SKINCARE GEMS UNDER $30

Recently, I have gotten a lot of compliments on my skin and needless to say, I have been very gassed! While I am not one to try all the products out there (because quite frankly, what coins??), I’ve had my fair share of using products that didn’t do my skin justice at all!

After a number of trials and errors, I have settled on a skincare routine that works for my skin and my monthly budget, which was quite frankly my biggest struggle. I learned to find substitutes for my favorite high-end products in the drug store and on cheaper websites. Right now, both my day and night time routine is well under $100, which leaves my spending tracker quite pleased!

P.S: Every product mentioned in this post has been tried and tested by me. I stand by my recommendations but it is important to remember that what works for me might not work for the next person and that’s okay. Although the steps are generic, find products that are tailored to the needs of your skin.

CLEANSERS & MAKE-UP REMOVERS

Cleansers

My personal favorite cleanser is the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I first saw this product recommended on my Insta story by Melissaswardrobe and it surely hasn’t disappointed me! I use it daily for both my night and day time cleanse, and particularly love that it does a great job at cleansing, without stripping off excess oil.

To exfoliate, Ole Henriksen’s transforming walnut scrub does exactly what it implies! It purifies pores, diminishes dullness, and smooths the texture for more youthful-looking skin. I use this once or twice a week, depending on what my skin needs. I’m definitely thinking about making the switch to chemical exfoliators as all that scrubbing isn’t necessarily good for the skin.

Honorable Mention: Kate Somerville Daily Foaming Wash (it’s a little on the pricey side)

Make-Up Remover

Oil-based make-up removers are the truth! At this point, I will not advise anyone to have drying wipes in their skincare routine for so many reasons. The Clinique Take the Day Off Balm was a long time favorite of mine, alongside the Simple Micellar cleansing water. Recently, I made a switch to the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (for no particular reason, I just wanted to try something new). Overall, I like the latter better because it’s less greasy but does a great job and taking off all the make-up, including hard mascaras! Definitely one of my favorite products in my skincare routine at the moment.

Honorable Mention: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

SHOP CLEANSERS AND MAKEUP REMOVERS

TONERS AND MASKS

Toners

Personally, I stopped using a toner for a really long time because all the products I tried were too abrasive on my skin. However, I started using the Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner based on a recommendation from a friend and I highly recommend! Love that it’s an exfoliating toner with glycolic acid (yes to products that multitask), it’s mild and doesn’t sting. I use this once a day in my night time routine.

Honorable Mention: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Masks

Recently, I have been gravitating more towards sheet than clay masks. Also found out that dry/clay masks break me out and it’s best to stick to hydrating ones! Some really good ones out there are the Neutrogena and Dr. Jart+ Sheet Masks.

Honorable Mention: Fresh Rose Face Mask

SHOP TONERS & MASKS

DAY AND NIGHT TIME SERUMS

The benefits of serums are ENDLESS! I did a little research (aka talked to skin care reps) about the ingredients I needed in my products to get the result I wanted. For me, I needed to prevent acne, improve texture and stay hydrated. Hydration was a key piece for me as I live in a cold country and the winter can be a little brutal on my skin. Based on this information, I found out that Hylarounic acid, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, and Vitamin C were non-negotiables. My skin care routine is based on this foundation and all products include one or a combination of these ingredients.

Right now, my go-to serums are divided into day and night time uses.  I layer these serums every day to get the most out of their functions.

Day Time

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glycoside: This is a Vitamin C derivative, which really helps with brightening. If you love the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, then you’d like this too!

Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum: This is very similar to the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, for half the price! It’s the perfect base before applying a moisturizer and absorbs really easily into the skin.

Night Time

Hylarounic Acid: If you don’t have some form of Hyaluronic acid in your routine, please include one! I believe this is the ingredient that has improved my skin care the most in the last year.  The main function of hyaluronic acid is to replenish moisture and improve appearance and texture. Some of my favorite and affordable serums with this ingredient are The Ordinary Buffet & Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

SHOP SERUMS

MOISTURIZERS, SPF AND OILS

Moisturizer & SPF

It took me the longest time to find good alternatives to my favorite high-end moisturizer. My skin loved the Ole Henriksen Vitamin C-Gel Moisturizer and I was honestly willing to stick to that, till I tried the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion. I use this every morning with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 and it’s a match made in hydration heaven (both the moisturizer and SPF contain hyaluronic acid which is a bonus point).

Honorable Mention: Neutrogena Hydro-boost Gel Face Cream with Hydrating Hyaluronic acid.

Face Oils

Because the majority of the skin repair is done at night time, I take extra cautions in my night time skin care routine. Replacing my night time moisturizer with a hydrating and healing face oil made a huge difference in rejuvenating my skin after a long day. Not only did this switch provide more hydration, but the ingredients in the facial oil are able to fight against skin concerns as I rest. Currently, I’m using and loving The Ordinary 100% Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil.

SHOP MOISTURIZERS

These are the skincare products I’m using and loving at the moment. Just like any other skincare routine, I might add or remove as my skin needs change. I’ve also shared my full day and night time routine in detailed IGTV videos here and here!

Let me know if you’ve tried any products and what you loved about them!

Till next time,

A.R.E

xx