One of the biggest and most cringe-worthy myths about switching to natural skin care routine is that toxin-free alternatives are often pricey. I completely lost count on how many times I’ve had this comment from people I talked to after telling them that I’ve switched to natural skin care products from head to toes (with a facepalm moment).
Let me repeat: natural skin care products that are effective don’t necessarily cost you an arm and a leg.
Tell me dear girlfriends, how often do you walk into a department store and got hooked into buying sets of beauty products that you don’t actually need (let alone that those could be toxin-laden). Because natural skin care products are less readily available in physical stores, I tend to shop online and only buy what I need with less temptation of impulsive purchase (we’ve all been there – let’s face it!).
Whether you’re on a strict budget or not, we all love getting more bang for our bucks. So here in this new blog series, I’m sharing my green beauty wisdom gained over my 12 months’ journey of beauty detox – all to bust the myth that toxin-free care for your body comes with a hefty price tag.
First of all, for those who are new to our green beauty tribe here let’s clarify a few things:
What exactly is toxin-free and natural skin care? Here are our selection criteria:
I’ve identified and shared these ‘toxic eight’ chemicals that I absolutely do not want to touch! I’m saying NO to:
PARABENS
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLS)
MINERAL OIL
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
DEA/TEA/MEA
TOLUENE
OXYBENZONE
FORMALDEHYDE
What’s wrong with these chemicals, I heard you just ask. Well, some of them are suspected carcinogens, hormones disruptors and some are associated with toxicity to our immune system (I’ve discussed the dangers of exposing your body to these chemicals in detail in this post). Not quite pretty, huh?
These are of course just the starting points. I’m also trying to stay away from synthetic colourings and fragrance as use of those bad boys are unregulated here in Australia, meaning that they could be made of parabens and other toxins. If you’re unsure whether the colourings and fragrance in your products are synthetic or naturally-derived, always check with the brands.
Without further ado, we proudly present you Part One of this three-part series themed ‘30 Best Natural Skin Care Products Under $30‘. Following this guide to shop, you can score 10 effective products for a ‘green makeover’ to your beauty cabinet for under $300 in total – now isn’t that a gem? I’ve also sourced a 6-piece body pamper pack for one of you, my lucky reader, to WIN in this month’s giveaway (plus an exclusive discount code) so make sure you read all the way towards the end of post!
♥ 1. La Mav Purifying Toner
$24.95 (100 ml)
Why we love it: Formulated with White Tea, Grapeseed extract, Melissa water and Bilberry extract to tighten and firm, this fine mist delivers instant hydration and pH balance to my skin. The spritz feels luxuriously soothing and gentle. I’m loving it as my post-yoga skin treat to clam redness.
Australian Certified Toxic-free, vegan and cruelty-free.
Ideal for: Normal, oily and combination skin. Perfect for dull or mature skin, or for skin that is prone to congestion and imbalance.
Buy here
♥ 2. RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser
$16.95 (150ml)
Why we love it:
Blended with cold-pressed organic Rosehip Oil (I’ve written about the goodness of rosehip oil here previously), this Daily Cream Cleanser gently lifts away make-up and impurities like a magic wipe! Other active natural ingredients include Jojoba and Sea Buckthorn to help skin maintain its moisture balance. My skin feels perfectly cleansed without tightness or dryness. Non-greasy texture for this cream cleanser is a delight!
Australian Certified Organic and cruelty-free.
Ideal for: Normal and dry skin. Aging skin.
Buy here
♥ 3. Natural Instinct Uplifting Lemon Grass & Ginkgo Body Wash
$11.95 (500ml) or $19.95 (1L)
Why we love it: This is hand down one of our most obsessed products that deliver superb value for money! Packed with Ginkgo, Vitamin C & Lemon Grass, this wash comes with a subtle citrus scent that’s reinvigorating and nothing overpowering. It leaves my skin looking radiant and feeling as soft as a baby! This wash is very gentle on the skin and perfect for the whole family.
Ideal for: All skin types
Buy here
♥ 4. ECOTAN Untinted Natural Coconut Sunscreen SPF30
$29.95 (150ml)
Why we love it: A non-sticky mineral sunscreen formulated sans the nasty chemical oxybenzone that can behave like estrogen in the body (read about why mineral sunscreen is better than the chemical ones here). Its active ingredient Zinc Oxide delivers broad spectrum with UVA/UVB protection which is 3 hours water resistant. It’s formulated with naturally nourishing oils including grapeseed oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil and rosehip oil. It glides on my skin effortlessly without giving me that white pasty ghost-like skin! Heavenly smell of coconut cream is a bonus delight – a glass of chillded Pina Colada in hand is optional but recommended.
Accredited by Choose Cruelty Free, Organic Food Chain and Australian Organic. Vegan-friendly. Previously reviewed here.
Ideal for: All skin types
Buy here
♥ 5. Antonym Cosmetics Lipstick Pencil Koral
$17 (US)
Why we love it: Creamy texture that glides on my lips like butter! This lipstick pencil gives a glossy and silky finish while never leaving my lips dry. Made with mineral pigments, it helps to condition lips with an infusion of Sunflower Oil and Shea Butter. Waterproof with long staying power. It’s a lip treatment plus colour all in one! Previously reviewed here.
Ideal for: Dry lips
Buy here (US only; Sephora Australia also stocks them)
♥ 6. GAIA Bodycare Lavender & Frankincense Body Moisturiser
$12.95 (250ml)
Why we love it: The perfect product for your at-home DIY spa routine, the beautiful smell of lavender and frankincense will leave you feel like you just stepped out of a day spa. This GAIA moisturiser is simply gorgeous and soaks right in my skin without the slightest sign of greasiness. Formulated with organic rosehip, organic wheat germ oils, organic calendula and organic ginseng extracts. No animal testing. Previously reviewed here.
Ideal for: All skin types especially aging mature skin or skin prone to sensitivity
Buy here
♥ 7. McKenzie’s Bi-Carb Soda
$4.40 (350g)
Why we love it: Hell yeah, we’re darn serious here. Meet the humble Bi-Carb soda, your new natural beauty BFFs. Bi-Carb soda contains Sodium Bicarbonate which is a naturally occurring mineral with a range of surprisingly effective beauty uses:
- Use Bi-Carb paste to minimise blackheads! Spread Bi-Carb paste over affected areas, leave for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
- Massage feet with Bi-Carb paste to smooth away rough skin.
- Refresh your toothbrush naturally using Bi-Carb Soda.
- Bi-Carb Soda also makes a fantastic mouth wash. It rebalances acid levels in the mouth treating gum disease, mouth ulcers and fixing bad breath. Bi-Carb can also whiten teeth naturally.
Ideal for: All skin types
Buy here or at your local grocery stores
♥ 8. La Mav Tinted Lip Treatments
$19.95 (8ml)
Why we love it: My go-to lip colour on days when I run errands wearing light or no makeup yet still want a subtle healthy glow on my face! A thin layer of this La Mav sheer tip tint is nourishing as well as deeply hydrating. Packed with Bio-Active ingredients including CoEnzyme Q10, Argan Oil, Vitamin E and Sea Buckthorn Oil. I’m obsessed with their Sheer Pink shade that gives a gorgeous pearly hue, which can be worn on its own or over lipsticks for an extra glamorous shine. Also available in Nude or Berry shades.
Certified organic and cruelty-free.
Ideal for: All skin types especially for skin prone to fine lines
Buy here
♥ 9. Youth Skincare Balancing Spritz
$15.00 (100ml)
Why we love it: Gone are the days when I suffered from blemished skin (hooray), yet I love using this gentle sprtiz for instant after-sun hydration. Its active ingredients are chamomile floral water, aloe vera juice, pink grapefruit oil and lavender oil which blend well to give it a sweet blossoming scent. It’s a saviour for my skin to soothe dry patches after weekend poolside sessions! Not tested on animals.
Ideal for: Normal or combination skin. Blemished skin
Buy here
♥ 10. Premium Spa White Clay, Rosehip & Chamomile Face & Body Mask
$14.95 (150ml)
Why we love it: Another holy grail product for an indulging at-home spa session! I love making a beautiful mess in my bath tub layering my face and body with this purifying white clay mask. After washing it off with warm water, my skin always feels toned and conditioned. Bonus point for it being suitable for both face and body use, as multi-use products simply mean minimised carbon footprint on packaging and production. No animal testing.
Ideal for: Normal and combination skin
Buy here
I’m all about helping YOU switch to a toxin-free beauty regime without breaking the piggy bank! This gorgeous 6-piece natural body pamper pack from Premium Spa could be yours to WIN and take home:
1x Frangipani & Coconut Body Wash
1x Whit Clay Face & Body Mask $14.95
1x Lemon Butter Salt Scrub $19.95
1x SOS Wonder Scrub $14.95
1x Ultra Firming Body Balm $9.95
1x SOS Hand Cream $9.95
(Note: SOS Foot Scrub in the photo is NOT included in this prize pack)
Simply enter our GIVEAWAY in the form below & bon chance! ⇓⇓
Entry closes on 4th November 2015 12am AEST.
Can’t wait to get your hands on these? Premium Spa offers an exclusive discount of 25% off all products over at BareBeauty.net.au only for Lace n Ruffles readers! Use the code LNROCT15 at checkout & have fun shopping!
So tell me dear fellow green beauty bunnies, which of these top picks from our best 30 list also happens to be your obsession? What are some other natural skin care and beauty products under $30 that you think deserve a spot in our top list? Are you a budget-conscious shopper when it comes to buying skin care products? Do you have a few tips to share about beauty shopping on a shoestring budget? I’d love to hear from you so keep the comments coming, babe! x
Till next time. Stay beautiful inside and out.
P.S. Make sure you sign up to our mailing list HERE to be among the first to know when Part 2 and Part 3 of this series are published + our monthly toxin-free beauty giveaway!
I totally agree that buying natural skin care doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, as shown here. Also, hasn’t it been proven that natural skincare products are more beneficial and effective than higher priced beauty products on the market?
Totally, Kelly! I’m so stoked that we share similar beauty wisdom 🙂 Personally I definitely find natural skin care more beneficial – there has been so many stories about how people suffering from chronic fatigue and hormones disruption found their inner balance after switching over to natural based products. Green beauty love all the way and good luck with this giveaway! x Juliet
I live by one motto – no sale, no deal! There’s always a sale on skin care or at least some good package deals (added freebies etc) and if not, there will be one right around the corner.
Fabulous tips there Karina! I love signing up to newsletters with the beauty brands I love, as most do offer subscriber only discount code or deals etc! It’s all about being a money-savvy beauty, isn’t it? 😉 Stay gorgeous x Juliet
I made a resolution this year to only buy skincare/makeup if it’s at least 40% off (hello Priceline sales!) I’ve saved so much money doing this as quite often things I’ve had my eye on so on sale for 50% off so even better!
Love the Premium Spa range – that Lemon Scrub is a holy grail item for me (also love their mint foot cream, such good value for such a huge tube and natural too) 🙂
So smart! Thanks so sharing your beauty shopping tips Christine! I know right, there’s always sale going on somewhere so why not take advantage of it? I think it’s all about doing a bit of research, compare prices and some forward planning to buy ahead at sale before your products run out. Stay beautiful x
Juliet
Do you have a few tips to share about beauty shopping on a shoestring budget?
No I do not, that all falls into my wife’s capable hands and she’s not home right now to tell me one.
Hi Ern, I love following brands on Facebook and sign up to their eNews as most do run subscriber only flash sale! Also do heaps of research and read reviews before buying help a lot to make sure you’re getting the products that most suit your skin type. You’re lucky to have your wife to be in charge of this haha! I’m sure she’ll have a few tips to share 🙂
Shop around to get the best price.
You’re totally right, Michelle! Have you got some proud bargain finds you could share with us? x Juliet
I love being members of catch of the day and ozbargain. They always have incredible beauty deals and sales, where I can stock up and still save money.
Definitely great to keep an eye on catch of the day! Thought for beauty products make sure you check the expiry date as some of them are due to expire pretty soon (hence on sale).
Thanks for sharing your tips and hope to see you around again Sarah x
Juliet
Never be afraid to try the store brand products, I’ve found some to be better than big brand names!
Interesting Louise! What store brands would you recommend? x J
I check out op shops as most of the time i can get items at over half rrp price
Oh I love op shopping and digging deep for gems!
Shop around and I usually wait for the specials and buy a few of the products that I need I also like checking out op shops sometimes you can pick up some great bargains
I love to shop around for e best price when it comes to skincare products. The only product I wont buy is body scrub because I prefer to make my own. I combine coconut oil, coffee grounds, sugar and a few drops of peppermint mix and slather all over myself before showering. Its a cheap alternative and allows to reuse the coffee grounds which would have ended up in the garbage.
I love bargains and I love looking after myself, buying natural and organic when possible. Great prize that I think anyone would be thrilled to win.
A great facial scrub sugar and olive oil , mix then use immediately in shower( can get messy). Gently scrub face and depolage then rinse leaves sking smooth and soft.
Gorgeous luxurious products.
So many kitchen products can be used as beauty products as well. I like to use honey as a face mask to give me a natural dewy look.
I tend to do my beauty shopping online unless I am super desperate for something then would buy in-store. The beauty about shopping online is you can compare all the online stores easily and work out the best deal for the products you want!! and most online stores even do free shipping which is even better!! 🙂 🙂
It is great way to sign up email with my favorite beauty websites to get my discount products. I love put body lotion after shower, it does not need expensive brands and they have great results like top brands.
The face and body mask looks amazing. I imagine it very gentle on the skin, and with a wonderful smell!
I’m always shopping around always reading catalogues when I notice a super special I’m there that’s how I nab up my beauty buys
I’ve been hesitant about changing, because my budget is super tight. Thanks for the article- make’s me keen to give all natural skin care a real go.
Dont be afraid to try new products when they ha e offers, it could be the one
I search for specials and love samples (try before you buy)so I can still afford natural products without breaking the bank.
Don’t pay for pretty packaging, don’t pay for a bunch of numbers and long names in the ingredients list – keep it pure, keep it natural and reap the rewards WITHOUT blowing the budget.
My wife would love the quality of these products and particularly celebrating her 60th birthday, 18th Wedding Anniversary and surviving the rigours of cancer treatment.
What an amazing Blog, love it , thanks
Lovely to see you here Cathy!
I always keep an eye out for specials and am not shy in asking for samples. 🙂
I love to you my fly buys points to transfer to store credit. Its my personal way to fund my ingreds for my homemade beauty products like coconut oil and brown sugar scrubs etc… Coconut oil is my go-to for skin and hair, plus I can cook with it too!
I always try to read reviews on items wherever possible – information allows me to know all the facts.
My advice is to do the research online first – find a company that makes natural products and if you can Australian made because that can save you money too – I use Sukin a lot and find them reasonably priced, Australian made, natural and cruelty free. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it has to cost the earth.
I find great websites and sign up to their email newsletters. They tell me what’s on sale… I don’t have to search for anything. Not only do I save money but I save time and stress of searching. Plus I love Bicarb. Cheap and works. I follow it with sudocreme. That helps take the sting and colour out of all blemishes.
Thanks for sharing your tips, Natalie. Very interesting about sudocreme. Do you use it on your face? I looked into its ingredients and it actually contains Liquid paraffin which is also in Vaseline (it can clog pores) – I’d be cautious about it. How about trying a natural oil such as rosehip to treat pigmentation? It’s worked so well for me.
I love trying samples of products before I buy – it is so frustrating spending $$$ on a product only to discover it doesn’t work for your skin or is the wrong shade!
I love sales as well. But I also look for products on Buy, Swap, Sell sites. I’ve picked up a few bargains there -often new but unloved products.
All natural is such a win win for both your self and the environment. Awesome way to prep and relax bef9re the maddening Christmas period.
I love finding a great product that is a fraction of the price of others that does the same job just as well and organic products are so much better for your skin, I will never go back!
Shop During Bonus Time – Several of the major cosmetic companies occasionally offer bonus gifts when a customer makes a minimum purchase. I use Clinique and always buy it when Myer has a special offer. I spend $60 and get a cosmetic bag full of goodies worth over $100. A great tip is to buy something for $60 and get the bonus gift and go back before the promotion ends and spend another $60 and get another bonus gift! Cheeky, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!
I buy miniature, if possible and carry travel size beauty products with me. That way if they get lost, or damaged or a child thrown them out, there is less money lost.
Loved this blog post so much, so indepth and made me think. I always pay full price opps Im going to be on the sale look out from now on x
You’re too kind Sarah! 🙂 Yay to green beauty love all the way. Also look for brands that let you buy samples, it’s always a smart idea to try before you buy a full size products. Cheers, Juliet
Coconut oil and essential oils are magic!
I’m totally with you Carys! I’m calling myself the coco-nut lady! 🙂 Which essential oils are your must have?
I just love natural skincare and finding toxin-free products that aren’t crazy expensive always makes me happy!))
look for alternatives in large chemists such as lanolin cream that can be bought in bulk.
A little tub of Vaseline works wonders as a lip gloss and also removes eye make-up and stay-on lipstick fantastically. Cheap too!
A lot of companies will give you samples of their products, try these until you find the right product for you. There’s also so many wonderful products that don’t have the name but do the same job, if not better!!
I use all natural products where possible and just keep trying different products til I find one which suits my skin
I really love the Weleda products. They are good and almost all under $30. Also love Eco Tan. I have just stocked up on their sunscreen in time for summer
I’m a stickler for shopping around for the best bargain. When I find something I want to buy I look online and compare prices. There’s a lot of options in the market so it really does SAVE to look around.
Thank you! Been looking for products that are more natural to my sensitive skin! x
love the Gaia body moisturiser . It feels amazing on my skin and it’s also very affordable so its a double bonus!
I know right? Loving the heavenly smell too from Gaia moisturiser that made me feel like I just stepped out of a day spa 🙂
When I find a product I like the sound of, I often ask if they offer samples that I could try.
You will be surprised at how many businesses will kindly offer some.
I usually only buy products when they are on sale, the last bargain I got was some eye cream reduced from $30 down to only $5 as it was end of line srock.
I always wait for the specials and sales , offers and promotions , signing up to newsletters to recive these offers.
I like to use things that has two uses, e.g. blush that I can use on my cheeks to make them rosy and eyelids to lift them up.
Think we’re totally on the same page here Yong – multi-use products are simply the best right? 🙂 I’m so keen to try make my own beetroot stain that can be used as blush and lip tint!
I buy brands from ebay. If I want anything else not there, I keep an eye on my favourite sites for sales. E.g. iherb.com has huge savings if you can just wait until their sales come out. And when they do, buy in bulk to last you to the next sale!
I love natural skincare products and there’s quite a few awesome products under $30. Trilogy Rose Hip Oil is a must have for every woman , man and child! Sukin have a whole range of products which range from $8 – $30. Organic Coconut Oil is the best multi-tasking beauty product that can cost as little as $10 for a big jar…this is excellent as a facial cleanser, a face moisturiser, to add on to your hair ends to add hydration, cuticles and dry spots on the body and then you can even cook with it! What more could you want? A’kin have some lovely facial serums for around $20. Burts Bees have cleansers, exfoliants, moisturisers for under $30.
Love reading all your product reviews and look for these products when I’m out shopping.And its true that there are lots of reasonably priced natural skincare products to choose from.
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to beauty buys! I always wait for sales on my fave beauty brands and signing up for emails lets me know when’s the best time to buy.
I like to use great naturally organic products that have duel purposes saving me money, such as using Gaia body moisturiser as a face moisturiser as well as on my body. Face moisturisers are usually very over priced for similar ingrediants as body moisturiser which is a lot cheaper.
I hold off until the sales and then buy up big!! Always budget conscious these days and the sales are worth it 🙂
Shop around – you already know which products work for you, so check out the online stores as well as catalogues and buy up when they are on special!
An interesting read. I love some of the ideas. I have recently converted to Enjo daily face offs which have encouraged me to do away with a lot of my former chemical laden routines. I’m learning more all the time.
Keep an eye on your favourite products on Facebook, sometimes you can win them! They also often post sales and deals. Shop around and don’t be afraid to try new products, I have found buying Macadamia Oil in the oil aisle of the supermarket is the cheapest way to get it, and it’s benefits for your skin are enormous. You get a lot for under $10 there.
If I am unsure where to look for information on natural products, Just key in “Natural skin care” and you will find everything that you need and are looking for.
I’m on a fixed budget, but I have diabetic dry skin & I’ve learned that buying cheap just means you’ll be tossing it & buying something else. So, I’m willing to pay a little more for something that actually works because it costs less in the end. I’m always looking around the internet for discount codes on good moisturizers.
Find good skin care range for cheap and spend cheaply on trend products like coloured eyeliner. Save the splurges for item you will always use
We’re on same page here Alyssa. I won’t spend too much on on-trend items (both beauty and fashion) while I still make sure their ingredients are safe and pure – one thing we should never compromise is our health and body. 🙂
When my favourite products are on sale I buy a few.
It’s all about shopping smart! Although make sure you check the use by date and not buying more than you can use up by expiry. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tips Karly!
If you can only afford one product make it Sunscreen.
Smart one Jennifer! It’s taken me a long time to persuade my husband to wear sunscreen, though he still doesn’t use it daily. Have absolutely no idea why guys tend to think they’re immune to skin sun damage!
Everyone has the right to choose what is best for them but personally I think natural skin care has so many great benefits why would you want to use anything else. I suffer from dry, premature aging skin so anything natural is a godsend (and the beetroot stain that can be used for blush and a lip tint..sounds fab!)
keep to the basics and classics
I think the best thing I’ve done to help my beauty budget is to read Lace n Ruffles for excellent and honest reviews of products. This stops me from buying a product and then using it once and finding out it doesn’t work, or it smells bad, or irritates my skin and then having to turf it or just keep it in the cupboard gathering dust. If I’m only buying products recommended here, I never need to buy more useless products, and I am saving so much $$$, thank you! 🙂
I love natural products I can find in my pantry like Bicarb Soda. What a find to be able to use it as a face scrub for blackheads. I do use it on my hands after gardening. Cleans them beautifully and soften my skin. I also use it in my footspa with a dash of lavender.
Love your skincare giveaway.
Aww you’re too kind Denise! My pleasure, hoping to spread the eco beauty love around xx