When it comes to my skincare I am very much all over the place, par for the course when you write about beauty I guess. In saying that though, along the way I come across some absolute gems and today I want to share the affordable skincare products that I just love, with you. All of these products are pretty affordable when compared to their high end counterparts, but still deliver great results and have all become “top shelf” dwellers in my bathroom and dressing table.

*If I’ve written a review on a particular product before, their name will be in bold and I will link that article.

In terms of cleansing, there are two products that I really do enjoy; the Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Water and the African Extracts Deep Cleansing Facial Wash (62.99). I’ve chatted about the African Extracts cleanser before, but I really do love it – wonderfully foamy, no need to use a huge amount and my skin feels super cleansed afterwards. I have professed my love for Bioderma Micellar Water (R230.00) before, but I have only recently started using he Hydrabio one and it’s fab! Like the Sensibo, it removes make up like a bomb but I do find that the Hydrabio is ever so slightly more hydrating. Both are really great though. Oh, the one that is pictured here is a travel size, not a full size.

Oily skin gals and those with dehydrated skin, I have a mask for each of you! First up, a burst of hydration with the Aloe Unique Aloe & Honey Gel Mask (R114.00). Let me tell you, this gives high end hydrating gel masks a run for their money and more often than not, wins by a mile. It’s soothing, it’s refreshing and it is incredibly hydrating. I have used it as both a 14 minute mask and a sleeping mask, both with amazing effects. In fact I often use this over my lips during winter to prevent them from chapping.

The second mask that I just adore is the Avène Cleanance Mask (R229.95). I use this clay mask over the areas where I tend to be more oily or break out or as a spot treatment if I have a breakout that just refuses to leave. Not only is this a mask, it’s also a scrub, so once it’s been on my skin for 5 or so minutes, I wet my fingertips and do gentle rotaries over my skin before removing the product all together. I really have found that the Cleanance Mask gives me a mattified look in my more oily areas, and is quite the pro at unclogging my pores. Keeping to the same theme, the L’Oreal Pure Clay Mask (R119.00) for blemishes is excellent as well. This is a more recent addition to the super popular Pure Clay line and I think this blue baby is my favourite. It has a wonderful creamy consistency that is enriched with specific clays and seaweeds to help banish the blemish. I use it pretty much on the same areas that I do the Cleanance mask and it also gives wonderful results. I also find that the Pure Clay delivers a slightly brightening effect which I am always happy to receive!

Next up is a moisturiser that has been a regular on both the blog and my social channels since it launched. Yup, it’s the Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Lotion SPF 25 (R139.95). If you haven’t heard me blab on about this product then let me tell you exactly why I love it: it’s super hydrating but still feels light on my skin, it smells gorgeously fresh and has a good few antioxidants packed into it. If you have normal to dehydrated skin, give this one a go.

If you’re on the lookout for a new SPF, Vichy’s latest offering is pretty flipping amazing. The Vichy Skin Defense Daily Care – Anti-shine Cream (R230.00) comes with an SPF of 50, a whack of hydration and the ability to not leave me looking like an oil slick. It also is not at all heavy on the skin and make up applies perfectly over it. Even better? There’s an SPF mist (yes, a mist for touch ups during the day) and a BB cream in this range. If this SPF is anything to go by, they will be absolute winners as well.

Last but not least I have a the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Tinted Dry Touch Gel-Cream SPF 25 Anti Shine (R230.00). This is one of the best tinted moisturisers that I have ever used, never mind the fact that it has such a high SPF – what a bonus! It dries down pretty quickly and gives a decent amount of coverage and stays demi-matte for the entire day. It’s perfect for those days where you really need to get out the door quickly but still want to look great, it really has become one of my staples and the day that it shows signs of finishing, I will absolutely purchase another one.

There are a ton of other affordable skincare products that I enjoy, but I wanted to show you the cream of the crop, the goodies I don’t think I could live without. What are your favourite products to use that don’t cost a kidney? Let me know in the comments so that I can add them to my ever-growing shopping list!