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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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