Moisturizer that's lightweight, hydrating, AND affordable?

[R1l3y]

I know I'm asking a lot here, but...

I have naturally oily skin that's fairly dehydrated from using Benzaclin. I can't seem to find a moisturizer that hits that sweet spot of lightweight and hydrating while still keeping me from going broke.

I've tried a lot of creams that have been too heavy, and made me feel greasy or clogged my pores (Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream, OleHenriksen Sheer Transformation Moisturizer, Clinique Moisture Surge, First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin, Sephora Collection Hydrate & Glow All Day Hydrator). 

I've also tried a lot that were lightweight, but didn't really help with hydration - they left my skin feeling tight and dry after application, and led to more oiliness throughout the day because my skin was still dehydrated (Tarte Drink of H2O, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel & Jelly, OleHenriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator, Fourth Ray Beauty Good Mood Gel Moisturizer). I've tried a handful of different, non-astringent toners before moisturizing too, but it hasn't made a difference.

I've also tried two that worked wonderfully but that I really, really can't afford to use on the regular (Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Tatcha The Water Cream).

So, yeah, I was wondering if anyone knows of a moisturizer that might work for me that hits the center of that Venn diagram of lightweight, hydrating, and affordable. Again, I know that's asking a lot, lol. 

Edit: I guess I should clarify affordability... Like $55 USD or less would be incredible!!

[PenelopeBT]

Hi @R1l3y,

If you're looking for a very lightweight, oil free moisturizer that will sink right into your skin, I recommend the CLINIQUE Dramatically Different™ Hydrating Jelly Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid 4.2 oz/ 125 mL

Stay Gorgeous,

Penelope

[mimito3boys]

Dramatically Different does not work for me at all! I love all of The Ordinary products, they are great and very reasonable. After reading these posts I am going to try the Drunk Elephant moisturizer, thanks everyone!

[R1l3y]

Unfortunately I've tried that one and had no luck with it - It leaves my skin feeling dry and tight, no matter how much I apply 😞

[RGbrown]

@R1l3y 

That Clinique jelly doesn't work well as a moisturizer on it's own, but it's not really meant to. Hydrators add hydration, but they typically need to be sealed in with a moisturizer to keep them from just evaporating right back off. So...have you tried layering something like the Clinique jelly (or any hydrating serum) under one of your lesser contenders? Sometimes layers of hydration are key! 

For more budget options, CeraVe has multiple formulations that are highly regarded and well formulated, at drugstore prices. Definitely worth considering 😊

[R1l3y]

Thanks! I'll have to explore those options!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@R1l3y I agree with @RGbrown about the CeraVe.  You can even get it from Ulta with one of those $3.50 off coupons, or print out a $2 off one from CeraVe's website.  I really hope you like it as much as I do 🙂