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Olay's £11 anti-ageing moisturiser is my new favourite budget skincare buy

It's better like some luxury creams I've tried.

olay
This Olay moisturiser is one of my top budget skincare recommendations. (Amazon/Yahoo Life UK)

One of the most common things I get asked as a beauty journalist is to recommend a decent moisturiser that doesn't cost a fortune, or exacerbate oily or dry skin. Well I think I've found just that with the Olay Total Effects 7in1 Fragrance Free Moisturiser.

Quick overview
  • Olay Total Effects 7in1 Fragrance Free Moisturiser

    £11£17
    Save £6
  • Olay Total Effects 7in1 Moisturiser With SPF 30

    £10£17
    Save £7
  • Olay Total Effects Face Cream Skin Care Set

    £12£24
    Save £12
  • Olay Total Effects Moisturiser And Serum Duo With SPF 20, 40ml

    £9£17
    Save £8
  • Olay Collagen Peptide Face Moisturiser Day Cream SPF 30

    £18£38
    Save £20
  • Olay Regenerist Face Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

    £14£34
    Save £20
See 1 more

As much as I love a luxurious, creamy, rich moisturiser to elevate my skincare routine, it’s often not worth spending upwards of £50, especially with rising costs. There are plenty of budget brands like Olay that don't compromise on quality despite their cheaper price tags.

This all-in-one daily moisturiser sells out regularly and is often a Amazon skincare bestseller and I can easily see why, here's why I was super impressed with the budget-friendly buy.

🛍️ Product reviewed: Olay Total Effects 7in1 Fragrance Free Moisturiser
Tested for: Two weeks
Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's hydrating for dry skin but not greasy or heavy for oily skin, is very affordable and feels luxurious
✋ Reasons to avoid: If you have very oily skin this may be too heavy for daytime use
💰 Best deal we've found: Get it at Amazon for £11.32, now reduced from £16.50

This budget-friendly formula hydrates, smoothes and improves texture in a matter of days. 

£11 at Amazon

💸 Reasons to buy

While the packaging feels cheap and cheerful, inside is a powerhouse formula that is rich in niacinamide, pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E that feels ultra-luxurious when applied and keeps it hydrated and smooth for hours after.

The ingredients and what they do:

Niacinamide — Boosts surface cell turnover and brightens the skin
Vitamin E — Protects from fine lines and uneven skin tone
Vitamin C — Brightens dull skin and boost luminosity
Pro-Vitamin B5 — Smoothes, softens and hydrates

The pump distributes quite a lot of product, which I found a little too thick for my oily, combination skin, so I found half a pump was the perfect compromise. Despite it being a 'day moisturiser', the version I bought doesn't contain any SPF, so you can use to as a night cream too.

It has a luxurious gel-cream texture that leaves skin silky smooth. (Yahoo Life UK)
It has a luxurious gel-cream texture that leaves skin silky smooth. (Yahoo Life UK)
(Yahoo Life UK)
It's fragrance-free too, so is suitable for sensitive skin types. (Yahoo Life UK)

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While I chose the fragrance-free version, as that's a common irritant for people like myself with sensitive skin. The lack of SPF means that if you do use this moisturiser during the day, do be sure to put a facial SPF on top before going out to avoid sun damage (I really rate No7's affordable new launch).

If you don't mind scented products, then there is also a Olay Total Effects Moisturiser that does also contain SPF 30 and is only £10 right now.

This fragranced version is a bargain and has SPF 30.

£10 at Amazon

Despite its lovely gel-cream texture, it isn't fast-absorbing - nor does it claim to be - so if you're planning to wear makeup I would make sure your skin is fully dry, give it five minutes before going in with your foundation to avoid any pilling.

After the first use, my skin was immediately softer and smoother. After two weeks, my typically textured areas, like my cheeks, had a much smoother appearance.

✋ Reasons to avoid

If you're looking for an affordable moisturiser that won't irritate sensitive skin, aggravate rosacea or acne, it's a fantastic option.

That said, given it's creamy texture, if you have very oily skin, you may find this a tad too heavy for everyday use.

💰 Best deal we've found

Right now at Amazon, the cheapest can shop the Olay Total Effects 7in1 Fragrance Free Moisturiser is at Amazon, where it currently has 31% off, reduced from £16.50 to just £11.32.

Shop now: Olay Total Effects 7in1 Fragrance Free Moisturiser | £11.32 (Was £16.50) from Amazon

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If you want a full skincare overhaul, you can also find the fragranced day and a night cream duo set from the same Olay range for just £12, down from £24. What a bargain!

This Olay moisturiser duo set is suitable for all skin types, and will leave your complexion smoother, softer and radiant. 

£12 at Amazon

Olay Total Effects 7in1 Moisturiser And Serum Duo combines the Total Effects anti-ageing moisturiser you love PLUS the intensity of a serum.

£9 at Amazon

Supercharged with Collagen Peptide that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this new moisturiser is a huge hit.

£18 at Amazon

This Olay face cream has been a favourite for years and has 75% five star reviews. 

£14 at Amazon