I love featuring beauty products on a budget, but I'll admit, it can be quite hard to find budget skincare products. There are the drugstore/teenage brands, like Simple, Garnier etc, but not many of them offer products like serums and exfoliators. That's probably why The Ordinary took off the way it did, with their choice of good but affordable skincare products. Another brand that meets this niche (but isn't spoken about as much) is Balance Active Formula. They offer formulations that contain active levels of clinically proven ingredients, but without the massive price tag. Infact, you can find their products for around £3 each on Fragrance Direct, Amazon, JustmyLook, Savers and B&M (to list a few).
I had the chance to try out their Vitamin C Power Serum*, Hyaluronic 554 Youth Serum* and Hyaluronic Moisturiser*.
Vitamin C Power Serum*
I was so excited to use this as I have a bit of pigmentation around my chin and upper lip which gives off a bit of a green tinge, and so I really wanted to try a Vitamin C serum as I read about how they brighten the skin and thus reduce any pigmentation. Vitamin C does go off, so it's best to check it hasn't separated and it should be stored in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Otherwise it won't be as effective. If you're using Vitamin C or any kind of exfoliators, I really wouldn't miss a daily application of SPF as your skin will be more prone to sun damage, and pigmentation could then get worse rather than better.
The Vitamin C Serum, alongside the Hyaluronic Acid, both come in little plastic bottles that are dispensed with pipettes. You get 30ml of product. The consistency is quite runny, however it's very easy to smooth and massage it over the skin. It really doesn't feel very heavy at all on the skin, honestly, it just feels like you're massaging water in. It does have a tacky finish at first, but it quickly dries down to give a matte feel to the skin. It is definitely lightweight and non-greasy, just like it claims to be.
It contains two forms of stabilised Vitamin C - 6% Illumiscin and 3% Stay-C (TM) 50, as well as Zinc PCA and Oleuropein, for a brighter and smoother complexion. Honestly, I really like this serum! I don't mean to exaggerate, but I've been using this for a month, and I really feel like my skin is looking better than it has in ages. I used to have good skin until a few years ago where it started going all dry, patchy and dull, out of the blue. It is starting to look more radiant and slightly smoother now, I can tell that my cheeks look a bit more glowy already. In terms of pigmentation, I think it has improved slightly around my chin, but at the moment it's the same around my upper lip and the corners of my mouth. I'll definitely carry on using this though, and post another 2-3 month update.
I've still got 5/6 of the bottle left after using it more a month, so I can definitely see myself getting a lot more use out of it. Plus, because it's so cheap (under £3 here at Fragrance Direct), you can just pick it up without even thinking too much about it. I tend to use it in the evenings after I have exfoliated, and before my other serums and night creams.
Hyaluronic 554 Youth Serum*
I was also super excited to use the Hyaluronic Serum as I've used it as an ingredient in my skincare, but never on its own as a serum. This one has 5% Hylasome EG10 which holds water tightly within its gel structure, and delivers it over time, leading to its claim of five times the moisturising benefits after 24 hours. Now, I haven't used it for 24 hours, more like 12 hours max at a time. The consistency of this one is more gel like (compared to the Vitamin C). Again, it is dispensed through the pipette and it is really easy to smooth over the skin.
I was expecting it to be more hydrating on its own, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. It does absorb into the skin quite quickly, giving it more of a pump look, but my dry skin still looks dehydrated, especially because it has a matte finish too. I think this Hyaluronic Serum is more to be used as a base, and that's what the instructions point to aswell. I pair it underneath my normal Superdrug serum, and the moisturiser from the same range. I tend to use this one in the mornings, as I leave the Vitamin C serum for the evenings.
I do really like the way my skin looks after all these steps, but I'm not sure it's all down to this one product, so that's why I would say this isn't a necessary step. With the Vitamin C serum it's easy to say that my skin looks more glowy, but it's hard to tell with the hyaluronic acid if my skin is better in the long term. Hopefully, by the 2-3 month update point, I should be able to pinpoint the results better. You can find it on Amazon here for £3.99.
Hyaluronic Moisturiser*
Lastly, I got to try the Hyaluronic moisturiser. I'll admit, I was a bit dubious at just how good a VERY budget moisturiser would be. I don't get on with a lot of drugstore moisturisers as I find that the consistency is often a bit heavy for me, my favourites are those with a gel texture, however I find these tend to be more expensive. This, however, is a really lightweight moisturiser (with a slight gel texture), that just sinks into the skin and hydrates it well. It absorbs incredibly quickly, and gives a matte finish. It's not that rich, so I think it would be fine for normal-combination skin as well, and even oily. With my dry skin, I do put some serum underneath.
It doesn't have SPF in it, so it's suitable for day and night. For a price of £2.50 (Amazon here), I do think it's one of the best bargain moisturisers out there and easily tops a lot of other more expensive creams. It feels quite good on my skin too, like some moisturisers can make your skin feel a bit overloaded (and hot), but this doesn't feel like anything when it's on. I find it quite gentle on my skin too, no itchy skin or breakouts with this. The only con, in my opinion, is that it does have a bit of a chemical scent when you first apply it, however it fades pretty fast.
The active ingredients in this are the Hylasome EG10 (the same form of hyaluronic acid as in the serum above) and Algisium C2 (I couldn't understand all the science-y diagrams but I think it's a collagen booster).
Overall, I've really enjoyed using these three products and I'm really interested in seeing what long term results they have with continued use. I can't wait to do a 2-3 month update! I think Balance Active is one of those brands that isn't spoken about much (probably because they don't advertise), and it's easy to oversee, especially because their packaging isn't very fancy or eye catching. However, if you want affordable skincare that works, or you're new to skincare and have no clue where to start, I would really recommend them as their products are no frills, but just good skincare that delivers!
I hope you enjoyed this post!
Have you tried any Balance Active products before?
I've never heard of Balance Active but I know people have been going crazy over The Ordinary. That Vitamin C serum sounds amazing! Sometimes the best skincare products have very simple packaging, and the quality of the ingredients matter more.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Floraful
I completely agree with you in that it's not the packaging that matters often, but the product xx
DeleteI have a cleanser from this brand that I think I put somewhere and need to find to use asap!!! They sound amazing products and I cannot believe how affordable these are! x
ReplyDeleteYiota
pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com
Ooh I'd love to know how you get on with it x
DeleteThe Vitamin C serum sounds really good. Like you said, it`s difficult to find drugstore products that are effective. There are some niche brands, but it`s great to see that a brand so cheap has such good products.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beautynerd.co.uk
Yes, it is really good to see brands catering for different budgets x
DeleteI love shopping at Savers, B&M etc, so I'll have to look out for this range because I guess I've never given the skincare there a chance, the moisturizer sounds like my kinda thing :)
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
The moisturisers really lovely, it's not too heavy at all x
DeleteIt's always good hearing about cheaper/affordable products! It's a shame the serum wasn't very hydrating - I have dry skin so I would be a bit warey to try that but I'd be interested to try their products x
ReplyDeleteLAURA | Laura Thinks About
I think it helps your serums absorb better when worn underneath, so it's not too bad, the moisturiser is very hydrating though!
DeleteI really want to try The Ordinary skincare and their foundation. I'm going to place an order soon. Great post! I'm pretty new to skincare and would like to learn more. http://www.mrsqbeauty.com
ReplyDeleteThank you x
DeleteWow this brand sounds great, so affordable! I really enjoy The Ordinary products so I imagine I'd like this brand too.
ReplyDeleteAlice May Snell ♡
They're really good products that do just what's on the label x
DeleteVitamin C power serum is totally for me as i have really bad pigmentation around my mouth!!! Great post! ♡
ReplyDeleteHaniya
booknauthors.blogspot.com
Same here, thank you x
DeleteI've not heard of this brand before, but it sounds really good! I can't wait for your update post either!xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | luxuryblush
Thank you x
DeleteThese look amazing. Great review too. The Hyaluronic acid draws me in the most. I'd have to check out the ingredients first tho especially since my skin reacted badly to the first one I tried.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I normally get on fine with most skincare products, it's just SPFs that I react to sometimes x
DeleteThat's a great review, thanks for sharing, I haven't used any products from the brand,so always happy to find out about new skincare I can try!
ReplyDeletewww.rougenapples.com
Thanks you!
DeleteThanks for making me discover this brand. I can't wait to read your follow up review. It's going to be so interesting to hear how you got along with these skincare products after a couple of months! x
ReplyDeletewww.serenbird.com
Thank you, I can't wait to see if there's any more results too x
DeleteWow, I can't believe the bargain price of these products. I'm always sceptical of low priced moisturisers too and pleased to see this beats some of the higher priced moisturisers you've tried. I love the sound of the Vitamin C serum too - I'm forever taking Berocca, gimme the Vitamin C!! :)
ReplyDeleteJaz xoxo
http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk
Haha I don't think I get enough vitamin c either, or vitamin d the sunshine vitamin! x
DeleteI haven't ever tried anything from this brand but at the price it sounds so good. The vitamin C serum sounds amazing! xx Brynn
ReplyDeletehttps://www.brynnieblogs.com
That's my favourite, I do think it makes a difference x
DeleteI haven't heard of this brand but all three of these products sound so good so I definitely need to check them out. x
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Thank you x
DeleteI keep hearing about this hyaluronic acid everywhere but the acid bit scares me. I don't know. I'm weird. If you want a really cheap, really good gel moisturizer, You should look up the Nature Republic Aloe Vera multi purpose gel. It's honestly amazing and I use it every day-- not for my skin, but for my hair actually. Although its main purpose is skin, so I really think you should give it a little peek. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://cynicalduchess.com
The word acid scared me at first, but honestly it just feels like putting any other face cream on! Thank you, I used to have quite sensitive skin and aloe vera gel was a lifesaver! x
DeleteI'm not sure if they have this brand in Australia but I'd love to give them a go! I am currently looking for a vitamin C serum of some sorts to help with my pigmentation and this sounds like it would do a lovely job!
ReplyDeleteImogen, www.faux-silk.com
It's worth a try at the price point!
DeleteI've never heard of this brand but the moisturizer sounds so good for an affordable brand! x Nikita
ReplyDeleteBLOG//Jasmine Loves
It really is :)
DeleteThank you for bringing this brand to my attention, as I've never heard of it before. I definitely want to get my hands on that moisturiser! xx
ReplyDeleteIndie// In Search of the Holy Grail
Thank you x
DeleteI've never tried a product like this! Sounds so interesting! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a lovely week!
findyourownhope.blogspot.com
Thank you, hope you are too x
DeleteNice and useful post especially that Vitamin C one, Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteGuide for Shop Customized t shirt online in India
Thank you x
DeleteI've used a vitamin c serum in the past and loved the results it gave me in brightening the skin. I stopped using it and tbh, I don't know why. These serums sound wonderful and what a huge plus that they're super affordable, too! Thanks for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you're having a great week so far!
ReplyDeleteXo,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
I'm really glad it worked so well for you, hopefully I get even better results around 2-3 months x
DeleteI've seen their products in TK Maxx but never thought twice about them. But I am seeing some great reviews recently. I would definitely be interested in an update to see how they worked out over a longer period. xxx
ReplyDeleteUmmBabyBeauty
Thank you, I will definitely have one up, a bit excited myself haha x
DeleteI never heard of this brand, but i'm very intrigued by the products they offer at such prices. It's indeed so rare to find such products at low prices so will try to get my hands on these! x
ReplyDeleteSam Hodgett || Beauty, Food & Lifestyle
Hopefully it won't be so rare down the line!
DeleteI just finished my Vitamin C Serum and I totally need a new one that is not tacky! This one from Balance Active Formula sounds really good! I shall stalk them in my nearest beauty store hahah
ReplyDeleteThis one wasn't tacky at all, it doesn't feel like anything on the skin! x
DeleteNever hear of this brand but their products sound amazing!
ReplyDeleteXoXo,
Tamara - LoveofMode.com
Thank you x
DeleteNever heard of this brand before but wow their prices are amazing! Their products sound great too, and now you have me curious about the ingredients they've used as this is my first time hearing of those specific vitamin c's as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJenny | Geeky Posh
I was a bit curious too so I did look into them, but I'm not the best at explaining it haha!
DeleteNever hared of this brand and it sounds really good. Thanks for introducing these products.
ReplyDeleteGlamupGirls
Thank you x
DeleteI never heard of this brand but sounds like it's an amazing product! Definitely gonna look into this product and give it a try!
ReplyDeletexo Tina
IG: @tinasweetheart
www.tinasweetheart.com
Thank you x
DeleteThey sound like really great budget skincare products! xx
ReplyDeleteGemma • Gemma Etc. ❤️
Thank you x
DeleteI've never heard of Balance Active but to be honest, I'm always a little bit skeptical about budget skincare. That being said, I know there are some great affordable options out there, and this definitely seems like one to check out!
ReplyDeleteSam / My Beauty Cloud
I think it really is compared to a lot of other ranges, plus it seems to be quite gentle on my skin!
DeleteThe Vitamin C serum sounds amazing! Really like the sound of this brand, thank you for sharing! Xx
ReplyDeleteALittleKiran | Bloglovin
Thanks for popping by x
DeleteSounds great!
ReplyDeleteXx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
www.floortjeloves.com
www.bloglovin.com/blogs/floortjeloves-12198253
Thank you x
DeleteI love being able to visit your blog and find a few good budget products to get me excited about! I really like that the moisturiser absorbs into the skin quickly but like you I'd probably need the serum as well as I do tend to get quite dry skin.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte / Charlotte's Picks
Aww thank you! I wear serums almost every day now so it's a normal step for me haha x
DeleteNever heard of this brand but Vitamin C serum sounds amazing, glad it's giving you great results. I have some pigmentation on my skin too, should lookout for a Vitamin C serum!
ReplyDeletexx
http://realgirltalks.com/
I heard it gives the best results!
DeleteThat Vitamin C serum sounds amazing :D
ReplyDeletexx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
Thank you x
DeleteEverything looks amazing! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeletehttp://lexisslittleworld.blogspot.com/
Thank you x
DeleteI totally agree, I wish there were more affordable skincare products that really delivered on results but these sound like a good option. I will look forward to your update and if these products are still working well for you I will have to give them a try :) x
ReplyDeleteThank you, I can't wait to see what the results are like either in 2-3 months x
Delete