Best affordable skincare products - simple skincare routine for healthier & clearer skin
Skincare can be so daunting if you don’t know what you’re doing. But once you have a skincare routine, it actually becomes fun and a form of self-care and self-love.
I used to just wash my face with the most basic cleanser and wipe it down with a towel. It wasn’t until my skin started getting irritated that I started to do my own research and started making changes to my skincare essentials and skincare routine.
I’m going to go step-by-step on what skincare products to use and when, so if you’re in need of a skincare guide, I’m here for ya! For these products, I’ve curated products that work for all skin types!
1. Cleanser! (If nighttime, double cleanse!)
We always want to start by cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser. Gentle, water-based cleansers can be used both morning and nighttime.
If it’s nighttime, I recommend double cleansing- first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based cleanser (which can be the same one you use in the morning). Oil-based cleansers help with deep cleaning the skin, getting out all the dirts and oils from the day. The water-based cleanser ensures the skin is fully cleaned.
Water-Based Cleanser:
CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15.99)
La Roche-Posay - Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash for oily skin ($15.99)
La Roche-Posay - Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser for dry skin ($15.99)
Oil-Based Cleanser:
2. Tone
After cleansing, we want to tone. Toner helps hydrate and balance the skin, while prepping your skin for the rest of your products.
When choosing your own toner, steer clear from alcohol! Toners shouldn’t contain alcohol as it can dry out and irritate the skin.
The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution ($10)
Peach Slices - Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner ($13.99)
Heritage Store - Rosewater Facial Toner ($12.99)
3. Serum/Treatments
Serums and treatments are typically lightweight moisturizers with more focused ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These serums are specific for your skin's needs and since they’re very light, they can be layered with different serums, underneath your moisturizer. There are so many benefits ranging from brightening dull skin to managing acne-prone skin.
Honestly, I’d recommend investing your money into serums because they are targeted for your skin’s specific needs. If you want the bang for your buck, the one thing that changed the game, and the only serum I want to share because of how effective it is, is Dezi Skin Claro Que C - Vitamin C Glow Serum ($66).
Side note: all of Dezi Skin is BOMB.
If you want to learn more about serums, check out my post How to know what serums to use for your skin’s needs.
4. Eye Cream (optional)
Eye cream definitely has benefits, but I would say it’s optional just because it may not be the best for everyone. However, if you have darker circles and puffiness (which I do), then I’d recommend implementing this into your skincare routine.
E.L.F. Cosmetics - Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream ($10)
CeraVe - Eye Repair Cream ($14.99)
Pacifica - Vegan Collagen Recovery Eye Cream ($18)
Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream ($18)
5. Moisturizer
This step is so important!!! Please remember to moisturize. Moisturizing reduces appearances of fine lines and wrinkles and balances your skin’s face oils. It helps to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and refreshed. Overall, moisturizers decrease skin issues and help the skin look and feel younger. So please, don’t skip this! Even if you have oily skin! Just because your skin is oily, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s properly hydrated. If you have oily skin, try to find moisturizers that are light.
CeraVe - PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($12.99)
E.L.F. Cosmetics - Fragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream ($13)
CeraVe - AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($15.99)
La Roche-Posay - Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($19.99)
For oily skin:
The Ordinary - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer ($10.50)
6. Face Oil (nighttime)
Face oils are not the most necessary, but it does give a lot of benefits. It’s like that last step in your skincare, the ‘top coat’ if you will. When choosing a face oil, be mindful of the ingredients- there shouldn’t be any added fragrances.
The Ordinary - 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($9.80)
Blume - Meltdown Acne Oil ($28)
Peach & Lily - Pure Beam Luxe Oil ($39)
7. SPF (morning)
If your moisturizer doesn’t contain SPF, then you need an extra step! Please don’t forget your SPF. You need to protect your face! We want to make sure we reduce the risk of sunburn, prevent signs of aging, and reduce our risk of skin cancer. And don’t forget to bring it down to your neck, too!
Black Girl Sunscreen - Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($15.99)
Hero Cosmetics - Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($19.99)
Bliss - Block Star Mineral Daily Sunscreen ($25)
La Roche-Posay - Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 ($34.99)
8. Lip moisturizer/mask
Don’t forget to moisturize your lips! You can use something you have on hand, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, or an overnight lip mask. Just don’t forget this!
Aquaphor - Lip Repair ($4)
COSRX - Lip Sleep Ceramide Lip Butter Sleeping Mask ($19)
Laniege - Lip Sleeping Mask ($24)
Now that I’ve listed the products in chronological order, I hope this helps you with your skincare routine and overall skincare journey! Investing time and money into your skincare routine doesn’t only make for clear and healthy skin, it’s also a form of self-care; it’s a time for you. For more guidance, sign up now for free skincare routine worksheets and skincare guides!
Establishing a skincare routine shouldn’t be hard; we all deserve to feel good in our own skin. It’s all about patience and consistency, results don’t happen overnight. Learn to love your skin and how to give love to it<3
xoxo,
kaels
too bad ain’t me<3
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