Balancing Skincare Bargains and Luxurious Finds: A Guide

Skincare Bargains vs. Luxurious Finds: Finding the Balance

Anyone who’s ever talked to me about skincare knows that I’m all about a good bargain. My beauty stash consists mostly of affordable products from well-known brands such as The Ordinary (I particularly love their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which costs just £4.90), The Inkey List (their Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser at £10.99 is fantastic for spots), and even Aldi’s skincare brand Lacura (their latest Vitamin C serum has worked wonders for my hyperpigmentation). I firmly believe that effective skincare doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Of course, luxury skincare products have their appeal. Many of them contain rare, high-end ingredients, are formulated and tested by the industry’s best dermatologists, and are packaged in ways that maximize their effectiveness (and look gorgeous on your vanity or #shelfie). But as a beauty editor, I’ve tried plenty of expensive skincare, and while I’ve had some hits, I tend to gravitate back to the more affordable options. But there’s one luxury brand that still stands out to me—Decree.

If you’ve got an Instagram account and keep up with skincare trends, you’ve likely seen those distinctive little blue bottles, tubes, and capsules. Google searches for Decree have surged by 180% in recent weeks, and TikTok users have been incorporating the brand’s products into their skincare routines. But what’s so special about this brand?

The Authority Behind Decree: Dr. Anita Sturnham

The brand is the brainchild of Dr. Anita Sturnham, a GP with a special interest in dermatology and aesthetics. She frequently shares skincare tips on her social media channels, covering everything from the ultimate morning and night routines to the best ingredients to look for in products. Dr. Sturnham’s expertise in the field is undeniable—she understands exactly what her patients want: clearer, healthier skin.

I first heard about Decree from other beauty editors who raved about the plumping effects of Peptide Emollient Veil+ (£115) and the brightening power of Treat Tincture (£130). Admittedly, the prices of these products can be a bit shocking, with some of them running well into the hundreds. But after trying a few products from the range, I have to admit—there are some absolute gems.

The Standout Products from Decree

1. Decree Light Cleanse (£44 for 30ml, £15 for 100ml)

Morning cleansing should be nourishing, hydrating, and non-stripping, according to Dr. Sturnham. While excess oil can build up overnight, it’s important to keep the morning cleanse gentle since you don’t need to remove the day’s dirt or makeup (unless you’ve slept in your makeup, of course!).

I love the Decree Light Cleanse. Not only does it smell luxurious (like rose water), but it cleanses effectively without drying my skin out. My combination skin feels hydrated and glowy after use, thanks to ingredients like glycerin and rose seed oil. The sealed pump design is also a thoughtful touch, preventing spills in the shower and keeping ingredients safe from exposure to air and light, which can degrade their effectiveness.

If you don’t want to buy a separate product, this cleanser can also double as a gentle evening cleanser. It melts away heavy foundation and mascara with ease when used as part of a double cleanse.

2. Peptide Emollient Veil+ (£115)

For those with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, Peptide Emollient Veil+ is a moisturizer that provides deep hydration without clogging pores. It’s one of the more expensive products in the range, but the rave reviews are well-deserved.

The key ingredients in this product are peptides—mainly proteins that repair and improve the elasticity of the skin. Even though there’s no tint, my skin looks instantly more vibrant, radiant, and youthful after application. Plus, it works great under sunscreen and makeup. On mornings when I use it regularly, I often skip foundation entirely, as my skin looks so healthy and glowy on its own.

3. Treat Tincture (£130)

The most famous product in the Decree lineup is likely Treat Tincture, a serum that contains hydroxypinacol retinoic acid ester—a gentler, less irritating alternative to traditional retinol. If you’ve ever tried prescription retinol, you know it can come with side effects like redness, peeling, and irritation. Treat Tincture offers similar benefits but with far fewer downsides.

After running out of Differin (a prescription acne treatment), I decided to add Treat Tincture to my routine—and the results were impressive. While it’s not as strong as prescription retinol, using it every other night has extended the smoothing, plumping, and purifying effects I was getting from Differin. My skin looks more even-toned, and the texture is noticeably smoother.

4. Weekly Decree (£120)

Another standout is Weekly Decree, a two-step treatment that includes an acid peel and a nourishing mask. The product contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), which gently exfoliate the skin’s top layer, leaving it looking brighter and more radiant. This is as close as you can get to a professional facial at home (and at a fraction of the cost of one in London).

The treatment can cause a slight tingling sensation, but it’s totally worth it for the instant glow it provides. I wouldn’t recommend it for dry or sensitive skin, as the acid treatment can be a bit strong. However, if your skin is oily, congested, or has a rough texture, this product is a dream.

Affordable Alternatives

While I’m a fan of Decree, I completely understand that not everyone has the budget for luxury skincare. Fortunately, there are some great affordable options out there that deliver similar results with dermatologist-approved ingredients. Here are a couple of my top recommendations:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (£9.50)

CeraVe has long been a favorite of dermatologists, and their Hydrating Cleanser is a perfect budget-friendly alternative to Decree’s Light Cleanse. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help to repair and moisturize the skin while effectively removing makeup, oil, and grime. This cleanser is ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Face Theory Regena C20 Vitamin C Serum (£19.99)

Face Theory offers an incredible Vitamin C serum called Regena C20 that rivals the effects of high-end serums at a much lower price. At just £19.99, it’s packed with potent ingredients that brighten the skin and combat hyperpigmentation.

Pharmaceris Skincare

For those seeking more affordable yet effective dermocosmetics, Pharmaceris is an excellent option. They offer a wide range of skincare products, from cleansers to serums and sunscreens, all formulated with high-quality ingredients like retinol, at much lower prices than luxury brands.

The Verdict: Is Luxury Skincare Worth It?

Ultimately, I believe that skincare doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of effective, affordable products out there, and I’m a huge fan of brands like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, and Aldi’s Lacura for their quality and affordability. However, Decree does offer something special—luxury with purpose. The products are beautifully formulated and deliver noticeable results, especially for those looking to invest in a skincare line that caters to their specific needs.

If you’re willing to splurge on a few key items, Decree is a fantastic option. But for those on a budget, there are plenty of amazing alternatives that can give you similar results without the hefty price tag. The best skincare is the one that works for you—whether it’s a bargain or a luxury find.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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