I’m going to start this article by stressing one thing: I’m not an expert. I’m just girl who likes researching skincare products. A girl, standing in front of a large internet audience, asking it to indulge my skincare addiction.

Therefore, this list is by no means dermatologically approved, or suggested by an aesthetician. I have absolutely no authority. What I do have is a history of cystic acne, rosacea, dry skin, and a worrying penchant for internet sleuthing. Lucky me!!!

And I know better than most that the most devastating thing about loving skincare is that it’s often very expensive. So in the interest of sharing the love, and keeping us all financially empowered, here are the best products I’ve found that are easy on the wallet (and absolutely KILLER for the face).

#1 Aztec Secret — Indian Healing Clay

This Aztec Secret mask claims to be “the world’s most powerful facial” for its ability to clean your face of gunk, and make the texture of your skin more even and bright. And, according to customers on Amazon and YouTube, it may not be wrong. I certainly think it’s pretty darn good.

Pick it up half a kilo of it on iHerb for $10. (Yes, really.)

#2 Thayer’s Witch Hazel

I’ve always suspected that toner was a downright a scam because it never did anything to my skin. But it turns out I just hadn’t found the right product. Don’t hate the game, hate the player, etc.

Thayer’s Witch Hazel (I use the Rose Petal kind) is now one of my HG products. Reddit agrees too. Witch hazel has been a natural remedy for hundreds of years, due to its ability to sooth skin, and clear up scarring.

You can get 355ml of it on iHerb for the ridiculously cheap price of $12.42. Thank you, Thayer (whoever you are).

#3 The Ordinary Everything

If you’ve dipped your foot into the world of skincare, you’ll know all about The Ordinary. Owned by the (at times controversial) parent company Deciem, this no-nonsense line delivers affordable products at a high quality. Kim Kardashian even uses their retinol serum, so you know it’s gotta be good.

However, it’s not for the light-hearted — we’re not kidding when we say that these products need to be understood to be used properly. But once you do understand them, they’ll form the base of your entire routine, and save you lots of cash. I’ve personally really liked their Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (for brightening and Vitamin C, $23), as well as their squalane oil (for hydration, $13). But they’ve also got tonnes of exfoliants, retinols, moisturisers, and face masks that people rave about.

#4 Micellar Water

Remember when those Carrie Bickmore ads started coming out lauding the benefits of micellar water? I thought she was having a laugh. Water? In a bottle? That costs $12?! Madness.

But now I consider myself a verified micellar convert. Since I’ve started using it to take off my make up before cleansing, my skin has been way less congested and much more cooperative. You can get Simple Micellar Water at any chemist for around $10, max. Sorry for ever doubting you, Carrie.

#5 Moo Goo Milk Wash

I haven’t tried this cleanser myself, but I see it come up time and time again on the Australia skin care reddit. And it has a 100 per cent five star rating on Amazon (well, from five reviews. But still).

Moo Goo milk wash cleanser is paraben-free, non-comedogenic (for my acne sisters), and very gentle on your skin (for my sensitive skin sisters). The best part? You can get half a litre of the stuff for $17.50. That’s a steal!

Here’s to a lifetime of clear skin, fam.