I’ve said time and time again that you don’t need to spend hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on skin care products to see amazing results! Like self-proclaimed skincare addict I’ve tried so many products on the market: from medical grade to cutting edge innovations to fun finds on Amazon – I literally have access to it all! With all this “access” I still happily reach many favorites under $25 😁
If you like medical grade or high end department store products or the Sephora skin care section this is PERFECT. Do what works for you. I just want to reiterate that we don’t have to spend that kind of money to have beautiful, healthy skin. If we want, that’s another story 😉
In this blog I break down all these products with more information such as ingredient decks, concerns, skin type and prices. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a few extra steps, this routine is guaranteed to be effective and budget-friendly! This routine can also serve as inspo to exchange a product so that you can spend on that expensive serum you love or the laser treatment you want or perhaps the home device you’d like to buy. It’s all about choices 🙂 Here are a few great choices for you 🩷
Worry: dullness, dryness, pores, acne
Skin Type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: This is an amazingly versatile product! I use micellar water to pre-cleanse, to wipe off the conductivity gel after ZIIP, to freshen up in the morning when I don’t want to wash my face…It’s gentle and good for everyone. ***This might be your only morning cleanse, you might just like a facial cleanser, or maybe you’d rather skip your AM cleanse… it’s up to you!
Worry: dryness, redness, acne, rosacea
Skin Type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: What’s NOT to like about it?! This is a glycerin based cleanser which makes it super gentle while still providing a thorough clean. The texture is unlike most cleansers: it feels like a traditional gel cleanser, but there’s a bit of slip…This is the beautiful glycerin. Truly one of my ALL TIME favorite cleansers and I’ve tried them ALL!
PHA minimalist face toner
Worry: PH, pores, acne & congestion
Skin Type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: This little gem was a surprise! At $10 I am AMAZED by the quality of this! This exfoliator will improve tone, texture, pores (thanks salicylic acid) while soothing ingredients soothe irritations. What a Find!
Drmtlgy Microdermabrasion Scrub
Code $20/2oz Pen save 20%
Skin Type: normal, dry, oily & combination
What I like about this product: My favorite natural exfoliator! Great for gentle exfoliation, as a lip scrub, pre-tanning… Just a great product at an amazing price 😍
Antioxidant protection in AM is so important – preferably a Vit. DO!
Prequel Lucent-C Brightening Serum
Worry: brightness, stability, elasticity
Skin type: normal, dry, oily & combination
What I like about this product: Next to Drmtlgy vitamin C (my current favorite) this is my next choice. It’s a gorgeous vitamin C in a perfect package, with a perfect PH, amazing additional ingredients (hello ergothioneine, how are you?) and at a very reasonable price. If you’ve been looking for a new C, this is a sign!
Prequel Urea Advanced Relief
Worry: dryness, roughness, itching and peeling of the skin.
Skin type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: One word: UREA!! I have been singing the praises of urea for years! It’s a synthetic molecule (not for urine) that hydrates the skin like no other while encouraging gentle skin turnover (the higher the percentage the more exfoliation potential: 10% is amazing for face and body, 40% will peel your feet). This moisturizer is lightweight yet insanely hydrating. The bottle (like all Prequel products) is huge while the price is not. Awesome!
Daily facial moisturizer Vanicream
Worry: dryness, PH, firmness
Skin type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: If you’re dry and need a travel-friendly option, this moisturizer is great. Vanicream as a brand is a brand you can count on to be high quality at the drugstore. With squalane, ceramides and other humectants, this moisturizer packs a punch! When I use this I don’t need to apply another moisturizer!
The #1 the most important step in your AM routine!
Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer
Code $29/1.7 oz Pen save 20%
Worry: antiaging, dryness & redness
Skin Type: normal, sensitive or dry
What I like about this product: LOVE LOVE LOVE!! For years! Silky, cool, sophisticated beauty! The sheer shade leaves zero white cast and the added special ingredients protect against infrared wavelengths 😍
Simply the best SPF I have. If you want less cool, try their natural shade, perfect for a skin finish with less hydration.
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence
Skin type: combination, dry, normal, oily
What I like about this product: This is a gel cream with SPF that disappears into the skin without leaving a trace behind. I’ve loved it for years (and I’m buying a backup before posting this blog!!). SPF 50 PA++++
The tube is convenient and the consistency is loved by everyone in my family 🩷
Use the same products as your AM routine! I prefer a double cleanse at night – whether it’s a micellar water followed by a second cleanse or a balm followed by a second cleanse… I take some time to really get the day off my face 🤩
This is the most important ingredient!
Code $32/1.7 oz Penny 15 save 15%
Worry: fine lines, texture, pores, firmness, hyperpigmentation
Skin type: normal, sensitive, dry or combined
What I like about this product: The consistency is perfection, retinaldehyde is the BEST OTC retinoid available (although adapalene is also a fantastic option. If you’re acne prone, you might want to check out differin). Vitamin A is where I think our budget needs to be ‘baked out’. It’s the ingredient that will help with hyperpigmentation, texture, collagen, fine lines and wrinkles. He is the superstar in our routines! This is mild enough that most people can tolerate it (start at 0.05 every third night and work your way up to a more frequent and higher percentage IF your skin likes it).
Use the same product as your AM routine. This Prequel moisturizer is great for the morning (and the body!).
These can be used in the AM or PM routine.
Worry: dryness & texture
Skin type: combination, dry, normal, oily
What I like about this product: Just a great, hydrating serum at an incredible price. This really reminds me of Epicutis (hello $250 a bottle 🤯)
Iunik Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
Worry: blackheads, dark circles, dryness/hydration, oil control, pores
Skin type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: Beta Glycan!! Beta glucan is a skincare superhero known for its ability to soothe and hydrate the skin while boosting its natural defense mechanisms. This powerful ingredient, derived from oats and yeast, integrates seamlessly into skin care routines, offering a soothing hug for glowing and supple skin. Sodium PCA is also an excellent humectant. If you’re looking for an HA alternative, this is it!
Ampoule Isintree TW Real Bifida
Worry: dryness/hydration, dullness, redness, texture
Skin type: normal, sensitive, dry, oily or combined
What I like about this product: Oh Bifida how I love you 😍
Bifida, a probiotic powerhouse, has the ability to strengthen the skin barrier and enhance moisture retention. This friendly bacteria not only promotes healthier skin, but also helps reduce the signs of aging, leaving skin visibly smoother and more youthful. If you want to add some of the natural DNA repair, bifida is a great place to start and THIS is my favorite affordable (ummm favorite all-round!) bifida product!
Find more great budget friendly options in my Amazon Storefront ⬇️
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FTC: The links in this post are affiliates ~ Please note that all links on this page are affiliates and if you choose to purchase from them, I earn a commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support!!!
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. The content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Consult a physician or other health care professional regarding any medical or skin-related diagnostic or treatment options. The information on this website should not be considered a substitute for advice from a healthcare/skin professional. Statements made about specific products on this website are not for the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of disease. It is important to check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any home treatment, consult a healthcare or skin care professional to determine if it is right for you.
