I am constantly asked to recommend affordable, decent, no-nonsense skincare products. As you know, that’s not really my strength – I tend to go for insanely expensive and unnecessarily fancy -, but as I refuse to recommend things I haven’t tried myself, I make an effort to test products that normal people would actually be interested in buying. Here are four mini-reviews for your consideration.

1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. CeraVe has quite a cult following thanks to their dependable, non-irritating, well-formulated and very affordable products. This cleanser especially is very popular in the States and I would have tried it long time ago, had it been available near me. I still haven’t fully figured out their distribution in Europe, but you can definitely buy CeraVe at Boots in the UK and apparently also in random pharmacies in Brussels.

This cleanser makes me think of a less trendy and less luxurious version of Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. I prefer the Glossier one, but it’s also one of my absolute favourites, so that’s not a criticism of CeraVe. The latter’s main selling point is that it’s very simple and neutral, very unlikely to cause problems even for fussy skin. The texture is a slightly gel-like lotion; unlike traditional gel cleansers, though, it doesn’t make your skin dry. I would use it as a skin cleanser only, but if you don’t wear much makeup, you could make it work for makeup removal, too. Overall, I fully understand why people like it and while it’s not a hugely exciting cleanser, it is great for people who just want their skincare to do the job. I bought the small travel/trial size, the full size is enormous.

2. CeraVe Moisturising Lotion. Another unexciting product, another winner for reasonable people. I bought the version for dry skin and despite the rather light texture, this is a serious hydrator/moisturiser. There is nothing stunning in there, but it has everything you need: ceramides, glycerine and hyaluronic acid. While the formula does include dimethicone, I don’t think it feels silicone-y. Like the cleanser, it’s fragrance free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It works well on the body, too, and if you buy the 200+ ml big bottle, you’ll have enough to slather it all over yourself.

3. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster. Vichy is one of my favourite French pharmacy brands and while it’s not as affordable as CeraVe, I think it still qualifies as a reasonably priced brand. Everyone is coming out with their hyaluronic acid products now (about time!) and Vichy is no exception. To be fair, they made their Aqualia Thermal serum already years ago, so I cannot really blame Vichy for being late to the hyaluronic bandwagon. I also cannot honestly say that the 89 booster is superior to other hyaluronic acid products I’ve tried, but it’s certainly nice and effective. What I like about it is how neutral and non-offensive it is, it works with everything. So if you are rather happy with your routine and just want to boost the hydration, it’s easy to slot this in either before or after or instead of your serum. It doesn’t work as a moisturiser, though, you need to put something on top: while it provides hydration, there is no oil in it (it’s a water-based gel) and if you leave it alone, it’ll create that slightly tight feeling that many hyaluronic products can induce*. The price is better if you happen to be in France or Belgium and overall this is maybe a little too expensive for what it is. On the plus side, it’s easy to find and there are often offers to take advantage of.

4. Vichy Slow Age Night Cream and Mask. This is one of the more premium products Vichy does and I have to say I like it a lot. It may be partly psychological, as I just tend to like gel-textured night masks and I like the sound of the antioxidants in it. I also like that it pretty much acknowledges the fact that night masks and night creams are the same thing (and in some cases, especially with expensive brands, it pays to get the mask rather than the moisturiser – they can be better priced). I put it on generously as the last step in the evening; sometimes it’s pretty much the only thing I put on, after cleansing. It performs no miracles, but my skin will look more plump and alive come morning. Like the 89 booster, I think this would work pretty much for any skin type, with maybe the exception of the very, very sensitive.

Do you have any new affordable favourites? Any other pharmacy products you’d like me to review?

*In comparison, Drunk Elephant B-Hydra is workable as a moisturiser for some people, despite being oil-free.