The Budget Fashionista

I seem to be cursed in that once I find a facial moisturizer I like (that’s in my budget) they seem to stop making it (or it just becomes unavailable at all my usual beauty supply haunts like Target, Walmart, CVS . . . ) For example, loved my Nivea Q10 facial moisturizer—and now can’t find it anywhere. So I’m looking for a new product that’s similarly effective, and also doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Anyone?

I’m not sure what properties the Nivea version had but I have had good luck with Boots brand skin products from Target. I think the moisturizer was $11.

I love Olay Regenerist. I keep coming back again and again in spite of freeby samples of other more expensive brands.

I have tried pretty much all moisturisers out there at every price range.  Two days ago I received Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-lift daily targeted deep wrinkle treatment from a giveaway through Allure Magazine and am very impressed.  You can feel and see a difference right away.  It has only been two days of using it but so far so good.  I did a quick price check and you can find it for $11.99 or get a free sample through www.couponsurfer.com, the site is a little annoying but I guess that’s what you get for free.  On the higher priced side, for apx. $40.00 I like Philosophy Hope in a Jar and for apx. $125.00 I like Zbigatti.  For me free with the results is my choice but good luck.

Nikki Fox
www.retrorecycledvintage.com

Cerave is what my dermatologist swears by.  http://www.cerave.com/ 

Great product. 

It is sold at CVS.

Yet another shameless plug…

Mary Kay makes several moisturizers, and you can get one targeted for your face’s needs. I use the one with sunscreen, and I love it. It’s at least as good as the higher end stuff, but it’s not expensive at all.

Angela, you can find Nivea Q10 products at drugstore.com. If you stock up, shipping will be free and you earn extra dollars for future purchases. I find them cheaper than my local drugstores and on par with Target.

If you have really dry skin in the winter (like me ) - I LOVE the new Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing oil. It is made from natural oils that are light and absorb really quickly into the skin.  There is no greasiness and a little goes a long way ( I think I paid around $10 at Target ) .  I even use it on my jowls and cheeks when they are very dry. Even my husband noticed the first time I put it on…he said my skin was almost as soft as my little ones’. Wow.

Fianally, it is a bit expensive ( $24 - but the bottle lasts me for months ) is Cliniques dramatically different facial cream. This is a layering cream. So you put it on first, let it sink in and then use your regular cream. But boy has this worked for me too.

This may be a little late….I would check out Paula Begoun’s book, Don’t Go To The Cosmetics COunter Without Me (I check it out form the library).  She covers all price points, effectiveness and talks about what ingredients to look for.  You could check out her website, but I think her fully updated reviews cost a little.
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/
Good luck!

One more suggestion even if its late, you may want to take a look at shopping guide for suggested products to help hydrate and ease the symptoms of dry skin at iStorez and also you can find the best beauty product deals around the web.

I’ve tried TONS of moisturizers (seriously, I’m best friends with the ladies at the Chanel counter and my local girls at Sephora…they keep me satiated on tons of higher end moisturizers!)

The only high-end products I would shell money out for would be the bare escentuals new moisturizer or chanel moisturizer (i don’t normally believe more money = better product, but with chanel, their products are AMAZING).

I’ve had reeeeeeeeally good luck with Aveeno positively radiant spt 30. It smells a little (ok, a LOT) like sunscreen, but it does the trick and actually leaves my skin soft and lovely. Neutrogena makes super amazing products (just as good as their department store counterparts). I particularly loved the Anti-Oxidandent/Age Reverse line.

But my new HG find is Biore’a (and i usually HATE their products) new dual Fusion moisturizer. It has spf, doesn’t clog my pores, gives my skin enough moisture and leaves it all dewy and pretty. And at 12 bucks per bottle, will hardly break the bank. Definitely worth a look!

staceyd - 15 July 2009 07:08 PM

But my new HG find is Biore’a (and i usually HATE their products) new dual Fusion moisturizer. It has spf, doesn’t clog my pores, gives my skin enough moisture and leaves it all dewy and pretty. And at 12 bucks per bottle, will hardly break the bank. Definitely worth a look!

Wow, I didn’t expect that, either! It sounds like I need to do some CVS shopping. My best find this year was Bio Oil—it obliterates stretch marks, and costs less than $10 for a two-month supply.

I use Olay moisturizing lotion. It’s the pink bottle with a black screw cap. It works wonders and it’s quite affordable too. Give it a try.