Effective & Affordable $50 Skin Care Routine

Would you believe me if I told you that you can build an effective skin care routine for only $50? There is a common misconception that skin care products need to be expensive to work, and that’s definitely not true. While I do believe investing in skin care is worth it, you shouldn’t feel like you need to break your pockets in order to build an effective routine. If spending a ton of money on skin care isn’t in your budget, not a priority, etc., than this is the routine for you.

One of the most important products you need in your routine is a cleanser. Everyone should have a gentle cleanser in their skin care stash. Gentle cleansers are a safe choice. They don’t contain harsh ingredients, so they’re unlikely to irritate your skin. They also clear impurities, hydrate, and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.

Aveeno’s Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser is one of my favorite affordable gentle cleansers. It’s a no frills cleanser, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It cleanses the skin without leaving it dry and tight. It contains oat and feverfew which calm the skin and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. This cleanser doesn’t lather much, but rest assured, it’s doing its job.

You can use this cleanser by massaging 1-2 pumps on to wet skin in a circular motion for 60 seconds. Rinse and air/pat dry. If you do decide to pat dry, make sure you’re using a clean towel to avoid patting bacteria onto your skin.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner ($14)

I absolutely love Good Molecules! They have such high quality products at affordable prices. After cleansing, I would recommend using a toner. While it’s not a necessary step, I do think it’s an impactful one. This Good Molecules toner is fantastic because it has so many benefits. It contains niacinamide, which is so good for your skin. It reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, acne, dullness and texture.

Because this toner offers so many benefits, I would recommend it for a wide range of skin types and concerns. This toner is also gentle enough for the average person to use twice a day.

You can apply this toner one of two ways after cleansing:

  1. Dispense onto a cotton pad and sweep over cleansed skin

  2. Dispense into palms and press into cleansed skin

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer ($10)

I love this moisturizer because it was made with all skin types in mind. It’s a lightweight, gel moisturizer that hydrates and moisturizes the skin without causing any oiliness. It’s moisturizing enough for dry skin folks, but lightweight enough for oily skin folks to use without fear of it clogging their pores.

The Inkey List’s Omega Water Cream moisturizer hydrates, reduces moisture loss, evens out the skin tone, and balances ph levels to deliver long-lasting hydration. It contains an omega fatty acid complex, glycerin, betaine, and niacinamide.

To apply, dispense the product into your hands, and massage onto your skin. Don’t forget your neck! Make sure you’re applying after allowing your toner to absorb into your skin.

Bondi Sands Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+ ($10)

Sunscreen is the MOST important product in your morning skin care routine. If you skip this step, the rest of your routine doesn’t even matter. You can buy the most expensive skin care products, gadgets, and treatments, but if you aren’t applying sunscreen, you will not maintain those results. The good news is, there are tons of great affordable sunscreens on the market. This sunscreen by Bondi Sands is one of my all time favorites. It’s sheer, lightweight, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a dewy glow. In all honesty, it provides a ton of moisture on its own, so if your skin is oily, you can use this as a moisturizer.

Sunscreen should be applied as the final step in your routine. You want to apply the amount of two finger lengths (I use my pointer and middle fingers), and rub it into your skin. Try your best to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Re-application is especially important during the spring and summer, or when you’re spending a lot of time outside.

Feel free to use the same cleanser that you use in the morning, at night. I would just recommend doing the double cleanse method at night. To do this, you would wash your face with this cleanser twice before moving on to toning. Doing this will help ensure that you’re getting rid of the sunscreen, makeup, sweat and/or bacteria that built up on your skin throughout the day.

If you do wear heavy, waterproof makeup, I would highly recommend investing in a cleansing oil or balm to use as your first cleanse to break down that makeup.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

Feel free to use the same toner and application technique that you use in the morning, at night.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA ($7)

I would recommend incorporating a gentle exfoliator 2-3x a week to get rid of congestion and promote cellular turnover. This will help with the appearance of any flakes, dullness, uneven skin tone, texture/acne, and fine lines.

I’m recommending the Lactic Acid 5% + HA treatment by The Ordinary because it’s mild and a relatively gentle exfoliator, so it can work for a wide range of skin types. If your skin can handle it, I also recommend the 10% formula as it’s a little stronger. I know the bottle says “Peeling Formulation,” but I promise, it will not cause crazy peeling; the formula is not that aggressive.

I recommend easing into this product by patch testing first. After you determine that your skin does not negatively react to this product, start out by using it 1x a week, and gradually increase your usage to 2-3x a week when you feel ready. I like to do the sandwich method when I’m trying out new actives to gradually incorporate them into my routine without freaking out my skin. To do this, I apply my moisturizer first (after toning), my treatment next, and my moisturizer again on top. This will help dilute the treatment and prevent irritation. If you have sensitive skin, please do this. Be gentle with your skin!

Once your skin develops a tolerance to the product, after toning, you can apply one drop of the Lactic Acid to your hands and gently press into the skin, and then follow with your moisturizer.

Most importantly: listen to your skin. If you notice persistent irritation, discontinue use. Every product isn’t for everybody. No need to force it if your skin doesn’t like it. This goes for ALL products.

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer

Feel free to use the same moisturizer that you use in the morning, at night. You do not need to apply sunscreen after moisturizing at night.

BeautyMarissa WilliamsSkin Care, Routine