A BEAUTY BRAND INTERNS guide to affordable skincare swops

Every time you decide to treat yourself to a new skincare product, but aren't sure what to go for, it quickly becomes clear that there are a MASSIVE amount of brands out there! For skincare shoppers this is great news, as skincare brands need to be really compettive and offer great value for money. It's now really easy to find affordable skincare brands with great quality products, so achieving clearer, glowing skin doesn't come at the expense of emptying your wallet. 

So, how do some of the more expensive skincare cult products stack up against more affordable alternatives? In todays blog our amazing marketing intern Sharon gives us her POV on which Clear Skin Days products she has been using as affordable skincare swops since she joined the team.

The Clear Skin Days Cleanser is a wallet-friendly path to clearer, healthier skin. While Paula's Choice Clear Cleanser is a cult skincare product, I've found that the Clear Skin Days Cleanser offers similar benefits without the high price point. Just like Paula’s Choice, this cleanser is packed with salicylic acid, a powerhouse exfoliator that digs deep into pores to banish blemishes effectively. The Clear Skin Days cleanser also has 2% Glycolic Acid to help unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

I also liked the soothing Aloe Vera extract to help keep your skin calm and hydrated. 

The Clear Skin Days Blemish Repair Paste has earned the title of 'holy grail' from our customers. What sets the Clear Skin Days Paste apart is its ability to tackle dark spots and pigmentation thanks to ingredients like bakuchiol (a gentle alternative to retinol) which supports cell turnover while calming inflammation. 

I also really liked the inclusion of kaolin clay which is known for it’s abilities to draw out impurities and excess oil from deep within the pores, preventing further blackheads and blemishes. For me, I found the paste really helpful for soothing painful spots without causing dryness, providing a gentle yet highly effective solution for blemish control while minimising acne scaring.

For me managing oily skin has been a challenge, so I have been on a quest for a moisturiser that strikes the right balance—lightweight yet effective in controlling excess oil and shine. La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Mat is renowned for its ability to address these concerns, but it might not fit everyone's budget for a daily essential.

That's where Clear Skin Days' Mattifying Moisturiser steps in as a compelling alternative. Formulated with key ingredients like salicylic acid, it offers effective exfoliation, pore unclogging, and acne prevention—all without breaking the bank. Additionally, the inclusion of Pollustop provides essential protection against environmental pollutants, safeguarding your skin from irritants. Most importantly, the moisturiser contains panthenol, which not only hydrates the skin but also soothes inflammation and promotes comfort and recovery. A standout feature of this product is its fragrance-free formula, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

As an intern I've found these affordable alternatives really helpful to stop me overspending on skincare essentials.

My tip is to make sure you shop around when you're buying new skincare, there are some amazing affordable products out there without needing to spend a fortune.

We hope that you've found this blog helpful - if you have any questions or would like to share your skincare journey with us, we'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via the form below or by DM on IG.