BEAUTY

The Supermarket Skin List

Luxury skincare isn’t your only option. These affordable supermarket finds are proof that glow-worthy products don’t have to break the bank.

BY|PUBLISHED: SEP 30, 2025

Girls in the tropics, I need you to stand up. No one invests in skincare like us. And we do it smart: on a budget, in a climate that’s constantly testing our skin’s resilience. There’s a blazing orb of divine aggression in the sky, and he insists on smothering us daily. Enter, protection ritual in the form of skincare. We all have that one holy grail product that drains our purses without remorse. Skincare routines have returned to their original state of being full-blown sacred rituals, with three, five, or sometimes ten steps. It’s only natural to balance the splurges with smarter, simpler choices.

After a light aisle dive, I pulled together the most reliable skincare finds that deliver results without draining your bank account. So whether your luxury serum is out of stock, you’re itching to try something new, or you just love the thrill of a good bargain, this one’s for you. For all the budget-conscious girls navigating the beauty waters, here’s your straightforward list for affordable skincare that works.

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All About That Face

Face Cream

Hydration Hero

Any basic Vitamin E cream is engineered to delay the effects of ageing and essentially give your skin a hydration boost. The Nature’s Secret Vitamin E cream is infused with Jojoba and Coconut oils, which means this effect is amplified. So slather this stuff on and go to town. Like literally, go to town.

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NATURE’S SECRETS, Vitamin E Skin Cream, Rs. 310

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Plump it Up

Aloe Vera is one of nature’s greatest offerings for both the skin and body. It hydrates, cleans, replenishes, and re-energises. The gel was an ingredient in ancient cooling drinks and skincare remedies. Through the ages, this one’s been a regular star in beauty rituals everywhere. The Nature’s Secret Aloera Cream contains natural moisturisers that nourish skin to gently stop signs of damage.

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NATURE’S SECRETS, Aloera Skin Cream, Rs. 240

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Glow, Girl

Turmeric is a favourite in ancient beauty rituals. So your ancestors were probably painting that golden magic all over themselves 500+ years ago, too. Just like you’re about to. I guess some things don’t change.

The Ayush Anti-Marks Turmeric Face Cream is made according to an ancient recipe and helps clear blemishes. It’s a rich formula, so make sure you use it when you’re planning to spend the day indoors or at night. Turmeric has a cute little trick where it leaves your skin all yellow for a short while, making it a great alternative to the real stuff, unless you’re going for the Simpson look.

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AYUSH, Ayush Anti-Marks Turmeric Cream, Rs. 780

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Face Wash

The Cool Cleanse

Aside from being the star ingredient in salads, the lovely cucumber is quickly rising up the ranks to become a star ingredient in skincare, too! This Face Wash from Nature’s Secret is skin-friendly with a pH level of 5.5-6.0 and is 100% soap-free. Girls with complicated skin can rest easy, so if you’re looking for a refresh, this is the one.

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NATURE’S SECRETS, Cucumber Facial Wash, Rs. 640

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Face Mask

Clay All Day

Fuller’s Earth is a magic mix of essential clays. When used as a mask, all these different clays work together as a magnetic compound to really draw out those impurities. The Earth Gold Face Pack from Iris Garden features natural turmeric and chickpea powder, both excellent natural antioxidants. For a weeknight home spa feel after a busy day, slather this stuff on and enjoy a quick time out.

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IRIS GARDEN, Earth Gold Fuller’s Earth Face Pack, Rs. 2,150

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Body

Smooth Operator

Your body is a different vibe entirely when it comes to skincare. For the ladies who want a quick body nourish and deep hydration fix, this is a great basket pick. The Vaseline Deep Restore Body Lotion comes infused with a Vaseline Jelly, designed to hydrate and moisturise deep down to the cell layer to really get you all soft. Balance this out with plenty of water for the best effect.

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VASELINE, Full Restore Body Lotion, Rs. 2,160

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Luxe Bath Time

Here’s a two-for-one indulgence. This beauty bar is a bit steep, but if you want to luxuriate, then this is it. It’s coloured like a lil pink milkshake, and whether it brings all the boys to the yard, I don’t know, but it’ll definitely have you feeling better.

The Dove Beauty Bar deeply hydrates and nourishes skin, and with its built-in cleansing effects, it won’t dry out your skin like other soaps. Consider keeping this one as an unwind option for those heavy-duty days at work when you need to come home and soak in a soft, warm bath. Use on face, hands, and body. Lather up and enjoy.

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DOVE, Pink Body Soap, Rs. 810

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Hot Tips

Before diving into the different skincare options out there, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Always familiarise yourself with the ingredients — this is non-negotiable. Double check what’s inside your product; it’s the compounds that make it work.

While quality skincare is a great investment, sometimes you can find similar effects in supermarket alternatives. So do your homework.

Like all new things — a lipstick, a new date, or your next skincare essential — you need to test it out first.

Patch tests are necessary, so don’t skip!

Arise, Skincare Nymph

You are now anointed by the Skincare Gods as an all-round, well-informed skincare girlie. Use these suggestions to build an alternative repertoire for when you need to take a break from the heavy-duty options. Next time you’re in a pinch or you’re out of luxury serum, this is the list you can always come back to.

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