Facial in a bottle: Best under $70 hydrating skincare from Guardian

Apart from the harsh environmental conditions we subject our skin to – from the hot and humid outdoors to the dry and cold air-conditioned indoors, we are also prone to moisture loss and dryness as Asian women naturally have a weaker skin barrier compared to their Western counterpart (based on studies published in the Journal of Dermatological Science). Hence, our skin is more susceptible to damage by external stimulation, making it more prone to dehydration.

That is why it is extremely important to deeply moisturise our skin from within. One of the best (and quickest) ways to keep dry flaky skin at bay is to moisturise, day in and day out, with lotions, essences, sheet masks and facial mists. 

Sure, you can grab any old formula off the rack and hope for the best, but an even better than that is to check out our list of tried-and-tested skincare that won the seal of approval of the panel of esteemed judges of the 2018 Guardian Beauty & Health Awards as well as crowd favourites. 

Here are the best hydrating products tested for the Guardian Beauty & Health Awards that will nourish the skin and leave the skin looking plump, firm and supple. In this list, we’ve also included products that will work for those with oily skin. 

For the full list of winning products, visit https://www.guardian.com.sg/hba-awards

Photo: SM Town/Facebook 

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All of Avène’s products are made with thermal spring water, which means you already know this soothing facial mist – formulated with anti-inflammatory silicates is good for you skin.

All of the products from Avène are also dermatologist backed and extensively and clinically tested on the skin so they are perfect for those with sensitive skin.

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Made with thermal spring water and rich in nutrients and antioxidants, this facial mist can also be used to set makeup. This gentle, irritation calming mist is also ideal for those with sensitive skin because it soothes the skin without weighing it down. It’s a perfect post-flight or work out pick-me-up.

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This sheet is made from patented Tencel cellulose fiber that is soaked in a serum made of bird’s nest extract. People who suffer from tight and dry skin will love the soothing effect of this mask that plumps up and firms skin while providing a heavy dose of moisture.

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This budget friendly option from Taiwanese skincare brand My Beauty Diary is surprisingly effective. There are plenty of types to choose from the brand, but this one harnesses the hydration properties of Hyaluronic Acid to leave the skin intensely hydrated and brighter.

You can use it as a step in your skincare routine before an important event to keep your skin looking fresh and well-rested even underneath your makeup.

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This refined oil glides onto the skin and leaves a matte finish that is great for makeup application afterwards. Made with organic jojoba and argan oil, this face oil is rich enough to be used by itself or can be added into a face cream for a more comforting texture.

It also helps to impart a nice glow, while plumping and smoothing out fine lines with ingredients like organic sea buckthorn oil and mineral-rich mica.

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Easily absorbed, and made with skin-loving ingredients like thermal spring water, myrtus extract and pre-tocopheryl, it quickly hydrates drier sensitive skin without a heavy after-feel. 

Perfect for Singapore’s humid clime, this lightweight moisturiser is enriched with pumpkin seed oil that mattifies the face and keeps the skin’s sebum production levels under control so you won’t have to worry about looking like a grease ball. It is also non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

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The state of equilibrium means not having too much of anything, including water – the key to good skin health. This cream helps sensitive skin to maintain an ideal moisture balance.

Coupled with a hydro-thermal complex, it replenishes moisture in the skin barrier to protect it from external environmental aggressors.

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This jelly-like moisturiser has an ultra-refreshing texture that melts upon contact with the skin without leaving a sticky residue.

Great for sensitive complexions, this moisturiser has an anti-irritant complex and antioxidant rich vitamin E and olive oil extracts to soothe inflammation and boost skin repair. It also balances the oily t-zone so your complexion looks fresh and oil-free all day without compromising on hydration.

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Gel formulas like this one have quickly earned a reputation as the perfect moisturiser for those with oily skin because gels typically don’t feel greasy. This dermatologically tested one is also great for sensitive and dry skin.

Upon application, it leaves a cooling sensation on the skin and can be applied multiple times a day without making you feel like you are piling on too much product and clogging your pores thanks to its non-comedogenic and oil free formula.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this moisturiser leaves the skin feeling thoroughly hydrated and dries down to a matte finish so it’s great under makeup. Nothing is going to slip and slide on top of this stuff.

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Another option for those with oily skin, this lightweight moisturiser that contains three types of hydrating hyaluronic acid comes with a formula that absorbs easily into skin.

The water gel also balances the skin’s oil to water ratio, which helps to keep excess oil and sebum at bay.

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When it comes to ingredients in skincare, less is always more. It’s always nice to be able to scan through at a glance and actually know what they are without having to Google.

This serum packs a punch with less than 12 ingredients and one of the ingredients in the serum is the brand’s mineral-rich thermal water. The ingredient is present in a high concentration of 89 per cent that makes skin stronger and boosts its regeneration process.

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This alcohol, fragrance, colorants and mineral oil free essence is made with a unique Moist24 technology that promises to provide continuous moisture for 24 hours.

Less like a lotion and more like a super thin, ultra-lightweight liquid, this essence sinks into the skin to deeply moisturise it, leaving it plump and dewy.

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