After ten years of testing and reviewing skincare, a beauty editor has curated a list of her all-time favourite budget buys, all priced under £10. The selection spans cleansers, lip balms, SPF and foot cream, with prices starting from £4.59.
The budget beauty market has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with many brands now offering products that rival more expensive alternatives. The editor, who has tried hundreds of products, notes that expensive does not always mean better.
Top picks for every skin type
The list includes products from brands such as E45, Nivea, Simple, Byoma and The Ordinary. It covers most skin types, including eczema-prone, acne-prone, dehydrated and dry skin, with items that outperform products costing twice as much.
Among the picks are Bioré 3-in-1 Spot Control Patches (£9.99), which contain hydrocolloid to draw out fluid from whiteheads, and E45 Lips & Dry Skin Balm (£8.99), a multi-purpose product suitable for eczema-prone skin.
Cleansers and treatments under £10
NIVEA 2-in-1 Face Cleanser & Toner (£4.59) is described as a lightweight milky cleanser that removes makeup and SPF, while Simple Micellar Cleansing Water Hydrate+ (£7.65) is praised for not leaving skin feeling tight.
BYOMA Blemish Clearing Paste (£10) contains salicylic acid, kaolin clay, camphor and kojic acid, and leaves a smooth matte finish. Superdrug's B. Melting Cleansing Balm (£7) is offered as a budget alternative to luxury cleansing balms costing upwards of £40.
Sun protection and finishing touches
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ (£9.99) is described as hydrating, fast-absorbing and free of white cast, and does not exacerbate acne-prone or rosacea-ridden skin. CCS Foot Care Cream (£9.50) contains 10% urea and eucalyptus oil, and is said to transform cracked heels within two days.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (£8.30) is a moisturising cleansing balm rich in squalane, which balances oil production and is anti-inflammatory. The full list is available on the Metro website.
