uys, I’ve got my mind on my money and my money on my mind, and the kicker is that there isn’t enough time to even think about those little trifles. So what do I do? I save all of it. The time, the money, and consequently, some peace of mind and headspace.

In the last few months, the two products that have virtually replaced almost everything else on my shelf are Her Beauty’s Skin Drink and Nivea Cream. Not only do they go on your face, they double as body moisturizers, and also as hair stylers.

Nivea Cream

The idea to use Nivea Cream in place of more expensive moisturizers is hardly a new one. It’s long been touted as the perfect dupe for Creme de la Mer, which sells for half an ounce for $100. Just do that math quickly in your head, and then consider the humble Nivea, in its humble old blue tin, and even with duties and price hikes, paying something like one thousand rupees per container doesn’t seem too bad. Nivea is a thick, rich cream, and you don’t really need a lot of it for one application. Simply scoop up a coin-sized amount of cream, and apply all over face and neck. When I’m feeling extra dry and irritated, or after exfoliation, I apply maybe a little more and allow it to sink in a bit before massaging it in.

The cream’s consistency plus ingredients made me wonder if I can apply it to my hair instead of mousse or curling cream, which quite frankly cost too much and finish too fast.

A quick googling of the matter revealed that Catherine Walsh, who is basically the beauty industry herself (SVP Coty, Founder Walsh House), often runs some Nivea through damp hair to style it. It gives a “separated” texture, according to her, which I guess means is the ‘piece-y, wavy’ hair every early 2000s mag told us was the most desirable.

Since then, I have both raked-and-shaked Nivea through my 2b/2c hair, and smoothed it over soaking hair, scrunched and plopped, and it works great both ways. The only thing to be careful of is hair density and texture, because it’s a heavy cream and could leave you looking greasy.

For skin, I have legit had one facialist tell me my skin is “usually not soft, but it is so soft and smooth” since I’ve switched to Nivea as my daily night cream.

Skin Drink

Her Beauty’s Skin Drink held my imagination with its mention of 5D hyaluronic acid molecules. Apparently at different sizes or weights, these can capture and retain moisture more effectively.

Skin Drink is more of an essence than a lotion or serum, and like the brand promises, it brightens up your skin and plumps it up for the day. If you’re missing your youthful glow, or simply feel too bummed to make your face up so much, this could be your shining knight in shining armor, and help you look a lot more awake and dazzling than you feel.

Since it’s designed to work hard, all you need is a few drops for your face and neck, and perhaps a few more for your body before you layer on thicker creams or oils.

For hair, a little bit in damp hair keeps it soft, natural, frizz-free and holding curl or style for way longer than one might expect.

Verdict: Skin Drink retails for Rs 3500, while Nivea Cream is available at varying prices across super stores. The former is, despite daily use and multiple uses, only less than a quarter bottle down, while Nivea Cream, even when used liberally, lasts for as long as three months. Worth the price? Yes!