Oil Me Up! Beijing's Budget Moisturizers

Winter is looming and with it Beijing's dry air, making moisturizers essential. Most consumers assume that the prices of beauty products are directly proportional to their quality. But what’s the real difference between a 500-kuai facial cream and a 20-kuai product? Certainly, products from the high-end European cosmetic giants may have additional features, such as anti-aging, whitening, etc, since they spend more money on research and development. On the other hand, they also spend a ton on advertising, marketing, luxury packaging, etc. If you’re on a budget and simply want a basic, effective moisturizer, here’s a list of reliable options.

Friendship cream
(友谊护肤脂)
Though it’s an oil-based cream, it moisturizes the skin without feeling greasy. Good as a hand cream, too. The small, round container is very portable – and pleasingly retro.
RMB 4.5 (40.5g).

“The Horse” moisturizing cream
(马牌油)
This three-in-one cream for face, hands and lips was a skincare staple of every family in 1980s China. The oil-based product soothes cracked lips and works wonders on chapped or flaking skin due to windburn.
RMB 2.5 (24g).

Pehchaolin 24-hour moisturizing cream
(百雀羚24小时保湿霜)
A cheap version of Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, this keeps your skin moisturized for 24 hours. Ideal for the face – and you can even slather it on as body lotion without wincing
at the price.
RMB 10.9 (50g).

Ya Shuang vanishing cream
(雅霜雪花膏)
Moisturize, soften and smooth your skin with a brand that’s been around for more than 70 years. This cream’s heavy, oil-based texture makes it the best for very dry skin during winter.
RMB 7.5 (80g).

Dabao SOD Milk
(大宝SOD蜜)
Dabao is China’s most recognizable local brand – and its classic SOD milk cream is a must-have facial moisturizer for all seasons. Chinese consumers like it for its whitening effect.
RMB 7.5 (100ml), RMB 14 (165ml).

All of these products are available at www.taobao.com.