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Budget-Friendly Skincare Routine
69
items A list of aesthetician-approved products that are easy on the wallet
Sections
9
Choose a Cleanser
Choose a Toner (optional)
Pick an Exfoliator
Pick a Serum
Pick a Moisturizer
Body Products (as needed)
Choose a Cleanser
Choose a cleanser that is best suited for your skin type
Gentle and effective face cleanser - perfect for super sensitive skin but works well with all skin types $8-$12
Vanicream™ Gentle Facial Cleanser $12
A basic hydrating cleanser for all skin types especially those with dry skin $9
Hydrating Face Cleansing Gel,Hyaluronic Acid $9
A gentle cleanser using probiotics & resveratrol CoQ10, blended with apricot & borage oils, to gently cleanse makeup & impurities without stripping away moisture. For aging, sensitive or dry skin types $15
Andalou Naturals Probiotic Cleansing Milk $15
Featuring a trio of essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), this makeup remover cleanser helps sustain the skin’s natural barrier. Suitable for various skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. It ensures effective cleansing while maintaining s...
CeraVe Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover $10
Gentle face wash formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane & triglycerides. This gentle face cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping moisture for a non-greasy feel & long-lasting hydration $15
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser $15
Known as nature’s ‘moisture magnet’, hyaluronic acid delivers intense moisture, infusing skin with healthy hydration. Our hyaluronic acid facial cleanser helps plump, smooth, and rehydrate facial skin for a youthful-looking complexion $13
Derma E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser $13
Gently cleanses and soothes redness prone skin Cleanses without over-stripping skin: Washes away dirt, impurities and makeup without over drying the skin. Calms, sensitive, redness-prone skin: Gently relieves dryness, leaving skin feeling soft and cl...
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash $9
Works to gently dissolve makeup, oil and impurities, while helping the appearance of skin, for a healthier-looking complexion. Leaves skin soft, smooth, balanced, never dry or stripped $17
Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée $17
A gentle, plant-derived foaming cleanser that effectively removes dirt and impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. Good for all skin types, including sensitive skin $12
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser $12
No-rinse facial cleanser, face and eye makeup remover, and long-lasting hydration all in one step. Gently removes foundation makeup, mascara, and excess oil and leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated, not stripped.
CeraVe Micellar Water, Hydrating Facial Cleanser & Eye Makeup Remover $12
Gentle face wash removes dirt, oil, and impurities leaving skin feeling clean and not stripped. Skin looks balanced and feels softer after using this foaming facial cleanser
THAYERS pH Balancing Daily Cleanser, Face Wash with Aloe Vera $14
Gently removes all makeup - even eye makeup - while leaving your skin smoother and energized. Powerful Ingredients, Real Results. Fulvic Acid, a strong antioxidant, levels out your skin tone while Kakadu plum boosts skin's radiance. Licorice root ext...
The INKEY List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser $13
Suitable for all skin types. Dermatologically tested deeply hydrating cleanser for soft, smooth and healthy skin. Deeply hydrates the skin, supports a healthy skin barrier and optimizes skin PH levels.
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
Refine uneven skin tone and texture with this resurfacing face wash. This cleanser is the brightening solution that deep cleans pores, promotes radiance, and minimizes the appearance of dry fine lines and uneven skin tone. Suitable for combination, d...
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser $16
Choose a Toner (optional)
Toners can function as a second cleanse, an exfoliant or a way to hydrate
Gentle Exfoliating Toner: Formulated with AHA, BHA, and Purifying Botanical Ingredients, this toner improves skin texture, skin vitality, and control pores $15
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner $20
pH balanced toner gently removes impurities after cleansing. With ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide the lightweight toner helps soften and smooth skin while locking in moisture for refreshed, healthy-looking skin
CeraVe Hydrating Toner for Face $10
Polyhydroxy acid is a gentle chemical exfoliant and toner for sensitive skin; Made of large molecules, it removes dead cells from the surface layer of the skin, while naturally locking in moisture. With 3% PHA and 3% Niacinamide, this toner helps to ...
The Inkey List PHA Toner
pH balanced toner gently removes impurities after cleansing. With ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide the lightweight toner helps soften and smooth skin while locking in moisture for refreshed, healthy-looking skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Toner
An encapsulated retinol in a toner is not easy to find and it's easy on the wallet. It's great for mature skin or those prone to acne/breakouts
PIXI Retinol Tonic Toner
Pick an Exfoliator
An exfoliator can come in many different forms from a scrub to a serum. Even on a budget, you can still find a quality exfoliator that suits your skin type/concerns
An affordable exfoliating serum that is gentle, effective and also helps to maintain moisture in the skin $10
Lactic Acid 5% + HA Mild Exfoliator to Reveal Smoother Skin $10
A daily treatment pad that contains just the right amount of Lactic and Glycolic Acids to safely and effectively help exfoliate, tone and brighten all skin types – including sensitive skin
First Aid Beauty - Facial Radiance Pads
Clears and helps prevent acne for smoother, breakout-free skin. Unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores, giving you clearer, brighter-looking skin. Gentle Alcohol-free formula that is pH-balanced can be used daily to treat acne-prone skin. Cont...
PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant 2% Salicylic Acid $10
These softly textured toner pads are a game changer for clearing acne without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier. After just 1 week, skin looks clearer from acne blemishes and texture looks smoother
Thayers Blemish Clearing Acne Pads $10
Glycolic and lactic acid (AHAs) go to work on the surface of your skin to promote renewal and improved texture, while Salicylic Acid (BHA) works to combat breakouts, blemishes, and irritations.
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment $6
Smooths skin texture, visibly evens tone, and boosts radiance with daily use. Contains Tasmanian Pepperberry, aloe, and ginseng.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner $8
These self-foaming pads are infused with skin-conditioning cleansers like glycerin. Textured on one side to gently exfoliate dirt, oil & complexion-dulling impurities. Smooth on the other to gently cleanse & remove make-up around the delicate...
RoC Resurfacing Disks, Hypoallergenic Exfoliating Makeup Remover Pads $15
Provides gentle exfoliation to smooth texture and brighten skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid and Tasmanian Pepperberry a known anti-irritant.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Hyaluronic Acid 2%, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Smoother Skin
This gentle yet exfoliating toner targets texture, dullness, uneven skin tone, and dehydration with a formula designed to bring out the best in your skin, leaving you glowing and refreshed.
Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner $14
Pick a Serum
Pick a serum based on your skin type and/or something you want to correct ie: a brightening serum for dark spots etc. If unsure, choose an antioxidant like vitamin C
Get instantly plump skin for less than $6 - Great for dry or aging skin
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Brightening serum with tranexamic acid to gently reduce pigmentation concerns $12
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
A multi-active solution designed to help repair skin barrier, soothe discomfort, and reduce the look of redness. Targets irritated skin, reducing the look of redness and soothing feelings of discomfort associated with dryness
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Formulated with 0.1% retinol and bakuchiol to boost the effects of retinol while nourishing the skin and preventing irritation. Designed to target fine lines, enlarged pores, and congestion.
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream
Provides immediate, long-lasting hydration for smoother, plumper, and healthier-looking skin. Has 5 forms of HA to hydrate multiple layers of skin. A high-quality HA for only $9
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), Multi-Depth Hydration Serum
Made with Cocoa Butter to moisturize, Retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Vitamin C to brighten skin and dark spots, and Cetesomate Complex for essential vitamins and nutrients $13
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil for Face
DELIVERS 7 BENEFITS IN 1 - This powerful serum hydrates, provides antioxidant protection, visibly evens tone and texture, boosts luminosity, and reduces the appearance of dark spots and fine lines all for $20
Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum
Antioxidant serum for face formulated with 10% t l-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, to help brighten and even skin tone. Pure vitamin C can easily cost $75+ this one will only run you $28!
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
This 3% blend of Ceramides targets dehydrated skin and helps it appear plumper.
The INKEY List Ceramide Serum, Overnight Cream with Hyaluronic Acid $14
Copper tripeptides work to reinforce the look of firmness while acetyl hexapeptide-8 and acetyl octapeptide-3 help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum $12
Using the Matrxyl 3000 peptide, this smoothing and hydrating collagen serum mimics the effect of what natural collagen would do to your skin, helping it appear plumper and firmer. Also gives an added boost to aid a reduction in the appearance of fine...
The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum $15
A daily antioxidant serum with 8 technologies that helps protect skin and boost radiance. Provides holistic protection from environmental stressors, and to visibly brighten dull skin.
The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum, Vitamin C Serum For Face
I love this affordable plant-based exsosomes. It's lightweight and anyone who has aging concerns, even oily/breakout-prone skin can benefit from this serum
Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum | INKEY LIST
Pick a Moisturizer
Every skin type requires a solid moisturizer. Here are ones that are effective but friendly on the wallet
Delivers immediate hydration that is slowly released over a 72-hour time period
Cetaphil Water Gel for Deep Skin Hydration
Our quick-absorbing, buildable gel formula helps to visibly plump the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines without clogging pores $15
Curology Gel Face Moisturizer, Daily Face Lotion
In addition to the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid this formula contains three gentle peeling agents -10% Mandelic Acid, 1% Phytic Acid, and 1% Gluconolactone - to help exfoliate and promote cell turnover.
Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum
Lightweight gel cream brightens and evens skin tone. It helps fade dark spots and discoloration over time, giving you a healthy, youthful glow every day. Ideal for all skin types – even oily or combination – that crave hydration without greasiness.
Glow Baby Hydrodew Moisture Gel - Pacifica $8
Daily moisturizer targets multiple signs of aging at once. Potent peptides and plant-based actives boost collagen and elastin, helping firm sagging skin and smooth fine lines. It’s like a time machine in a jar – with consistent use, witness improved ...
Future Youth Super Cream - Pacifica $16
New Bio-Active Ceramides repair, reset, strengthen, and protect the skin. Gransil Blur instantly softens fine lines while Shea Butter deeply nourishes and prevents water loss to maintain the moisture barrier.
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser $20
Body Products (as needed)
Old school moisturizer but works well on the body and smells just like the beach $6-8
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula | Heals & Softens
A classice gradual self-tanner that won't leave weird tan spots. $10
JERGENS® Daily Moisturiser - Natural Glow Daily Lotion
Immediately improves the texture and smoothness of skin on hands and continuously improves the look of crepey skin overtime. This smoothing concentrate contains protective antioxidants and nourishing omega-fatty acids
Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Hand Cream
This hand cream with eucalyptus extract works great after washing your hands and provides intensive moisture. The formula protects skin from dryness up to 24 hours and through multiple hand washes, so no need to reapply $5
Curel Extreme Dry Hand Relief
A body serum that is affordable for anyone and treats any discoloration concerns while moisturizing the body skin at the same time. Can be used as a lotion alone or layered under a moisturizer
Good Molecules B5 Hydrating Body Serum
Pick an Eye Treatment
Keep in mind when purchasing an eye cream, you're not using a lot. Most eye creams will last 6-9 months when used regularly
Puffy eye cream helps reduce puffiness in the under eye area. Depuffing eye cream with a non-greasy finish that leaves under eyes looking hydrated, smooth, brightened, and more awake $20
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream $20
Eye cream with bakuchiol—a natural and gentle alternative to retinol—is clinically shown to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, under-eye circles and crow’s feet
Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream With Natural Retinol Alternative $20
Mature skin showing signs of wrinkles and sun damage will enjoy the benefits of this skin smoothing, rich eye cream. High in antioxidant vitamin E and a blend of oils for a soft, and more youthful looking eye area.
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream $20
A Gentler Retinol - This under eye balm reforms skin texture to reduce the appearance of crows feet. It does this using granactive retinoid, which sounds intense but is actually a safer, less irritating form of retinol that works great in a nightly e...
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm $6
This nutrient-packed eye gel works to reinvigorate your eyes! Designed to reduce the signs of tired eyes, puffiness, and dark circles while also hydrating and plumping the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
Designed to be much more than your average under eye cream, this retinol eye cream works to visibly brighten dark circles, firm, lift, and hydrate skin around the eyes.
No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream
Misc
Here are some optional products to add into your regime and still stay on budget
Glides on smooth for rich, hydrating protection. Moisturizing full coverage SPF 30. A Triple action formula enriched with vitamin E, will protect and moisturize your lips
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm Sunscreen
A multi-purpose balm - Soothe, soften and moisturize dry skin on your face, cuticles, elbows; use as a lip moisturizer or anywhere you need a little extra moisture $10
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Origin Goodness Glows Miracle Balm
Our hydrocolloid pimple patches for face absorb pus and oil from pimples while helping conceal spots. Leave on for 6-12 hours or until the patch turns white, indicating absorption $10
Curology Emergency Spot Pimple Patches for Face
Formulated with salicylic acid to exfoliate to help shrink the appearance of pimples, CICA (centella asiatica) to help visibly reduce redness and heartleaf extract to help soothe sensitive skin
Cetaphil Acne Spot Pimple Patches with Salicylic Acid - 24ct
Contains Vitamin E + Shea Butter to hydrate lips and provide 12-hour lip hydration to make lips feel and look healthy. Broad spectrum sunscreen protection from UVA and UVB rays; water resistant up to 80 minutes.
Hawaiian Tropic Lip Sunscreen SPF 30, Island Coconut | SPF Lip Balm
For those who suffer from acne or are breakout-prone this contains the active ingredient Adapalene USP, the first FDA-approved over-the-counter topical retinoid for acne treatment.
PanOxyl Adapalene 0.1% Leave-On Gel $12
Offers cracked skin treatment and anti chafe benefits. It's a non-comedogenic healing balm that moisturizes without clogging pores, making it suitable for dry skin and eczema relief
CeraVe Healing Ointment, Hydrating Skin Protectant $12
Infused with nourishing Avocado Oil and Antioxidant-rich Acai Extracts, this tinted balm feels like a lip conditioner and helps keep lips moisturized all day. The creamy texture glides on dry lips and leaves lasting hydration
Honest Beauty Moisturizing Vegan Tinted Lip Balm $10
Developed with dermatologists, absorb oil in 3 hours, soothe skin, and promote skin barrier repair with ceramides and niacinamide. Suitable for sensitive skin, these allergy-tested, fragrance-free, hydrocolloid blemish patches prevent picking and min...
CeraVe Hydrocolloid Blemish Barrier Patches $10
An affordable lip treatment that adds volume and definition to lips and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture. I actually noticed an increase in the fullness of my lips in just two weeks and it comes in a tint!
Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm - mocha-tint
Choose a SPF
Lightweight and white-cast free sunscreen to provide broad-spectrum SPF 45 sun protection without clogging pores
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum