Splurge vs steal: Handbag skin essentials

As you go about your day, your skin can succumb to the elements, whether it be air conditioning and heating that dries out your skin, or the harmful rays of the sun. This can leave your skin looking a little (or a lot!) blah come 3pm. A simple way to protect your skin from these effects is with some everyday skin care essentials. Whether you love to splurge on beauty products or are keen for a good steal, these are our top picks of the essentials you need at your desk or in your handbag for clean, hydrated and glowing skin.

Splurge: Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF50+ Face Cream, $49

Give your skin the max protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays for hours on end. As well as containing SPF 50 sun protection, this formula features antioxidants to help shield your skin from damaging free radicals.

Steal: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Clear Face Lotion SPF30, $16.99

On your next trip to the supermarket, pop this protecting beauty into your trolley. It boasts SPF 30 sun protection, a smooth, oil-free formula so it won’t leave you with a greasy sheen, and best of all, it’s easy on the wallet. Win!

RELATED: Do you need to wear SPF all year round?

Splurge: Environ Evenescence C-Boost, $103

If your skin’s looking a little lacklustre during the day, keep this rich, brightening serum in your desk drawer to give your complexion a much-needed hydration boost and glow.

Steal: Swisse Kakadu Plum Brightening Serum, $29.99

Formulated to help keep dark spots and uneven skin tone at bay, this brightening beauty will not only protect your skin from discolouration, but also help your skin look instantly brighter and healthier.

Splurge: Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist, $46

Not only is this lush, super hydrating mist the perfect pick-me-up to spritz on dry, parched skin throughout the day, but its packaging will look sleek and stunning on your desk or vanity, too.

Steal: Australian Bio Essence Vitamin E Oil, $11.99

Vitamin E is essential for keeping skin nourished and replenished, so this inexpensive oil mist will make the perfect addition to your daily skin care routine. Simply spritz it over your skin for a refreshed and hydrated complexion in seconds.

RELATED: Why you need to use a facial mist

Splurge: M.A.C Wipes, $28

They may be a little on the exxy side, but trust me, they’re worth every penny. Each wipe is saturated with M.A.C cleanser and hydrating vitamin E to help you quickly whisk away make-up, dirt and grime on-the-go.

Steal: Australis 3in1 Wipes, $5.95

Oh hey there, bargin! Coming in at a measly $5.95 for 25 wipes (yep, that’s only 24 cents per wipe!) these wipes are rich in vitamin E, aloe vera, chamomile and provitamin B5 to wipe away all traces of make-up.

Splurge: jane iredale LipDrink SPF 15 Lip Balm, $32

Forget dry, chapped lips – let your pout soak up the nourishing and replenishing benefits of this lip balm rich in avocado, carrot seed and lemon peel oils, as well as blackberry and green tea leaf extract for added protection and hydration.

Steal: QV Lip Balm, $5.05

Pop this hydrating balm on your lips throughout the day to give them an instant and long-lasting injection of hydration. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and has the added bonus of SPF 30+ sunscreen protection.

Do you spend or save when it comes to buying skin care? Would you like to add any of these to your routine?