Get great skin on a budget

Getting perfectly clear, healthy-looking skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are loads of skin care buys out there that can perform just as well as their more expensive counterparts at a fraction of the cost. And, there are even some free (music to your ears?!) tricks and DIY treatments that will work wonders on improving your complexion.

Ready to find out how to get better skin on a budget? Here’s how…

RESIST THE URGE TO SPLURGE

At bh, we’re all for spoiling yourself with expensive beauty products because, really, who can resist a luxe buy every now and then?! But, we also know that there are loads of effective and very affordable skin care buys out there too that are totally worth every cent.

For example, cult favourite Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for all skin types and comes in at only $7.60. Craving a softer complexion? With it's classic NIVEA creme scent, NIVEA Creme Care Cleansing Cream Wash  will leave your skin feeling soft and cared for, for less than a tenner. We also love the budget-friendly L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Refreshing Cleansing Wipes, for an instantly cleansed and refreshed complexion, for only $6.95.

DOUBLE DUTY BEAUTY

Love the look of gorgeous, glowing skin? You don’t have to break the bank with an expensive illuminator. Pop a dollop of your regular facial moisturiser in the palm of your hand and add a couple of drops of any facial oil and a sprinkle of bronzing powder. Mix it together, smooth it over your complexion and you’ve got yourself a brighter, luminous and more hydrated complexion in one simple step.

bh loves: Dove Protective Day Cream SPF 15 ($13.15), Thursday Plantation Nurture Oil ($13.50), Models Prefer Bronzer ($10.99)

RELATED: Double duty beauty hacks

PLAY MIX AND MATCH

If you find that you go through your skin care products at lightening-fast speed, try alternating your beauty buys with some DIY treatments every now and then. For example, use your fave body exfoliator one week, then give your body a scrub with a homemade oat and brown sugar scrub the following week. Mix together some ground oats with brown sugar and lemon juice until you have a paste, massage it over your bod, and then rinse off with warm water to reveal smoother, glowing skin. Cheap and effective!

SAVE YOUR MIND AND BODY

Stress not only takes a toll on your mental health – your body and skin can be impacted too. Your complexion can become sallow, dry and can even break out, so it’s vital that you try your best to take care of your skin during stressful times. Some of the best – and completely free – ways to combat stress are exercising, meditating, taking some ‘me’ time, or simply having some time out to rest and read a book. Try to give your skin a little bit of pampering too with a facial mask for stressed out skin, and take a warm shower using a body wash that contains stress-relieving fragrances like lavender, chamomile or ylang ylang. You’ll be feeling and looking back to normal in no time!

We love these affordable mind and body buys: Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash ($9.99), Skinvitals G-Energise with Ginseng + Ginko Biloba ($9.99 for three sachets)

RELATED: De-stress your skin, stat!

Will you be trying any of these budget skin tips or products? What are your tips for getting great skin on a budget?