Best budget-friendly skincare products at Guardian we're eyeing this year-end season
Double- or triple-duty skincare at wallet-loving prices -- that's the self-care treat we've been waiting for
By Ho Guo Xiong -
With continued restrictions on group gatherings, dining out and travel, it can be difficult to see the silver lining during this pandemic period. After all, almost 70% of Singapore's workforce found 2021 to be the most stressful year ever, according to a recent survey by computer software firm Oracle. The survey also noted that markers of success have changed since the pandemic, with work-life balance and mental health being the key focuses now.
Without doubt, our self-care needs have intensified over the past year. Spending quality time to satisfy and enrich ourselves mentally and physically is now the top priority, whether that means meditation or yoga every morning to start the day grounded, preparing nutritious meals while working from home, or a pampering night masking routine before bedtime. At the moment, #skincare and #self-care hashtags garner over 87 million and 54 million posts respectively on Instagram -- that speaks volumes about their importance in this turbulent period.
Of course, we can't talk about self-care and skincare without mentioning Guardian, our comfort shopping destination for all things health and beauty. Offering more than 2,800 curated health and beauty products, and with more than 100 stores around the island plus an established online store, Guardian is the one-stop shop for many items on our self-care list. For instance, our favourite hair, skincare and makeup products, credibly-sourced vitamins and supplements, and OTC meds for various ailments, on top of household essentials such as first aid items, Covid-19 test kits and sanitisers for every purpose.
Another reason why we love shopping at Guardian: We get to meet our self-care needs without worrying about breaking the bank, thanks to the budget-friendly prices all year round.
While any time is a good time to discover and stock up on products at Guardian, this year-end season is especially alluring as Guardian is rolling out special promotions in every week of November, starting with a skincare and cosmetics promotion from November 4 to 11. Pulse racing yet? Go ahead, mark your calendar.
November 4 to 11: Skincare and cosmetics promotion
Expect enticing discounts of about 30% off top-selling skincare products such as Hada Labo lotion and Dear Klairs vitamin E mask, plus one-for-one deals for glow-giving products you've always wanted to try.
Keep scrolling to check out our best skincare recommendations for this sales period, plus insider tips and tricks to maximise them. Now, this is value for money at the next level.
P.S.: From November 4 to 11, you can get your hands on the highly raved Ogawa Massage Pillow at $19.90 (U.P. $69.90) with a minimum spend of $80 in a single receipt. Terms and conditions apply, while stocks last.
Best budget-friendly skincare products at Guardian, plus tips to use them
Savings: 30% off
This derm-approved lightweight serum contains two types of hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps fine lines, plus panthenol (vitamin B5) that repairs and strengthens your skin's barrier.
Editor's tip: To maximise the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid, apply the serum directly onto freshly washed face that hasn't been patted dry. Extend the serum's use by applying it to oft-overlooked parts of the body such as the neck, elbows, knees and heels that deserve TLC too. For a nourishing scalp treatment (hyaluronic acid benefits the hair and scalp as well!), massage a couple of drops into your scalp, and leave it on for about 10 minutes or overnight before washing it out.
Buy it here.
Savings: 30% off
A cult favourite that needs little introduction, this Hada Labo lotion makes use of four sizes of hyaluronic acid to penetrate and hydrate different layers of the skin. They work in conjunction with hydrating amino acid and reparative ceramides.
Editor's tip: Soak a few pieces of cotton pads with the lotion before placing them onto your face for a quick DIY face mask. We love putting the lotion in the fridge a few hours before using, for an ultimate cooling remedy on a hot, hot day.
Buy it here. (This product is currently out of stock.)
Savings: 30% off
This Cetaphil wash employs the mild surfactant zinc coceth sulfate to cleanse gently yet effectively. The result is skin that's well-cleaned but not stripped of its natural oils.
Editor's tip: This foam wash is great for clearing up backne too, so feel free to use it on your body as well.
Buy it here.
Savings: 30% off
Clinically shown to deliver intense hydration that lasts for 24 hours, this fragrance-free moisturising cream boasts Aveeno's proprietary Triple Oat Complex that works in tandem with ceramides to ensure that dry and sensitive skin is soothed, moisturised and repaired. No wonder it's recommended by derms.
Editor's tip: Besides using it as a body moisturiser, the Aveeno cream can double up as a hand cream, especially when your hands are dry from frequent sanitising and washing chores. You can also use it as a heel cream to soften and repair dry, cracked heels. To get extra mileage, wear a pair of gloves and socks after application to help lock in the moisture.
Buy it here.
Savings: 50% off
Free from fragrance, colourants, lanolin and propylene glycol, this low-irritant, pH-balanced moisturiser contains petrolatum and paraffin to seal in moisture and stave off dryness.
Editor's tip: Ran out of shaving cream? Simply apply the cream without rubbing it into your skin, and shave as usual. Then, rinse off and apply another layer of lotion to moisturise as per usual.
Buy it here.
Savings: 50% off
A potent blend of vitamin C, E, niacinamide (B3), hyaluronic acid and ceramides go into this hydrating overnight mask that can also function as a makeup primer. Use it daily for skin that's moisturised, brightened and plumped up.
Editor's tip: If your skin feels a little dry in the morning, try flash masking. Apply a thicker-than-usual layer and leave it on for about 5 minutes before wiping off the excess with clean facial tissue. Layer with sunscreen and makeup after.
Buy it here.
Buy one, free one
This cellulose sheet mask is a powerhouse of ingredients to turbocharge your glowing skin routine: five types of hyaluronic acid to deliver and lock in moisture, three types of peptides to boost skin's elasticity, Aquaxyl to improve moisture retention and strengthen skin's barrier, panthenol to promote cell growth, and allantoin to soothe dry and damaged skin.
Editor's tip: While it is tempting to fall asleep with the sheet mask on, especially after a long day, you'll want to avoid that. When the sheet mask fully dries on your skin, it can actually suck up moisture from your skin and defeat the purpose of masking in the first place. Instead, set an alarm for 15 to 20 minutes to remind yourself to remove the sheet mask. Rub the excess serum all over your body for brighter, softer skin.
Buy it here.
Buy one, free one
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are employed in this peeling mask to gently exfoliate the skin within 30 seconds of application. Seven types of hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C complex then work to hydrate and brighten the skin.
Editor's tip: If you often struggle with cakey makeup, try gently exfoliating with this Aprilskin peeling gel to remove excess dead skin before makeup application. Apply a thin layer and let the mask sit for 30 seconds before peeling off. Finally, go about your usual morning skincare and makeup routine.
Buy it here.
November 4 to 11: Hot makeup deals at Guardian
While skincare shopping, you might want to enjoy these makeup promos* too.
Silky Girl: $5 off with mininum $20 spend
Maybelline: $3 off with mininum $25 spend
EyeCrown/Tsome/MakeHeal/Peelosoft: $8 off with mininum $40 spend
Revlon: $4 off with mininum $48 spend
L’oreal Paris Makeup: $3 off with mininum $25 spend
Muse & Co: $4 off with mininum $40 spend
Sally Hansen: $8 off with mininum $28 spend
*The above promotions are available online and at Guardian stores from November 4 to 11.