10 under $50 drugstore skincare products to try

Biore 3 Fusion Milk Cleansing Makeup Remover, $14.90

1/10

Want healthy looking skin? Then make sure you don’t go to bed with your makeup or sunscreen on. This makeup remover boasts a three-layer formula including milk cleansing, lotion and powder layers to sweep out all the grease and grime that are accumulated on the skin throughout the day. The best part? It does all the heavy cleaning without leaving your face uncomfortably tight.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Base Makeup, $49.90

2/10

By now, you should already know better than to skip your sunscreen whenever you’re heading outdoors. On days when you wish to wear some light makeup, reach for this 2-in-1 sunscreen and makeup base. Its sweat-proof formula minimises the risks of looking like a hot mess in Singapore’s sauna-like weather, while its compact packaging means you can do quick touch ups on-the-go.

Dr.Wu Intensive Hydrating Essence Toner (Light), $49.90

3/10

Hyaluronic acid has been a hero ingredient in the skincare world because of its supreme moisturising effects. It also has water-binding abilities, meaning it acts like a sponge to keep our skin plump. This essence toner contains molecule hyaluronic acid, making it easy for our skin to absorb all the goodness.

AHC Minimal 10 Watery Essence, $48

4/10

Is your skin constantly acting up? Notice redness, peeling or other signs of irritation? It might be your skin telling you it’s feeling well, sensitive. Enter this toner that contains 10 natural ingredients, and one of which is Centella Asiatica which has brilliant anti-inflammatory properties, assisting our skin in getting its health back on track.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water, $41.90

5/10

If cleansing oils feel too greasy and slippery for your liking, consider using micellar water to remove your makeup and sunscreen. This one by Bioderma is an all-time favourite of ours because it’s super gentle (read: no skin redness!), it feels exactly like water (in fact, it’s made of highly purified water), and it doesn’t sting the eyes (thank goodness).

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, $37

6/10

Skin’s feeling lacklustre? Bothered by blackheads? Maybe maskne has taken a turn for the worse lately. You can continue living with them or you can turn to this moisturising toner pad for help. Each piece is soaked with salicylic acid to help dislodge the nasties that are trapped inside your facial pores. Use the embossed side to iron out small bumps, followed by the silky side to ensure that your skin absorbs the toner.

Hada Labo Kouji Cleansing Foam, $19.90

7/10

As part of the sake making process, Japanese brewers sink their hands into steamed rice, moulding and mixing them meticulously to turn them into kouji. The process can be long and hard but interestingly, it also gives brewers soft and smooth hands. This inspired Hada Labo’s Kouji line, featuring hydrolysed rice extract which is packed with vitamins and moisturising properties. The radiance-giving cleanser here promises a thorough cleanse without zapping the moisture from your skin.

Derma E Firming DMAE Serum, $35.70

8/10

Anti-ageing products might have a bad rep of feeling heavy and thick, which might end up suffocating our poor pores. The solution? Go for a light texture serum, such as this silky version so that your skin won’t feel burdened. Concocted with antioxidant-rich alpha lipoic acid and calming lemongrass, it’s a light yet nourishing serum that keeps skin looking toned and supple.

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen

9/10

A good sunscreen should protect your skin against UV rays, not leave any shine or ghastly white cast, and be a dream to apply on your face. Sukin’s sunscreen checks all these boxes while using natural ingredients. The brand even adopts cruelty-free practices and uses recyclable packaging – a sure-win way to attract fans who love beauty as much as they love our environment.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Serum, $46.90

10/10

With the ongoing pandemic, our lives have been upended so it’s not entirely surprising if your skin is having a tough time adapting to the new norm too. If skin redness and tingling sensations have become common in your WFH days, reach for this soothing and hydrating serum. Its star ingredient, Neurosensine, comforts skin and optimises skin barrier to minimise irritation so that you’ll have good skin days ahead.