The fabulously brilliant Sali Hughes (beauty columnist at the Guardian newspaper) recently published “best of” lists that are under £20 (or US$ 26/ INR 1,900/ AED 100).
The “best of” any list is quite subjective and more than one such list can (and should exist). As I read her column it occurred to me, that my readers are global citizens.
They have access to a plethora of skincare products and not just the British high street. Irrespective of whether I buy products locally (where there is a mark-up) or import products (which is cheaper), I have access to formidably more skincare products than Sali Hughes does.
Therefore, here is my “best of” list of ten products under £20. (As the products are not hideously expensive, I am ignoring the presence of harmful chemicals such as parabens and Oxybenzone. However, my generosity does not extend to sulphate based cleansers).
1) La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands
At 4% Niacinamide and 30% glycerin, this is by far one of the best barrier repair creams I have used. I am convinced that my hands have survived the harsh Dettol and excessive cleansing at the start of the pandemic due to this barrier cream.
Available at most pharmacies. Currently, priced at £7.50 for 50ml
(see also: The critical importance of glycerin in skincare? Ingredient focus: Niacinamide)
2) Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Body Lotion
Admittedly, the smell of cocoa butter is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, I love the hydrating effect of this body lotion. Also, unlike more expensive body lotions, I love the fact that you don’t have to spend hours blending in the product.
While I have never been pregnant, my go-to-body oil is the Stretch Marks formula ($9 for 100ml ) from the same brand.
Available at most supermarkets. Currently priced at $8 for 250ml where I live.
3) Bio-oil for scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone
I was introduced to Bio-oil in my twenties on a trip to South Africa. I was overweight and kept getting hormonal acne.
The bane of my life at that time was acne scarring.
However, Bio-oil without doubt helps. It works best on new scars: rub and push the oil into the scar and on average, use the product at least 2-3 times a day.
Available at most pharmacies. Currently, priced at £18 for 200ml
4) Forest Essentials’ soaps (INR 595 for 125g)
The best soaps I have used are Forest Essentials’ silk soaps, which contrary to what you may think, last forever.
However, I find it difficult to justify the price to myself of such expensive soaps (still under £20 or INR 750 for 100g). Daily, I use either the Bengal Tuberose or Iced Pomegranate & Kerala Lime soap. Although, with Forest Essentials’ new hideous packaging, sun visors are advisable.
Available at Forest Essentials website. Currently, priced at INR 595 for 125g.
5) Forest Essentials’ body lotion
I recently tested Forest Essentials’ newest offering, Neem & Aloe Vera, whose fragrance is not really for me. However, I would find life less bearable without the delicate scent of Mashobra Honey & Vanilla Body lotion
What is lovely about this lotion is its made of cold-pressed almond and apricot kernel oil, so you are are getting excellent moisturizing benefits from this product.
I have used over 30 different types of body lotions over the past few years. (I may have a fetish). I cannot stress to you, how impressive it is that this product is both a light-weight texture and readily absorbed into the skin. This product is designed places with a hot climate such as Dubai and most parts of India.
Available at Forest Essentials website. Currently, priced at INR 1,350 for 200ml.
6) Kama Ayurveda’s sweet almond oil
No Indian household is complete without a constant supply of hair oil. This oil is a cold-pressed product, and quite frankly, I had under-estimated its potency.
My 3-year-old niece has wispy hair (and that is a generous description of her locks). To encourage hair growth, her parents started to apply this product 2-3 times a week.
After week 3, they stopped as wispy queen had grown so much hair on her forehead; it had reduced by about 20%.
I have warned you – use this oil with caution.
Available at Nykaa India (100ml for INR 1,195)
7) Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodarant
I am paranoid of deodorant, as I am sure most women are. This deodorant has fairly decent ingredients, which alleviates my concerns of developing breast cancer.
Thankfully, I don’t profusely sweat, but when I do, I turn to this. I’ll admit its less than ideal, and if you do sweat a lot, this is not for you.
Available at net-a-porter. Currently priced at £16 for 50g
8) Sally Hansen Nail hardener
I am not sure why I hadn’t discovered this product before, but it is an absolute Godsend, especially if you have brittle nails. I always use this on top of a nail colour, because quite frankly I am a bit of a chicken.
I don’t want to know what’s inside a product that makes my nails so viciously hard. And they are almost unbreakable.
Available at most pharmacies for under $5
9) Forest Essentials’ Japapatti & Brahmi shampoo
This shampoo is sulphate-free shampoo, and I have been using it for the past 12 months. I have a complicated relationship with this product. My first few washes were an absolute disaster in terms of hair loss, as my scalped adjusted to the no-sulphate component. Daily, I still struggle with the fact that this is a non-foaming, strong shampoo. One only needs a 50p amount, and it helps if you dissolve that amount in water before you apply it to your hair.
When I get it right, this is a brilliant shampoo. However, when I get it wrong- which is more often then I care to admit, then this shampoo makes my hair very dry. But I am not in a rush to switch. 😊
Available for sale at Forest Essentials website. Priced at INR 1,225 for 200ml
10) Yo wishful enzyme scrub
I am pretty sure that Huda Kattan did not intend this product to be used as a multi-purpose exfoliator. Tough. I use this scrub on my feet, elbows, and everywhere in between. A small amount goes a long way. You do not have to use this product often – once a month on body parts and fortnightly on my feet – works a charm.
Read my review of Yo wishful enzyme scrub here
Available in most beauty shops – Sephora, Cultbeauty etc. Priced at US$ 21 for 40ml