The best cleanser and moisturiser on a budget?

[cheshcat]

I need to buy new beauty products (cleanser and moisturiser) without spending a fortune. I use to use Clinique but have just run out. Any recommendations?

Astral stings me

That's a pity Dame- but isn't it so funny how different people's skin is? Astral is the only moisturiser that doesn't sting me...Nivea, (the one everyone was raving about upthread) Olay, posh stuff, organic stuff, even coconut oil, all stings and brings me out in a rash. I can't use toner or any of that sort of thing, at all

I have been totally converted to aldi lacura stuff - it's really nice and REALLY cheap. I also love the body shop vitamin e range, as well as superdrug's. When I'm in the money I go for clinique things too - so if I were you I would spend £3 on the aldi range and spend what I saved on beauty flash balm (I've never been a budgeter!)

If you have one close by, have a look at the TK Maxx skincare items. It is a mixed bag but you can often get something nice in that line with an outrageous price tag for 4-5 pounds.

I'm going to take a look at Asda's Nspa range. I've always walked past their section without a second glance, but now I'm intrigued.

Is there any need for toner these days? I use Superdrug Naturally Radiant hot cloth cleanser followed by a wash off Simple foaming cleanser and then moisturise with Superdrug Naturally Radiant moisturiser. I can't see the need for toner amongst that lot.

I can honestly say that my skin cannot tell the difference between a £30 face cream and one at less than a fiver, so I don't see the point in wasting money on a more expensive one.

Definitely Aldi Lacura creams!! They are the bargain of the century. I've swapped from using Clinique and Creme de la Mer and my skin has never been better.

Simple from most supermarkets is lovely, and obviously great for sensitive skin.

bunbaker Can i ask what the naturally radiant moisturiser is like? I've been so impressed with the hot cloth cleanser and do need a new moisturiser but dont want to waste any more money?

I dont use toner either? Ive never actually known what it was meant to do anyway?

honeypie Toners generally sooth and refreshen skin, remove left over traces of cleanser and make up -all residue, and often tighten skin and close pores up. There are different types though. If you use a cleanser you should really use a toner (the skincare guru everyone talks about on here will say the same!)

I like to use a traditional rose water one with glycerine in it. Cheap as chips and helps the skin keep moisture

I tend to use Simple as well. I can usually pick it up for around £2 a bottle from Home Bargains or Savers.

I have the 2-in-1 moisturiser and serum and the night cream and they are both excellent. I don't have sensitive skin so for me it is pointless to use anything expensive.

Oh and I am nearly 56 and look younger.

Having had a quick google, it looks like toners aren't necessary these days unless you have very oily skin. And even then it is debatable.

Cerave cleanser is very nice ime but not necessarily very cheap, but Aldi night and day moisturisers are great and you get a lot for your money. DD3 uses Nivea (blue tub) and loves it.

Not all toners are for oily skin Bunbaker I have dry, sensitive skin and always use a toner but one that's for refreshing and helping with moisture rather than an astringent toner which is for oily or spotty skin.

Have to say my skin is always better when using a toner, guess the one I use just helps with keeping moisture in

Coconut oil + face cloth.

I also saw the Steamcream recommended here and got a tin - I usually use Clarins Blue Orchid Oil or Liz Earle Superskin, but I'm loving this now. Warning, it smells a lot of lavender, which I like but some people object to. Has worked wonders on my skin.

Coconut oil massaged in and taken off with a hot flannel is a brilliant cleanser - I have converted some friends away from very expensive brands to this.

I have recently discovered the Boots Organics range (balm cleanser, moisturiser and facial oil) as needed to cut my beauty budget - these are great quality and no nasty chemicals, so great if pregnant or breastfeeding - or just don't like nasty chemicals!

I used the Aldi serums and moisturiser one a couple of years back (a blue oceanic smell, was lovely ) BUT when I was driving it made my eyes sting and water like I'd been poked in both eyes.
I didn't dare rub my eyes in case it went onto my hand and even more into my eyes.
It was very scary and put me 100% right off putting it on my face, though fine on my neck (provided I didn't stand on my head and sweat into my eyes)

I read some reviews of the Liz Earle Superskin that it smells of fish vom, though as a cruelty free product I'm sure there's no actual fish in it .

Aloe range fri. The Body Shop for me too

The Lidl moisturiser- blue one. I wash with emollient cream and warm water. Dead cheap, great cleansing and no tight feeling.

I bought the Lidl Cien Q10 cream a few weeks ago and I love it!Not as thick as other anti wrinkle stuff so it soaks in nicely.Only £1.99!

I've found the Lidl and Aldi skincare stuff to be quite heavily scented - smells like a cheap clothes powder to me. It's a shame as the products aren't too bad otherwise.

The Lidl CC cream isn't too heavily scented but don't get it anywhere near your eyes.

Pores don't open and close
Toners can be
Moisturising - so things with softening extracts in them like Royal jelly, aloe Vera, chamomile etc
Exfoliating - glycolic or other acids, so a chemical rather than physical toner (pixi glow tonic, bravura, clarins exfoliating)
If you cleanse well enough you shouldn't need one to get rid of any last traces, but the new ones aren't like the old toners they are more of a treatment

Another vote for the Superdrug hot cloth cleanser. I have recently tried it as an alternative to Liz Earle. Much much cheaper and as good IMO. Surprised but converted.

And Avene moisturiser - one for the day and the tub one for night.