Dawn Images

Who says you have to break the bank in order to look your best?

Yes, there are many expensive skincare products that are considered the holy grail by beauty aficionados; I'm one of those people. The amount I spend on skincare products is something I can't disclose because I'm tired of being told I have a problem. I am not an addict! I can quit whenever I want, okay!?

Recently I made a trip to the mall and the only thing I needed was a locally produced product. I realised this is one product I always need to have in my skincare arsenal. But what if they're more? What other products can I get from local beauty brands that'll do the trick for the my skin? Because lets be honest, as Pakistanis our skin concerns differ from those of consumers in the United States or Europe or East Asia, where many big brands are based and manufactured.

We know that in Karachi, a foreign product that'll promise you a 'dewy' complexion will basically convert your skin into a surface to fry an egg on. We need products tailored for our skin's needs and the best way to do that is to check out our own local brands!

But guess what? We didn't wanna stop there!

I know you guys, come on, yes I do. Why spend half our salary on one face mask? I need to spend my paycheck on food, so I need to make sure the stuff I get is affordable. Also, the conspiracy theorist in me claims that most expensive products are a hoax and it's just branding that makes people obsess over them.

So I went through my own stash and compiled five amazing skincare products from Pakistani brands that are under Rs500.

1) Sandal Powder by Saeed Ghani

Price: Rs150

While this list is in no particular order, I need this single-use product to be number one. Anyone who knows me knows that I rave about this powder like crazy. Just add water and turn it into a mask, or even add it to your favorite scrub for the extra freshness.

I use it like a mask and when I wash it off I look like I have BB cream on. The freshness and the squeaky clean look it gives makes you wonder exactly how much dirt was stuck in your skin.

Saeed Ghani has outlets all over Karachi from Dolmen Mall to Atrium.

2) Apricot Oil by Aura Crafts

Price: Rs380

I've been following Aura Crafts for a while. I tried their soaps before I got this. But this oil got me interested. I've said it many times before: there's a way to fight oil with oil. This apricot oil is one of them. It's thick but not as thick as castor or almond oil.

It seems like a good dupe for argan oil actually. Plus it's not just for facial cleansing, it can be used for body too. My skin doesn't feel greasy after using it. It feels like I have one of those velvet primers on. It's great for winters but also on heavy and harsh makeup days, this is what your skin needs to heal.

3) Kiss of Youth (Orange face freshener mask) by N'ecos

Price: Rs150

Are you related to me and by that I ask, are you the laziest person on the planet?

I don't always have the patience for facials, but heck yeah I want good skin and when I discovered this little power pack, I was sold!

The extracts from oranges are great for controlling inflammation and give the face an instant pick-me-up.

4) Radiance (Sea salt mask/scrub) by Organic Secrets

Price: Rs400

I am a fan of this brand in general. From their soaps to their shampoo, I am eager to try all their products. So this mask/scrub was a must on my list.

Radiance works in three ways; you apply it like a scrub, leave it on like a mask and wash it off like a cleanser. The result is smooth and squeaky clean skin. It's a great detox for the skin and for the price, it's a steal!

5) Fruit Therapy (Body and face bar) by Body Care Essentials

Price: Rs150

I discovered this brand at an arts and crafts festival. Its scent lured me to the stall and I bought it without thinking twice. And I'm glad I did.

The watermelon and strawberry scent is a new favourite of mine because of this bar and I love how this soap doesn't leave my face feeling too dry and tight. Instead, it's soft on the skin and almost gives a glow. Did I mention it smells amazing?

These brands have many other products worth trying out and I love them, not just becuase they are our own brands but because for the price, they pack a punch!

This article previously mentioned that Saeed Ghani's Sandal Powder was priced at Rs60, the brand has now increased its product's price to Rs150. We apologise for an inconvenience caused to our readers.

The writer can be reached on Twitter.

Do you know of any amazing Pakistani skincare products that won't break the bank? Leave your comments below!