‘I'm a beauty writer. Here's exactly 5 things to look for when buying savey skincare.’

So, you’re trying to put together a skincare routine.   

On a budget. And you don’t know where exactly... to start. 

I FEEL YOU.

The skincare market can be so overwhelming – it covers such a varied price range that's it tough to know the actual difference between expensive and affordable skincare (and how to decipher what's worth your time and dollars). What the heck is the difference between a $20 vitamin C versus a $90 vitamin C? 

But I’m here to help! 

As a beauty writer, here are my best 5 tips on what to really look for when buying savey skincare. 

1. Assess your skin needs

My number one tip? Knowing. Your. Skin. It’s ever harder to navigate those sparkly skincare shelves and sites without really knowing the foundation of all your choices: what your skin needs actually are. 

Start by working out what your skin goal is, and before you start buying the most boujee skincare you've seen on TikTok, ask yourself: what do you really want to get out of your skincare? 

Deciding what your skin needs (or what you're wanting to work towards) – more hydration, smoother texture, acne control, improving the signs of ageing – is the key to narrowing in on the types of skincare (and ingredients) you're in the market for to create or refine your routine from the ground up. 

2. Consider the concentration

When shopping for skincare that heroes an ingredient you have in mind (for example, vitamin C), looking at the concentration of that ingredient can make a world of difference. The higher the percentage of an ingredient, the stronger it will be. However, a higher concentration does not always mean it’s more effective.

Looking for brands and products that explicitly tell you the concentration of ingredients, on their website or product packaging, can help you get the most out of your products – and therefore help you compare apples with apples across a range of price points. 

The Ordinary offers quality ingredients with an affordable price tag. For example, their 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder provides the most direct and highly concentrated form of vitamin C topically – all while ticking that savey box at only $9.80. 

Because of its high concentration, a strong tingling sensation is expected during the first 1-2 weeks of use, until the skin's tolerance to the high exposure is elevated. However, because of the powder formula, you can adjust the quantity of powder, based on tolerance. 

An added benefit to the powder form is you mix this with other products in your regimen, like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for additional hydration support (– more about this in point five!). 

However, remember to check ingredient conflicts before you do to check for any risks of ingredient or toleration conflict.

On the other end of the spectrum, The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F is an oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C that can be used in higher concentrations but has a lower possibility of tingling. While it's not directly comparable to L-Ascorbic Acid as it’s an ‘indirect’ form of vitamin C, you are still getting the benefits of a highly concentrated, stable form of vitamin C (at a really affordable $29) to brighten the skin tone and reduce signs of ageing, at a tolerable concentration for your skin.

Image: Supplied.

While both target dullness and signs of ageing, they will do so in different ways, and it depends on your skin's tolerance and personal texture preference when making your selection. 

I definitely recommend, like the beauty experts say, to start with a lower concentration and build up as your skin becomes more acclimated.

3. Pick formulas that suit your skin type

Image: Supplied.

Each skin type will prefer a different formula, and it’s about finding what works most effectively for you – and ultimately, what you enjoy using. There’s nothing worse than wasting your time, energy and money on a formula your skin doesn’t enjoy!

This might take some research, but looking at the skin type recommendations on products can be a helpful place to start. Formulas for oily skin will generally tend to be lighter, or oil free, while products designed for dry skin may have a thicker or cream-based texture.

Textures also vary depending on the formula. For example, The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% HA Spheres 2% Treatment is a textured lotion, whereas the Vitamin C Suspension 30% offers vitamin C with silicone for a smooth finish on the skin. The selection is purely down to personal preference and skin tolerance.

Image: Supplied.

4. Look for dual-function products 

Products that contain more than one ingredient – and promise more than one function – can be a great way to target multiple concerns without having to splurge on multiple products.  

For example, The Ordinary's Vitamin C Suspension 23% HA Spheres 2% contains vitamin C which works to brighten the skin and reduce visible signs of ageing, and also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and offer visible surface smoothing. 

While you could buy multiple products to tick off all of your needs, if one product can do the job of two (or more!), it’s a real win-win.

5. Keep it simple

It can be *super easy* to go wild and try to add all the products into your daily routine. But really, the best thing to do when it comes to skincare? Keep it simple. Less is often more when it comes to skincare – less volume of products, higher quality, less wastage, and (ideally!) more dollars left in your pocket.

A good cleanser, moisturiser and SPF are a must, then add in a serum or two to target your areas of concern. The serum step (second to your SPF of course) will often be part of the regimen doing the 'heavy lifting' in your routine. So, bonus points if you can land on one you love for a fraction of the price!

Shop The Ordinary's savey Vitamin C range in-store or online at Myer.

Feature Image: Mamamia/Supplied.