Skincare products are my obsession, and finding affordable skincare products that I love has been an ongoing mission of mine for years now. My Mom taught me at a young age to moisturize, and my interest in different products has evolved over the years to fit my budget as well as my age. However, I think it’s a common misconception that skincare always has to be expensive. There are some stellar products out there that do the job and do it well, with a very attainable price tag. I’ve tried many different brands over the years, and have settled into a solid routine with a few that help with brightening, anti-aging, and overall moisture. Check out the affordable skincare products that I love below!
When I first started moisturizing, I used a very basic Clean & Clear moisturizer to help with acne since it’s something I was still experiencing in my late teens and early twenties. As time progressed, I eventually moved on to products that moisturized and helped with aging. I’ve tried medical-grade products, department-store products, and everything in between, but I didn’t settle into a routine and a set of products that I loved until the past couple of years.
Here are a few of the affordable skincare products I love from my current routine:
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension
This is one of my favorite recent discoveries, and it is literally $28 for the 100 ml and $12 for the 30 ml. It’s not oily, and it helps with dullness, blemishes, and overall skin texture. I found this initially because there was a skincare chemist on TikTok sharing dupes with the same ingredients as some of the widely known brands and figured I would give it a shot. It has not disappointed me, and I use it consistently to maintain my skin tone.
The Inkey List Retinol
This was another rec I found from the TikTok chemist and it was likened to the more expensive Retinol brands. I have used Tretinoin in the past prescribed by my dermatologist but wanted to ease back into retinol after pregnancy and nursing so I didn’t irritate my skin. This was a really great, effective, alternative and it’s only $13 for 1 oz! I used it for a few months with great results until I found out I was expecting baby #2!
Cera V Moisturizer
This is my go-to moisturizer. A few years ago I switched moisturizer and opted for something non fragranced and recommended by dermatologists. This reduced breakouts tremendously and I use it 24/7 to keep my skin hydrated. It’s $14 for 12 oz.
Kiehls Avocado Eye Cream
This is the OG eye cream for me…THE HOLY GRAIL. I use it morning and night because let’s be honest, I am always exhausted chasing a toddler, working full time, and then dealing with pregnancy exhaustion. It hydrates so well and I truly see a difference in my under eyes when I use it. It’s $36 for the 14 ml and $60 for the 28 ml.
Dermora Golden Glow Under Eye Patches
These are $16 for a pack of 20 and worth every cent! They moisturize, treat puffiness, help with brightening, and they feel great. Steven even uses these!
The Ordinary Hylaruonic Acid
This is my newest addition, and its another great buy for $9! Can you tell I’m obsessed with The Ordinary brand yet? The Hyaluronic acid helps the skin plump and retain water water decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. I apply before moisturizing and my skin is so soft in the morning. I also feel like I see an overall improvement in tone and texture as well.
Skincare is a very personal thing given your skin type, age, if your prone to breakouts, etc so I always recommend experimenting with different products and brands before settling into a routine. As I mentioned, my needs and preferences have evolved greatly over the years. (Check out some of my early favorites here for a good laugh.) I just like to share what works for me, and disprove the theory that skincare has to break the bank.
Check out a few of the brands I shared and let me know what you think!
