Broke. Need to downgrade my Estee Lauder DayWear Cream...to what?

[LondonGrimmer]

I'm 43 and perimenopausal. Been using this for years and it's sits so well under my Clinique foundation and was serving me well, until recently.

https://www.allbeauty.com/estee-lauder-moisturiser-daywear-multi-protection-anti-oxidant-24h-moisture-creme-spf15-dry-skin-50ml/11141583.html

I'm having a bout of cystic acne on my chin (awaiting some topical solution from GP) and am currently not working, so looking for a more budget friendly option.

Any ideas please? Been trialling the Cerave face cream with SPF30 in it (20% off at Boots atm) but it's like pure sun cream- too heavy and greasy (realise that's probably down to the spf, perhaps I should stick to factor 15?).

@LondonGrimmer Olay isn't really heavy. Their Vit C one is a gel and quite 'wet' rather than creamy. They do a fragrance free version of Regenerist which I buy.

Have you seen a dermatologist about your acne?

It is sometimes worth it because it may need medical treatment.

A friend of mine had acne and used Roaccutane (saw a dermo) and was told that all the creams in the world wouldn't help/ make it worse, whatever.

I would go for an oil free moisturiser and add in a hyalonuric acid booster (sorry about my spelling)

I use dermalogica active moist -not that cheap but lasts for ages. Or lots of cheaper similar oil free versions around eg la Roche posey. My booster is a fiver from tesco

Have a look on Vinted. Lots of people selling gift sets with the little mini pots inside. I use mostly Estee Lauder skincare but it's all in tiny bottles from vinted!

Yes, I’m using it again now. I have never found anything that suits my skin as much, whether in my 20s or (now) late 40s. Sometimes Boots will have a discount but I too wait for GWP as it’s normally a ANR in there, and I like that a lot. I’ve branched out from EL on make up but I somehow justify the cost of the skincare!

EL tests on animals, just think of a poor bunny getting cream shoved in its eye, that’ll make the switch much easier!

I wouldn't bother with the SPF15. You have to wear a whole lot more product than you would be applying as moisturiser. You're most likely not even getting SPF6 if you are applying what most people would apply as a moisturiser so it's not worth factoring in to your cream.

This is the first time I have loved a face cream enough to rebuy! (Italian packaging but I guess it's everywhere).

I love Lumene nigh cream

It's between 20-30

FYI, The Ordinary products are stocked by Boots and John Lewis (and likely others).

I also really like the Nivea Q10 day and night moisturisers. I add a drop of (The Ordinary) hyaluronic acid to the daydream.

Clinique Dramatically Different gave me horrendous cystic acne years ago. Even if you are not putting it on your chin it will migrate and be on your pillows etc so maybe give that a break for a bit and see if it helps.

Spf in moisturiser is never enough as to get the actual coverage you need you would need to apply a LOT of the product. So you are always better buying a basic moisturiser and using a separate spf. There are lots of really nice light ones now that don’t feel heavy or like using sun cream.

Elf Holy Hydration gets good reviews as a moisturiser I think.

I’d definitely look at La Roche Posay as it has different ranges for different skin conditions/ issues .

I use Cerave but the one without SPF for the same reasons you don't like it.

I downgraded from that very EL moisturiser when it climbed above £30 and I just couldn't bring myself to do it any more. I bought Superdrug Naturally Radiant Day Cream (anywhere between £4 and £6, depending what offer is on) and haven't looked back. Although nothing can replace that lovely cucumber smell....

Just been to Boots and they have this on offer 1/2 price - so £9.99. Very tempted...

I've got some Superdrug eye gel that I'm happy with, actually, so may give this one a go too - thanks.

Thanks, I'm going to use the Cerave SPF50 cream over the top of my makeup if I'm out in the sun a lot/on holiday/in the summer.

Weirdly, despite it only having SPF15, I've seldom caught the sun whilst wearing the EL DayWear stuff. Might have something to do with living in England though ;-)

I can’t imagine using the Cerave factor 50 over makeup really. Use a factor 50 under your make up and top up with a spray if you feel it’s needed. That’s what I do.

I use Aldi's more expensive offering, £5 or there abouts and can't tell the difference from luxury ones

The price of face creams has rocketed recently. It's worth keeping an eye on Boots. Their loyalty scheme is pretty good (especially for double points events) and occasionally they have amazing deals on their "premium beauty" brands. There are often 20% off promotions and last year they did a 3-for-2 when I did a major stock-up to see me through a good chunk of the year. And I have just now "bought" my favourite serum by using points alone.

So OP save the Ester Lauder pot and just refill it with your cream of choice. I've realised that for me anyway, it's packaging more than product that draws me to it and gives me a dopamine hit.

Get it! I am in the sun a lot and it has saved my skin!

Sali Hughes without a doubt. Absolutely brilliant range. Each item costs £13-15.
I was a big fan of Clarins until I retired then I had to cut back. Fantastic skincare from Sali Hughes.

I can't imagine how using cream over make up would work. I use a spray, Bondi Beach sensitive is brilliant and totally transparent.

Sorry, should have said I'll probably use the SPF50 Cerave stuff when I'm not wearing makeup! I don't wear foundation every day. Guess I can also use it up on the kids if needs be.

I use Superdrug's Vitamin E range which has SPF 15.

I've also tried the Aveeno facial moisturiser and it is really nice, but I don't think they do an SPF version so you'd need sunscreen on top.