Okay, PROBLEM: remember when I did the post on cheap but good brand stuff, and I mentioned my favorite Dove face moisturizer and then expressed panic that it seemed to be gone from their web site, and then Andrea said YES, her sister emailed Dove around Christmastime and the face stuff is discontinued?
So I panicked and went to all the stores around here looking for stuff that might still be on the shelves, but it has been too long and it is GONE. So I looked on eBay, which is where I sometimes get good deals on the discontinued Bath & Body Works lavender-vanilla conditioner I like so much—but no, the sellers are still in their “Ha ha, we took the opportunity to buy up something we heard was being discontinued so now you can’t get anywhere else! Nyah-nyah, pay us $50 for a $6 moisturizer, LOSERS!!” stage, which is such a cute stage but it won’t last long. (In the beginning, eBay sellers were trying to sell SAMPLE bottles of the lavender-vanilla conditioner for TEN DOLLARS EACH—but I recently got four full-sized bottles for less than twenty.)
In any case, I don’t feel about the discontinued Dove moisturizer the way I felt about the discontinued lavender-vanilla conditioner (transcript of my reaction to the news of the discontinued lavender-vanilla conditioner: “OH GOD WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?????”). I wouldn’t go so far as to say I “don’t mind” switching face moisturizers, but I DO mind messing around on eBay, and I don’t have the “I can’t find anything similar” feeling I had about The Particular Beloved Lavender Scent.
But which to try? I am hoping to choose based on how many recommendations I get for each line. My goal price is the “$10 for 4 ounces” range—but that doesn’t mean I won’t consider the “$15 for 4 ounces” range if the devotees are loud enough, and Paul has been saying that he thinks I should spend even more (everyone has their own Strong Points, beauty-wise, and I am vain about my skin). I’d prefer for it to be something I can get at Target—but again, it doesn’t mean I won’t CONSIDER something that I have to make a special stop for. It absolutely must be at least 15 SPF (I say “at least” not because higher is better, but because I didn’t want to rule out higher SPFs), but I notice that seems pretty standard now anyway.
My skin is in its late-side-of-the-midline thirties, on the dry side but not PARCHED, not prone to acne, and ALMOST sensitive: that is, I’ve definitely had soaps and moisturizers disagree with it, but plenty of non-sensitive products work just fine, and sometimes it seems to me that something crucial has been removed from the products marked sensitive. I MIGHT be sensitive to higher SPFs: last summer I bought a Neutrogena 70 SPF face moisturizer and I found it a little irritating and got a pimple now and then—but I don’t know if that was the SPF or something else. I tried an “aging skin” moisturizer once and it had finely-ground GLITTER in it (I think it was supposed to provide the “luminous” referred to on the package); DO NOT LIKE.
So, if you use an inexpensive brand-name face moisturizer, would you tell me which one? I am down to my very last drops of my last bottle of Dove. (WOE!)
Probably won’t help since I don’t think it has SPF but I love Avon/Mark’s Calm and Composed Super Soothing Moisturizer. It was like $10 but I’ve been using it every morning since August and I’m not even halfway through the bottle. The method of getting it out is very neat, no nasty pot to dip your fingers in.
Also, I have roscea and milk bumps on my cheeks. The redness has definitely lifted some and my skin is as smooth as I have ever seen it. It’s also not greasy feeling or cakey. I don’t worry about it not having spf as my foundation has 15 SPF in it and I wear that pretty much daily. You may check out some of their othe rmoisturizers in that line though, something may be more tailored to fit you.
Nik-Nak | June 1st, 2011 at 3:00 pm
I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 15. I like it BUT I have skin that is prone to acne, so I don’t know if it would be good for you or not. That’s helpful! Anyway, I wanted to comment on your “cheap but good” post but never got around to it, so here it is now: Neutrogena products for moisturizers and sunscreens (they have an amazing face sunscreen in SPF 60 that I use, it’s very light), Dove soap and Dove Colour Moisture hair line, Bath and Body Works lotion in Vanilla Noir and Twilight Woods. I also like the St Ives line for body moisturizers, in the Oatmeal and Shea butter.
Nicole at the Boy House | June 1st, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Big fan of Aveeno positively radiant stuff - has SPF and not too expensive and available anywhere.
Rachel | June 1st, 2011 at 3:06 pm
I love Oil of Olay’s daily moisturizer, both the regular formula and one with SPF. Here’s a link to it on amazon, but I usually find it in a two-pack at Costco. It’s light, not-greasy and I’ve been using it for 10+ years.
http://www.amazon.com/Olay-Complete-Moisturizer-Normal-Ounce/dp/B001G7PMYA/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1306939490&sr=8-15
Barb @ getupandplay | June 1st, 2011 at 3:17 pm
I have used Olay for about 15 years now (I am 35). It is SPF 15, and it’s soooo light and non-greasy. I have slightly acne-prone skin, and it’s never caused a breakout.
Annsy | June 1st, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Cetaphil FTW!!! I use the store-brand version - 16 oz. for about $9-10. Can’t be beat - I used to have super-problem skin and the dermatologist put me on it. Skin is soft and ungreasy and rosacea is much better.
Liz | June 1st, 2011 at 3:23 pm
I am about halfway through a bottle of some fancy Olay Regenerist stuff, but I am just ok with it - not that impressed for the price. Same goes for the last one I used, some of the fancy new Neutrogena combine-two-creams-to-make-a-super-powered-cream stuff.
For 10 years, I used Olay 7 Effects and it was great - not $6/bottle, but you can get a big bottle from Costco that lasts a long time. Not sure why I switched, and I might end up going back to that. Nice scent, SPF, not too greasy.
Although first I am thinking about trying the CeraVe AM cream. I use the cleanser and the PM cream right now, and am happy with them, and my dermatologist friend highly recommends the line. It is not cheap but not too terribly expensive per ounce.
If you want cheap and un-fancy, I have always heard good things about Olay’s basic line - come on, it’s been around for like 200 years, right?
Leslie | June 1st, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I use Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 15 and like it a lot. It doesn’t feel like ANYTHING is on your skin. I can’t say it has shaved 10 years off my face or anything, but for a daily moisturizer it gets the job done.
Lawyerish | June 1st, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I second Cetaphil SPF 15. Very gentle. I used it for an entire year with no problems. This summer I’m using the Cetaphil SPF 50 and have had no problems yet, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. I’m also using the 50 on my two-year-old’s face. He has excema on his face and regular sunscreen makes him break out immediately. The Cetaphil gives him no trouble.
Susan | June 1st, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Crap. I hopped over here all set to rave about my favorite moisturizer, but it does not fit your requirements. At all. (No SPF. Well over $10/$15.)
But if you wanted to TRY it at some point, in conjunction with a sunscreen, I suppose, I will tell you that I live for Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. I’ve been using it for 10ish years and it’s so light and so moisturizing. Love it.
Also, just for sake of completeness, I love Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock. A minute or so after application, your skin feels completely dry, which I love. And it doesn’t seem to affect my super-sensitive, easily-blemishable skin.
Life of a Doctor\'s Wife | June 1st, 2011 at 3:41 pm
I like Aveeno face products. I’ve tried several (and landed on the clear skin one because of my awesome first time acne problems) and have liked them all. I have the option to get Mary Kay products at a nice discount and still choose Aveeno for my cleanser and moisturizer because I like it better.
Good luck!
Melanie D. | June 1st, 2011 at 3:43 pm
I use the Olay line (daily face something or other) like some others have said. Sometimes I buy the generic, and that’s fine too, but the Olay stuff goes on sale with coupons fairly regularly. I also like Purpose. Both are light and have SPF 15 or 20. I do think I need to look for something that’s anti-aging at some point, not just all purpose moisturizer, but that is overwhelming so I just haven’t given it more thought…
Suzannah | June 1st, 2011 at 3:48 pm
I use the Wal-Mart version of Aveeno Positively Radiant.
Meredith | June 1st, 2011 at 3:51 pm
http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/DailyFacialMoisturizer.aspx
I love it! Switched from Benefit’s “Do It Daily” last year. I like the Cetaphil better and it’s cheaper.
Amber | June 1st, 2011 at 4:07 pm
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=wg&tqnm=ye5iegx6799947&o=87133&c=CT&p=Wynv0xO2
Found a Cetaphil coupon for $4/1…might help in your quest to find something that works for you
Stacie | June 1st, 2011 at 4:33 pm
I just recently started using Yes To Carrots daily face cream, and I love it. My skin is dry on the cheeks, so dry that if I go without moisturizer it gets all cracked and stings when I put cream on it, but the rest of my skin is normal, and this stuff handles both with no problems and no breakouts and no sensitive-skin crap. It’s pleasantly unfragranced (if that makes any sense) and has SPF 15. I get mine at Walgreen’s but have seen it at Target. Inexpensive and awesome. There are also tomato and cucumber versions if you want to try those.
Jenny | June 1st, 2011 at 4:50 pm
I don’t know that I’ll be too much help, since I’m addicted to the expensive Philosophy Hope in A Jar (thank goodness for periodic 30% off coupons!) but I’ll try since admittedly I love trying out new skin and makeup products. (for reference, I have normal-ish skin that breaks out and is somewhat oily on the chin and forhead.)
I did try the Garnier Ultra Lift a while back and really liked it, but just never purchased another bottle. I also got a sample of the Garnier Moisture rescue gel, and liked how it made my skin feel. (don’t know how expensive it is, but CVS frequently has specials on it and there are sometimes coupons in magazines I read)
I have tried Cetaphil in the past and it made my skin feel too greasy.
The Oil of Olay Defninity foam moisturizer was also too greasy.
Aveeno Positively Radiant is my fall back moisturizer. I like it well enough.
Andrea | June 1st, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I have been using neutrogena oil free SPF 15 for years. Just under $10 a bottle and you can usually find manufacturer coupons AND Target coupons which you can use on one bottle. My husband uses it too and refuses to use anything else.
books | June 1st, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I use the Target (Up and Up) version of Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF moisturizer. It’s $10.49 for 4oz and it is one of those generics that is exactly like the real thing. LOVE it.
Kathi | June 1st, 2011 at 5:30 pm
I also love the Say Yes to Carrots stuff (I use the cleanser, too). I weaned off the expensive Clinique stuff which I loooved when my husband lost his job & my face was a mess until I came across it. It is an added bonus that it supposedly doesn’t have nasty stuff in it (all natural). My mom swears my Cetaphil, and she has rosacea, the dermatologist recomended it. I’m curious what you end up trying!
Megan | June 1st, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Another vote for Aveeno Positively Radiant. It’s my fave. I’ve also used the Target version and it’s fine but I prefer the Aveeno for some reason.
Aveeno’s night moisturizer with Shitake mushroom something-or-other is also wonderful and smells divine. (But it doesn’t have the SPF.)
el-e-e | June 1st, 2011 at 6:00 pm
I have nothing to offer because everything I try causes my face to breakout. I feel a little dry, think I should do SOMETHING to take better care of my downside-of-mid-thirties skin ANNNNNND then I use it 3-4 times and my face is a wreck. Not sure if I have bad/cheap products or if I should really just . . . wash my face and let it go at that. Can’t wait to read all your comments and check out the suggestions.
SallyG | June 1st, 2011 at 6:08 pm
I know it’s considered an “old lady” brand but I’ve been using Oil of Olay beauty fluid since my early twenties (I’m now, gasp, 40) and I love it. It’s light, it has spf 15, I never feel like my face is greasy/oily but I also am never left feeling like I didn’t moisturize. So here’s one vote for Oil of Olay.
Tommie | June 1st, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Olay Regenerist SPF 15. Works great and if memory serves I think Consumer reports showed it as one of the only ones that might have maybe kind of helped a little (but not much) with wrinkles :).
Betsy | June 1st, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I’ve seen a couple comments about Aveeno Positively Radiant…I’ve used that, it’s pretty good.
What I prefer, though, is the Aveeno Ultra Calming. It’s fragrance free, and really helps any redness that might crop up in my skin. I also use it pretty often on my chest area.
Like I said, I’ve used the Positively Radiant…but I prefer the Ultra Calming.
Stephanie M | June 1st, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Hmm. Well, I was all set to rave about my two favorites, but they don’t fit any of your guidelines! It seems that your skin and my skin are polar opposites. My face is a greasy, greasy grease pit, so I like the (expensive) Philosophy Hope in a Jar (redeeming feature - large jar). However, I did try the Korres 24 hour rosewater moisturizer, which smelled DIVINE (like roses, but not cloying or grandmother-y. My hubby said it smelled like red hots.) But it broke my face out something fierce, so you might like it if your skin is dry. I bought both at Sephora, but I’m sure you could get them other places.
Shelly | June 1st, 2011 at 6:24 pm
I’m a big fan of Oil of Olay, SPF 15. It’s not greasy and it’s not very expensive. : )
Kristin H | June 1st, 2011 at 6:34 pm
So I don’t use Dove because they test on animals, and now I REALLY don’t use them after that obscenely racist ad (here: http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2011/05/24/dove-visibly-more-white-beautiful-skin/) but I have had GREAT luck with anything Kiehls or Body Shop. Or Alba, which is sold at Target. It’s a bit pricier, but well worth it, and it lasts FOREVER. I also have fairly sensitive skin and all of those brands work beautifully on it.
vanessa | June 1st, 2011 at 6:55 pm
I love Beyond Belief Vit C+ Skin Nutrients from Sally’s. I believe it is $7 for 4 ounces, SPF 15.
Jessica | June 1st, 2011 at 8:59 pm
Available at Target, it’s only 1.69 oz but a teeny bit goes a very long way. I have similar skin (I’m almost 32), oh, and it smells a little like starburst. Boots Botanics Radiance Beauty Balm. I just realized it doesn’t have an spf, but it doesn’t matter to me as I am practically a hermit. I LOVE this stuff! It leaves my face smooth and hydrated without any greasy feeling. I like to use it in conjunction with the Boots Botanics Microderm Abrasion, which I use in the shower twice a week. Together they are $25, but I am still working on my bottles from xmas..soo…
Cassie | June 1st, 2011 at 11:31 pm
I use L’Oreal Revitalift, it’s great…on a side note though the Dove face care line is still available in Canada. My husband likes the day cream with spf and I just bought him some the other day. So if you’re close to the border hop over and hit up a shoppers drug mart!
Jenn | June 2nd, 2011 at 1:10 am
Eucerin makes a nice one. Moisturizing enough, SPF enough, pretty gentle. Pinkish top.
Tessa | June 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 am
Another vote for Oil of Olay - a basic SPF 15 one - not a fancy/expensive version that promises the sun and the moon and the skin of a 5 year old.
However, I don’t really experiment much with skin care products so although I’m happy with my Oil of Olay it’s not like I can say it is WAY better compared to anything else.
Like others have said, it goes on really well - light and non-greasy.
Beth | June 2nd, 2011 at 5:56 am
I really like the (don’t laugh) Kirkland brand of moisturizer that I get at Costco.
Joanne | June 2nd, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Oh god…
I have never ever, not once, used a daily moisturizer. Not even living 25+ years in a high altitude desert!
Am I screwing myself up? My mother never used anything on her face, either… Someone please educate me. I do not wear makeup regularly, and my skin has never been noticeably dry (and it’s humid where I live now, does that matter?)…
Alicia C | June 4th, 2011 at 1:02 am
It isn’t cheap, but I love love love the First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30.
http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P263006&categoryId=B70
Pamela G | June 4th, 2011 at 4:05 am
A couple months ago I started using Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30. I’m pretty sure I bought it because I like the bottle. No kidding. It has a nice smell, too. It *is* a little expensive, but like others have said, a little goes a long way. I just bought another bottle at Target.
http://www.aveeno.com/facialcare/daily-nourishing-moisturizer-with-SPF-30
Frondly | June 4th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
I have used Oil of Olay, Cetaphil, and Nuetrogena all with spf 15 and I always go back to the Nuetrogena. I can’t really tell you why, I just prefer how it doesn’t smell at all (neither does Cetaphil though) and feels light on my skin. I live in a dry climate and my pores clog easily. All three are good for sensitive slightly dry skin though and are at Target.
hulga | June 5th, 2011 at 3:46 am
I like Almay for sensitive skin. Also, in the winter, an old, old standby: Ponds. I’ve tried everything up to Clinique in cost, and always go back to these. You have beautiful skin, btw.
Rah | June 5th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
I swear by the Trader Joe’s basic moisturizer, which is SPF 15 and only about $4 for a 4 oz bottle. I bought it in a fit because Olay had changed their basic moisturizer formula so that it felt gritty and smelled strongly of sunscreen. The TJ version is smooth and non-smelly and just generally better. And so cheap that I totally take it in my carryon because I know I can always buy another bottle.
Ris | June 6th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
While we’re at it, does anyone have a substitute for the fabulous wonderful Olay Thermal Pedicure Scrub which has been discontinued? I don’t really want to pay $35.99 for the same bottle I formerly paid $6.99 for…I recall some shaving lotion I was given a long time ago that “warmed” like this does, that was made by Beauticontrol but I can’t find any scrub. It was wonderful, made me feel wonderfully self-indulgent, and was even great for manicures. Help!!!???
Meredith | June 7th, 2011 at 5:02 pm