Splurge vs steal: Skin brighteners

Whether you’re saving your pennies or ready to treat yourself, there’s a skin-brightening product out there to suit your skin and budget.

Here are our fave illuminating buys. Ready, set, GLOW!

Splurge: BABOR Cellular Brightening Serum, 50mL, $177
This beauty not only gives your skin a luminous glow, but it also works hard to even out and brighten skin tone over time. It’s a win-win!

Save: Billie Goat Soap Hydrating Serum, 40mL, $16.95
Bursting with skin-loving vitamin C, this seriously hydrating serum will give you smooth, firmer skin all day long plus an enviable glow.

Splurge: Nu'trir Hydrating Mineral Day Cream, 50mL, $39.99
This moisturiser instantly sinks into skin to give your complexion the deep, all-day nourishment and protection it needs, and a glow to boot.

Save: Sukin Facial Moisturiser, 125mL, $9.95
This smooth formula deeply hydrates and softens skin for a more radiant complexion. Oh, and it comes in at only $9.95 for a 125mL bottle – can anyone say ‘value for money’? Run, don’t walk.

Splurge: Estee Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer, $48
Not only will this primer help your make-up to stay put all day long, it’s also formulated with soft-reflecting optics to give your skin a glow in all the right places.

Save: Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer, $16.95
Treat your mug to an extra hit of hydration with this primer. Your make-up will look smooth, even and glowing, and the primer will help to disguise imperfections. It’s the ultimate multitasker!

Splurge: Benefit Perk-Up Artist, $45
This illuminating kit is a non-negotiable – and we don’t say that lightly. From concealing redness, discolouration, dark circles and imperfections to brightening even the most tired of eyes, it’s worth every cent.

Save: COVERGIRL Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer, $11.95
Next time you’re cruising the make-up aisle at your local supermarket, snap up this concealer. It’s a dream for hiding imperfections and brightening dark circles, and it won’t break the bank.

Splurge: Sisley Phyto-Touche Illuminator, $120
Finish your make-up look with a dusting of this glam illuminator. It actually helps to fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and just look at that gorgeous palette! #itslove

Save: NYX Cosmetics Illuminator, $17.95
Sweep this light-diffusing illuminator over the top of your cheekbones, forehead, cupid’s bow, the bridge of your nose, and collarbones and watch your skin gleam. It’s available in three shades.

Do you spend or save when it comes to buying skin care? Would you like to try any of these goodies?