Affordable skincare staples that are gentle, beginner-friendly, and actually worth repurchasing. Simple must-haves for building a skincare routine without breaking the bank—or your skin barrier. I've linked everything that I use in this list!
Sections
7
Makeup Remover 💄
Facial Wash 🌼
Toners 💠
Moisturizers 🌟
UV Protection 🌞
Lip care 💋
Makeup Remover 💄
The very first step to my "get unready with me" routine. I'll share with you what works for me!
Step 1 of getting ready for bed: removing my makeup. This really gets the gunk out of my face, even my waterproof mascara (granted, I let it soak for a bit). I typically use this with cotton pads.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1 Makeup Remover, Face Cleanser, 13.5 fl oz
Step 2: Oil cleanse. Before my regular facial wash, I was my face with this to really make sure that no makeup is left on my face, giving me a clean slate for all the products I will eventually use. I've been using this since I was in high school and...
Kao Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Cleansing Oil (7.7oz) - Melt away the day with water-friendly precision for a pore-deep, silky clean
I use this specifically for the eye area, to avoid irritation. Truly gentle on the skin, and it doesn't sting my eyes :)
Yes, yes. This is a lip balm. But I put it here since I use this to remove matte lipstick specifically (if I try to remove my lipstick via the micellar waters, sometimes the friction from the cotton pad makes my lips sting). This way, my lips remain ...
NIVEA Moisture Lip Care, Hydrating Lip Balm with Shea Butter, Vitamin C & E, 0.17 oz, 2 Pack
Okay…I admit this would not be my first recommendation for removing makeup, but it does come in handy especially if you're in need of a quick fix or need to remove makeup immediately! Especially useful when traveling since there are no bottles with l...
I've been using this for more than a decade now! I always buy in bulk also, more bang for your buck. It doesn't irritate my eyes or leave my skin feel stripped, which is why this is easily one of my favorites :)
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Dry to Normal Sensitive Skin, 20 fl oz, 2-count
I typically used this in my morning routine while getting ready for school. One bottle lasted a really long time, since it doesn't take a lot of product to create suds!
COSRX Face Wash | Best Facial Cleansers & Low PH Gel ...
I interchange this with my other cleansers, but I often use this after I wash with the oil-based cleanser of the same brand :))
Biore Speedy Micellar Cleansing Foam Removes Makeup and Dirt Moisture Soft 90 g.
Toners 💠
Add a little oomph to your routine and let your skin reap the benefits!
My absolute favorite toner! It doesn't hurt my eyes and does not leave a stinging feeling on my skin. I initially got this as a gift from my cousin, but I've since repurchased this over and over again!
I also used this early in high school upon recommendation from my friends! I like products that do not sting me, and this is one of them. My skin is quite sensitive to harsh ingredients and new products, but I did not have a reaction to this one (tha...
( LOT OF 3 ) Neutrogena ALCOHOL-FREE Free • Daily TONER Fragrance Free 8 Fl. Oz
Moisturizers 🌟
We don't want dry, flaky skin here. Try some of what worked for me! I've linked it for you.
My most recent addition to skin care. This is what my dermatologist recommended to use ever since I started incorporating retinoid to my skincare, since retinoids can dry you out. So far so good! No dry patches and my skin is tolerating it well.
Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Cica Calming Face Cream 1.5 oz K-Beauty Authentic
UV Protection 🌞
A literal must-do in your everyday routine. As a tropical country girlie, I've tried quite a few products–now I'm linking the best ones here!
Looove this one. As someone who lives in a tropical country, I need sunscreen that doesn't feel sticky and does not leave a cast. This is perfect for that!
Biore UV Aqua Rich Daily Hydrating Facial Moisturizer Sunscreen - SPF 50 - 1.7 fl oz
My current sunscreen at the moment. This is what my dermatologist recommended, as part of my anti-acne routine. Lightweight, light fragrance, doesn't pill nor leave a white cast!
My lips dry very easily, but I always wake up to baby-soft lips with these. I also bring these when I travel, since they're the perfect size!
Lip Sleeping Mask Nourish & Hydrate - Laneige
This, I like to reapply throughout the day to keep my lips moist and hydrated. Very easy to bring to school and to work, since it's very compact. The smell isn't too strong, which I like!
Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter 0.25 Oz., Pack of 12
I use this throughout the day, especially when I don't feel like wearing lipstick. It still gives me that hydrated feeling on the lips, with the slightest hint of red for that youthful glow.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips | Lip Balm with Petroleum Jelly for Providing Your Lips with Ultimate Hydration and Essential Moisture to Treat Chapped, Dry, Peeling, or Cracked Lips; 0.16 Oz
Before I had money to purchase specialized lip sleeping masks, I used petroleum jelly as a sort of overnight lip mask for me. Cost-efficient but effective! This really helped me prevent my lips from drying out, especially if it's cold.
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly - 13oz: Moisturizing, Soothing, Hypoallergenic, For Dry Skin
Body care 🌹
See what products truly stood the test of time!
I've been a loyal user of dove since childhood. I remember my mom cutting the bar of soap in half to make it last longer 😆 I've actually convinced some of my workmates and friends to switch to this soap since my skin looked good! I love the smell an...
Dove Moisturizing Beauty Bar Soap Original, 3.75 oz, 16 Bars
I'm usually picky with lotions since I sweat easily. I apply this every night after a shower, and it helps moisturize my skin. I love the mild scent. It also absorbs easily, leaving one with a non-sticky feeling!
NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion for Dry Skin Scented - 33.8 fl oz: Moisturizing, Nourishing, Pump Bottle
I love using these to moisturize areas which are prone to a lot of friction. My knees, elbows, and ankle area specifically. They need some love too! At one point, I even used this as a moisturizer for my face. That's how versatile this product is.
Nivea Cream Tin 8.4oz - Moisturizing Body, Face & Hand ...