I admit I’m becoming increasingly wary of talking about elaborate and expensive skincare. I know, you are all perfectly capable of making up your own minds regarding if and what kind of skincare you want to use. But it’s also true that any article on this topic, no matter how well-intentioned, contributes to the overall pressure that we put on women to ‘look good’ – and spend a significant amount of money in the process.

Anyway, we all need a moisturiser, right? There are perhaps some people who live in such harmony with themselves and the environment that their skin feels comfortable without any interference. I am not one of those people. And I am of the opinion that if one is going to use a moisturiser, it better be a decent moisturiser (which doesn’t necessarily mean very expensive). My skin is relatively normal, drier in the winter, oilier in the summer and always dehydrated. This means I can try and recommend a relatively wide range of products. So here we go, from the cheapest to the most spendy.

The Inkey List: Multi-Biotic. I have mentioned this one before, but it remains my favourite affordable moisturiser, so I’m mentioning it again*. Multi-Biotic is a lovely middle-of-the-road product: not too rich, not too light, never causes any problems. It’s not hugely moisturising, but sufficiently so for my needs. It’s perhaps not ideal if you are very oily or very dry, for everyone else (including, I think, those with sensitive skins) it should be perfectly adequate. Particularly recommended to those who like the idea of prebiotics and probiotics and moisturiser being a bit like yoghurt for one’s skin.

Milk: Vegan Milk Moisturiser. Continuing with the dairy theme (although this is a vegan product, so all the ‘milk’ here is plant-based), this is a more nourishing proposal. Milk’s rather rich cream is as heavy as I go, although despite the serious moisturising and occlusive action, it sinks in nicely and feels relatively light. I cannot truthfully say it’s entirely weightless, as it’s not. However, I also cannot think of many rich creams that are this pleasant on the skin. If you are oily, this probably isn’t for you, but it should be enough even for very dry skins. Sali Hughes is a fan and her skin is notoriously parched. The ingredients (including squalane, argan oil and oat extract) sound very sensitive skin friendly as well.

Summer Fridays: Cloud Dew. This oil-free gel option is on the other end of the spectrum: very refreshing and light, it’s more about hydration than moisture. I absolutely love the slightly jelly-like texture of this cream and in the summer, it’s a perfect moisturiser for me. If you are dry, this will not give you enough moisture. If you are normal to very oily, you could do much worse than getting a tub of Cloud Dew. I also think the packaging is very pretty.

Biologique Recherche: Creme Elastine Marine. I find Biologique Recherche a very confusing brand and this product is a case in point: it is advertised as an anti-aging cream for dehydrated skin, but I would say it’s best for problem skin. It contains niacinamide, salicylic acid, witch hazel and yeast extract – in fact I was drawn to it mostly because of the latter ingredient, which is the star of my beloved Masque Vivant. While Creme Elastine Marine doesn’t smell as potent (and unbearable to some) than the mask, it does have a slightly yeasty scent. I had a period this summer in Tallinn when I run out most of my skincare and mostly just used this cream morning and evening. My skin looked great, not a pimple in sight.

So here you are, a few ideas for keeping your face healthy and happy. What’s your current favourite moisturiser?

*I believe The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturising Factors + HA is good as well (and even more affordable), but I haven’t used it for a long time, so cannot be fully trusted.