Drugstore skin care MVPs

Six must-have beauty picks that won’t break the bank

The Moisturizer

Intensely hydrating yet light as water, this gel quenches skin while leaving it fresh, dewy and never greasy. The list of benefits is impressive: it fights free radicals and pollution, calms irritation and refines pores. Use it as a day cream, sleeping mask or even around your eyes. Avène Hydrance aqua-gel, $42, shoppersdrugmart.ca

The Retinol Serum

Vitamin A derivatives are the best proven age reversers. This serum combines the powerhouse ingredient retinol with hydrating vitamin B3 to deliver all the benefits — reduced fine lines and wrinkles, faded dark spots and smoother, brighter skin — without the irritation. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 night serum, $40, walmart.ca

The Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is one of the best things you can put on your skin. Not only does the antioxidant guard against damage, it evens skin tone and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This serum has 15 per cent concentration and vitamin E to boost the vitamin C. Vichy Liftactiv vitamin C with hyaluronic acid, $46, vichy.ca

The Cleanser

As Toronto dermatologist Dr. Kristy Bailey once told The Kit, when it comes to your cleanser, “the more bland, the better.” That’s why skin care experts recommend this gentle classic. It effectively removes dirt and debris without compromising skin’s moisture barrier. Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, $19 (500 ml), shoppersdrugmart.ca

The Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic acid’s claim to fame is its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. In a small molecular size, it plumps skin and makes it look more youthful. In a bigger molecular size, it hydrates the skin’s surface. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR anti-aging serum, with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid, $33, walmart.ca

The Makeup Remover

Billed as the very first micellar water, this French favourite does away with makeup on both the face and eyes, and doesn’t require any rinsing. The original pink-capped version is designed for those on the sensitive side, but there are others for oily, dry or redness-prone skin. Bioderma Sensibio H20 micellar water, $20 (500 mL), well.ca