Since becoming a full-time master’s student, I’ve been exploring more affordable skin-care. I dabbled with it in the past, but the products I tried would always break me out! After doing a ton of research and testing out recommendations from friends, I finally found a regimen that works for me. To preface, I have dry skin but can sometimes get oily around my nose and forehead. Hope this helps :)! As always, let me know if there is something you would like for me to test out (hint, hint – I’ve been eyeing the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask)!
Morning Routine
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser // Every morning, I start off by washing my face with the CeraVe face cleanser. It is a fragrance-free and gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types and effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Since I typically do a deeper cleanse at night, I usually just use my hands to wash my face in the morning. This is definitely one of my favorite cleansers! Costco sometimes sells the larger size with a pump in a pack of two. Make sure to grab a pack if you see it because they don’t always have it in stock!
NeoCutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream // This product doesn’t really fall under the category of *affordable* BUT if you were to splurge on one product, it should definitely be an eye cream. This is another product recommended by my esthetician. The eye cream contains ingredients that help to brighten and illuminate the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles and promoting a more radiant look. It also includes peptides and other active ingredients that work to tighten and firm the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When I am consistent, I notice a huge reduction in my dark circles. NeoCutis is medical grade, which means it is formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients and is sold by medical professionals.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum // My esthetician, Carolyn at TalaMed, suggested this product to me and I absolutely love it! Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to inhibit the production of melanin, which can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone. This serum uses the power of vitamin C to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and provide antioxidant protection. With added hyaluronic acid, it also hydrates and supports collagen production for a more youthful appearance!
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer // You guys know I was ride or die for my Drunk Elephant Polypeptide Cream. That is, until my friend Maggie told me about this one! I tried it at her house one day and was blown away when she told me it was $14. YES, $14!! This lotion strikes the perfect balance between being rich and lightweight, and does wonders to keep your skin moisturized all day and night. It has hyaluronic acid and 5 key ceramides that really work to hydrate and retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling incredibly soft and deeply moisturized. It’s so light that you can easily wear it under your makeup without any greasy or heavy feeling. It’s definitely worth giving it a try if you’re looking for a reliable and effective moisturizer.
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 // I wrote an entire blog post about this stuff! You can read it here. It has been about a year and I still love this sunscreen. I usually mix this with my moisturizer, then apply it to my face. If you notice is is conflicting with your other skincare products and starts to ball up, put the sunscreen on your finger tips and mix it with a little water. The balling should immediately stop, works for me every time :).
Evening Routine
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm // Almost every night, I double cleanse with a cleansing balm. This is especially important if you’re wearing makeup and want to get everything off! Balms are specifically formulated to effectively dissolve and break down oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. By using a balm as the first step of your double cleanse, you can ensure thorough removal of these substances from your skin, preventing clogged pores and potential breakouts.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser // After I wash off the cleansing balm, I use the CeraVe cleanser with my face brush device. TBH, I have been using this for months now over my *trustee* Clarisonic!
+ On nights when I am wearing makeup and feel too lazy to wash my face (typically weekends, hehe) I use the Clinique Take The Day Off Wipes. I stopped using makeup wipes for a while because they started breaking me out. One day, I was at Ulta swatching foundation and lipstick and saw these wipes were left out for customers to remove their makeup. I was so amazed when the wipe completely took off the makeup in one swipe lol. These wipes are fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types, and remove makeup without causing irritation.
Lumiere Firm Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream // Again, love this eye cream! You only need about half a pump.
Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid // Korean skincare is life changing! This is a must-have! Cosrx Hba Blackhead Power Liquid contains salicylic acid, which targets blackheads and whiteheads. It exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and excess sebum to unclog and refine pores. It also helps tighten enlarged pores, control oil production, and promote a brighter, more even skin tone! This little guy does so much! I use it 3x / week and apply it before serums and moisturizers.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum // If you don’t own a hyaluronic acid serum, stop what you are doing now and order one! This is essential for those who have dry skin! I’ve been using the Vichy one for a while now and love it! It was designed to provide intense hydration and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. It also helps to plump / smooth the skin and improve its elasticity.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum // Retinol is another product that you should definitely have in your skincare lineup. Like the eye cream, this product doesn’t really fall under the category of *affordable* BUT it is extremely effective and I have an alternative listed below. If you are new to using retinol, I highly suggest trying this one by Drunk Elephant. It is not as potent as the one by Sunday Riley. Plus, the small size is $28 and it lasts a while! The one I am sharing / currently using is very potent andnhelps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture, while improving skin tone and fading hyperpigmentation. The serum also enhances skin resilience, targets acne and blemishes, and promotes a brighter, revitalized complexion.
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer // I finish off with my favorite daily moisturizer :)!
+ Once or twice a week I use these Lux Pads // If I could only recommend one product, it would be this one. Guys. I noticed a major shift in my skin once I started incorporating these into my routine once a week! I am not kidding when I say my pores have shrunk SO MUCH. It comes with 60 pads; so if you use them 1x / week, then one jar should last you 15 months! I have a skincare fridge and like to keep these in there! The Lux Pads are formulated with TCA and salicylic acid to tighten, brighten, and rejuvenate the skin. With exfoliating properties, they target large pores, acne-causing bacteria, pigmentation issues, and provide a revitalized complexion, offering a refreshed appearance akin to a ~mini facelift overnight~.
