A good skincare routine on a budget can still be highly effective if you focus on essential steps and choose affordable products with proven ingredients.

 

A good skincare routine on a budget can still be highly effective if you focus on essential steps and choose affordable products with proven ingredients. Here’s a simple and affordable routine:

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Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser – Use a gentle cleanser (e.g., CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser) – ~$10.

2. Moisturizer – Choose a lightweight moisturizer with SPF (e.g., Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 30 or Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15-30) – ~$10-15.

3. Sunscreen – If your moisturizer doesn’t have SPF 30+, use a separate sunscreen (e.g., Coppertone Face, Eucerin, or EltaMD dupe from Target) – ~$10.

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Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser – Use the same one from the morning.

2. Treatment (optional) – If targeting issues like acne or uneven skin tone:

   • Salicylic Acid (for acne) – e.g., The Ordinary – ~$6.

   • Niacinamide (for pores/oil control/brightening) – e.g., The Ordinary – ~$6.

   • Retinol (anti-aging/acne) – Start low strength – e.g., The Inkey List Retinol – ~$10.

3. Moisturizer – Use a non-SPF moisturizer (e.g., CeraVe PM Lotion, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream) – ~$10-15.

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Extras (1–2x per week, optional):

• Exfoliant – Try a gentle chemical exfoliant like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner (~$10), or Paula’s Choice 2% BHA mini (a bit pricier but worth the investment).

• Hydrating Mask – Optional for dry skin (e.g., e.l.f. Hydrating Mask or Simple Sheet Masks) – ~$3-5.

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Tips to Keep Costs Down:

• Stick to multi-use products (e.g., moisturizer with SPF).

• Avoid trends that push overcomplicated routines.

• Drugstore brands like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, CeraVe, and Simple are budget-friendly and effective.