrespective of gender).
Methodology
In the US, I scour many, many websites. Sephora USA offers the most discounts but unfortunately, doesn’t house all the skincare brands that I refer to here. Some of you have asked why I never suggest anything from Amazon: the simple reason is I am non-affiliated and Jeff won’t miss my $$
Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots
These are so perfect for maskne, that is ridiculous. Twenty dots are available for US$19 at Sephora USA.
Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub
This is an excellent but aggressive exfoliator. The mini-size if US$21 for 40ml and doesn’t offer as much value for money as the full-sized product, but nevertheless is a good way to find out if this product can be part of your regular routine. Available for sale at Huda Beauty with free domestic shipping over US$ 60.
Timeless Vitamin C serum
This is a 20% Vitamin C serum, which by itself is notoriously unstable. However, the addition of Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E and the airless pump device this comes in are designed to make this stable. At US$ 27 for 30ml, you really don’t have much to lose. Therefore, if you have been dying (metaphorically speaking) to try a Vitamin C serum, this is an excellent (and affordable) option.
Available for sale at timeless skin care with worldwide shipping and free shipping in the USA
Timeless Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C serum
Hyaluronic Acid serums are expensive. This is a cheap product that does not break the bank in deciding whether or not you want to add HA to your routine.
Available for sale at timeless skin care with worldwide shipping and free shipping in the USA
Ordinary 100% Organic cold-pressed Argan Seed Oil
This product may stink to high heaven but at US$ 8 for 30ml, you will not get a cheaper and more effective Argan oil on the market. Argan oil is a multi-purpose oil – you can use it on your hair, hands, nails, face or body.
Available at the Ordinary website.
Pacifica skincare
The best product from this brand is their heavily fragranced Tahitian Gardenia anything…
This body butter is US$15 for 240ml. It is excellent value for money. Available for sale at Pacific Beauty with currently, a free shipping offer over US$50.
I also love this hair mist (US$ 12), because for some reason, I spend a lot of time sniffing my hair.
Sunbum lipcare with SPF
Personally, I find applying an SPF lipcare product really difficult. But if you think about it, it is a no-brainer: your lips have the thinnest layer of skin on your face and show signs of aging before any other body part. I discovered sumbum about 3 years ago and its the brand that introduced me to SPF care for my lips.
Lip balm typically costs US$ 4 and they come in many different flavours (aloe vera, banana, strawberry etc)
Any face mask from fresh cosmetics
These are my favourites
Rose Face Mask
This mask is great for calming skin down. The 30ml size comes in at U$25. Available at the fresh website.
Vitamin Nectar Glow Face Mask
This is a skin brightening face mask and I have not met an Indian who doesn’t love this. Its smell (Seville marmalade) may have something to do with it. The 30ml size comes in at US$ 27. Free standard shipping over US$ 50 on the fresh website
If you have any favourites, drop me a line. Otherwise, au revoir
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