Save on:

Cleanser. You don’t need to spend a lot of money buying the latest, cutting-edge cleanser. Instead, find an affordable, mild cleanser that you love, and stay loyal. Many inexpensive mild soaps and cleansers are high quality, but because of modest advertising, they often get ignored. At under $10, Korres Milk Soap Facial Soap removes makeup and excess oil while gently toning the skin.

Makeup remover. Let’s be realistic here; a makeup remover doesn’t need any fancy ingredients or additions. For that affordable option, try Bliss Lid and Lash Wash, which removes every trace of makeup while cooling and calming the sensitive eye area. You can also stick with a double-duty cleanser. Today, you’ll find many cleansers that clean your complexion and remove makeup in one simple step. Just remember to be very gentle when cleansing around the eyes.

Toner. The debate continues on whether or not you actually need a toner. Those who swear by toners assert that they remove the last traces of makeup that a cleanser might leave behind and refresh your skin. But many skincare experts believe it’s an optional step.

If you opt for toner, avoid ones with alcohol — a stinging sensation after you tone isn’t a good sign. Try an inexpensive old stand-by like rose water. According to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., rose water is great for dry and sensitive skin. Some research even found that it reduced prior damage caused by UVB rays. Great for all skin types, Celazome Rosewater Clarifier tones and removes eye makeup.

Day cream. All dermatologists will agree that the most important purchase you can make is a daily moisturizer with sunscreen, but you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for sun protection. Try a light, oil-free formula if you have acneic or oily skin, like Jack Black Oil Free Sun Guard. Drier skin types will appreciate a hydrating sunscreen such as AHAVA Sun Protection Anti Aging Moisturizer. Make sure to use SPF 15 for normal skin and SPF 30 for pale skin or on days you'll be in the sun for an extended period of time.

Alpha hydroxy acids. According to Real Simple, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) creams and serums don’t differ much between brands, so you can get an effective AHA product for a reasonable price. Look for formulas like NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion AHA 10.

Splurge on:

Serums and night creams. While a face wash is simply meant to "take the day off" without leaving filmy residue, a night cream soaks into your skin while you sleep, leaving skin renewed upon awakening. If you can only afford one splurge, make it an effective treatment cream to fight acne, hydrate skin or smooth wrinkles and fine lines — whatever your particular issue might be. The higher price tag often means you receive a higher concentration of the active ingredients, as well as a gentler, more advanced formula.

For an acne solution, try Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum. To effectively even skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation, look into MaMa Lotion, formulated with mandelic and malic acid. To rejuvenate your complexion, reduce fine lines and tighten skin, Amatokin Emulsion for the Face is a powerful product.

Eye creams. You can use regular moisturizer around the eye area, but it’s best to invest in a specialized cream or serum, because the surrounding tissue is particularly sensitive. Freeze 24/7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum is specifically designed to target issues like puffiness, fine lines and sagging around your eyes.

Learn everything you need to know about budget skincare in our Beauty on a Budget Handbook.