Cleanser: $20 and under

• Cleanse and remove makeup. The goal of cleansing is simple, which means a high price tag doesn’t necessarily guarantee your facial cleanser will be more effective. According to our review, while many products are chock full of vitamins and active ingredients — which up the price tag considerably — all those expensive extras only get washed down the drain. Save money by picking a basic cleanser that thoroughly cleans your face and removes makeup, oil and debris, but doesn’t clog pores or dry out the skin.

  Top products:

  • Dry or sensitive skin: L’Occitane Ultra Rich Foaming Cleanser
  
  
  • Normal or combination skin: Philosophy Purity Made Simple
  
  
  • Oily or acneic skin: Korres Orange Blossom Cleansing Emulsion

Toner: $15 and under

• Balance and refresh. Though using a toner is optional, it’s a great way to restore the skin’s pH balance and remove any trace of makeup or debris left over after cleansing. Despite common misconception, not everyone will benefit from a toner or astringent that leaves a stinging sensation. In fact, most people will want to choose an alcohol-free formula that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier.

  Top products:

  • Dry or sensitive skin: H2O Plus Oasis Mist
  
  
  • Normal or combination skin: Caudalie Grape Water Harvest
  
  
  • Oily or acneic skin: Topix Solvere Acne Clearing Toner Pads

Day cream: $25 and under

• Hydrate and protect. Sun protection is a crucial part of your daily regimen, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to properly protect your skin from both UV rays and environmental damage. The goal is to find a lotion with SPF that gives you the ideal amount of moisture for your skin type. Look for antioxidants if you’re concerned about premature aging. If you have acne-prone skin, search for an oil-free formula that helps to exfoliate and unclog pores. If you don’t need a full-coverage foundation, save even more money by selecting a tinted formula.

  Top products:

  • Dry or sensitive skin: M.D. Forte Aftercare Environmental Protector SPF 30
  
  
  • Normal or combination skin: Abella ColorShade SPF30+ Medium
  
  
  • Oily or acneic skin: BORBA Clarifying Complexion Shield SPF 15

Night cream: $40 and under

• Hydrate and treat. Wondering why almost half of the budget is reserved for your night cream? While cleansers, toners and moisturizers all have fairly straightforward purposes, night creams are fortified with a variety of active ingredients to both hydrate and combat various skin conditions — from acne and premature aging to rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Left on throughout the night, a higher-quality formula ensures that your skin is getting the maximum benefit from these ingredients.
• Skin type matters. When choosing the appropriate treatment, consider your skin type just as you did with the rest of the regimen. Choose a richer cream formula for dry skin and a lightweight lotion if your skin is on the oilier side.
• Skin concerns. In addition to dry, oily or combination complexions, many night creams do double-duty to hydrate skin while also fighting blemishes, evening out skin tone or smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. So, keep these issues in mind when shopping for a new product.

  Top products:

  • Dry or sensitive skin: Elizabeth Arden Good Nights Sleep Restoring Cream
  
  
  • Normal or combination skin: AHAVA Skin Replenisher Night - Normal to Dry
  
  
  • Oily or acneic skin: H2O Plus Night Oasis Oxygenating Rejuvenator
  
  
  • Wrinkles and fine lines: MD Formulations Continuous Renewal Complex
  
  
  • Rosacea or eczema: ATOPALM MLE Face Cream