Amazing skincare essentials that you can grab for under $20!

Many of us can admit to splurging on beauty and self-care products every now and again. In fact, data shows Australian women spend, on average, a staggering $3,600 on beauty products and services every year. But between rising living costs, summer vacations to book, and the festive season looming ever closer, it’s no wonder many of us are becoming more careful with our spending.

If skincare is your thing, you’ll know how pricey certain products can be – and while it’s tempting to splash in the name of self-care, it’s definitely possible to get that luxe feel without the painful price tag.

When it comes to skincare and beauty essentials, you might be surprised to learn your local pharmacy has some hidden gems. Read on to find out the must-have skincare items, from sunscreen to face mist, that skincare-lovers can pick up at the pharmacy for under $20.

Sunscreen

An absolute non-negotiable, yet it can be hard to find one that delivers high protection without feeling sticky, greasy or heavy, or that leaves a white sheen. Chemists’ Own Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ goes on light and sinks into the skin, leaving it dry to the touch. It’s Australian made, broad spectrum, and water resistant for up to 4 hours.

Chemists’ Own Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ at Pharmacy Direct

Face & body moisturizer

Moisturiser is a staple skincare item, both for face and body. Especially as the weather warms up, keeping skin hydrated is important to prevent dryness, flaking and irritation caused by sun exposure and air-conditioning. Weleda Skin Food is a cult-favourite for a reason – this deeply hydrating all-over balm contains organic calendula, chamomile, rosemary and wild pansy, along with sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil and organic beeswax to soothe skin and protect against the elements. Find it at your local pharmacy and pharmacy us later.

Weleda Skin Food at Priceline Pharmacy

Cleanser

Cleansers are probably the MVP of skincare products, but luckily you don’t have to empty your savings to find a great one. Popular pharmacy-friendly brand CeraVe has gone viral for its gentle, effective and affordable cleansers which have been developed with dermatologists to cleanse and refresh the skin without over-stripping it or leaving it feeling tight and dry. Check out CeraVe’s cult-favourite Hydrating Cleanser, which features three types of essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and help strengthen the protective skin.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser at Chemist Warehouse

face mist

A good, hydrating face mist is a godsend all year round – great for both AM and PM skincare routines, as well as throughout the day to freshen up, and is gentle on both dry and sensitive skin. Use prior to applying other creams and serums to prep your skin and enable it to absorb active ingredients more effectively. And on particularly hot days, level up by popping it the fridge for a refreshing spritz as needed.

Avène Thermal Spring Water at Chemist Warehouse

Sheet mask

Nothing says ‘Self-care Sunday’ like a sheet mask, especially for skin that’s tired, stressed or just in need of a little TLC. For an affordable, deeply hydrating and biodegradable option, check out Sukin’s range of sheet masks at your local pharmacy. SUKIN’s Deeply Hydrating Sheet Mask uses hyaluronic acid and sea algae to leave the skin looking plump and refreshed, and you can feel good knowing the product is fully regenerated with biodegradable packaging.

SUKIN Hydration Deeply Hydrating Sheet Mask at Priceline Pharmacy

Tinted moisturizer

As we head into summer, a simple tinted moisturizer can be just the thing to help smooth and even your complexion, without feeling too heavy or cakey. There are dozens of options around, but if you’re looking for something both hydrating and skin- Perfecting, Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturiser comes in a wide range of skin tones, is made with 76% natural ingredients and delivers 12-hour hydration while reducing shininess.

Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturiser at Chemist Warehouse

Lip Conditioning Balm

Keeping your lips hydrated and protected from the elements is vital – especially in summer when heat, sun and air-conditioning can cause dryness, stinging and irritation. A nifty lip conditioning balm with added SPF is the way to go to protect and soothe lips, while also adding a natural, barely-there sheen. Blistex Lip Conditioning Balm has Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E to nourish lips, as well as SPF 30 to protect against UV damage. Best of all, it goes on smooth, isn’t sticky, and gives lips a healthy shine.

BLISTEX Lip Conditioning Balm SPF30 at Priceline Pharmacy

Next time you’re looking to stock up on your must-have skincare items, don’t skip your local pharmacy. You’ll likely to be surprised at the luxe look you can achieve without the price tag to match.