Why you should spend a little more on these beauty products (and those you can save on)

When it comes to skincare, do you take the high (price) road or the low? In this regard, cleansers are always a curly question as they are on your face so briefly before being washed away. Still, take a minute to lovingly massage it in, boosting circulation as you clean.

At the high end, Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm ($128) has a super-dose of vitamin E, which also gives luxurious slippage. At the more economical end of the spectrum, Palmers Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil for Face ($17) is infused with grapeseed, rosehip and jojoba oils plus vitamin C to gently dissolve dirt without stripping the skin.

Next step: serums. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum ($207) is based on Japanese bio-fermentation technology and contains camellia seed extract to boost collagen production and suppress inflammation – a game-changer. The more affordable Essano Advanced Brightening Serum ($15) is great for illuminating and moisturising skin.

As winter looms, lips succumb to an onslaught of dryness and flaking. Reach frequently for Dermal Therapy Lip Balm ($6), which contains clove oil, camphor menthol and urea to exfoliate and soothe. The urea acts as a humectant, helping lips retain moisture and promoting a healthy skin barrier. At the luxe end, we’ve always loved La Mer’s The Lip Polish ($135), a gentle exfoliating balm that refines uneven texture while conditioning dry lips. This is particularly good for apres-ski.

For a pigment-rich glossy lip colour, oils continue to dominate thanks to their no-mirror application. At the higher end, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Chocolate ($48) not only works as it should, it has the added benefit of looking sexy in the hand. At less than half the price, NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip ($20) still boasts a rich texture and great colour pay-off.

With faces taken care of, hands up if you’re guilty of neglecting the rest of your body. For a fragrant indulgence, try Byredo Mojave Ghost Body Wash ($81), which melds woody and floral tones to create a light, warm scent that will last all day. For something more intoxicatingly spicy with a hint of glossy gold, go for Molton Brown Oudh Accord & Gold Bath and Shower Gel ($45).

For a brilliant exfoliant, try Drunk Elephant Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Scrub ($56). Also excellent, but more budget-friendly, is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum ($24) – great for treating acne and improving skin texture.

For a finishing touch, try Oxx Fragrance Beach Bliss Summer Solstice Body Butter ($8), with its caramel, almond and vanilla notes – and a big hydration hit. Or splash out on La Mer The Body Creme ($495), for long-lasting, deep hydration. It’s certainly not cheap, but a little goes a long way.

ASK STEPH

How do I make facial double-cleansing easy?

First apply your favourite cleanser, then wash it off in the shower. Follow up with micellar water on a cotton make-up removal pad to clear away any residue and hydrate your skin. We love Bioderma Sensibio H20 ($23) – one sweep and you’re done.

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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