Good Skincare Doesn’t Have to Drain You Dry
Are you overwhelmed in the aisles of Sephora, roaming through countless face masks and moisturizers that all cost a fortune? Don’t worry, we’ve been there, and we know the struggle of affordable skincare! The good news is that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to nab the best routine, and we've got a few tips to help you score the best deals.
1. Use the Right Amount
Forget about penny-pinching—using too much product is as dangerous to your skin as it is to your wallet! Follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid overuse. You won’t blow through your items as quickly and you’ll keep your skin in tip-top shape.
2. Finish Your Collection
It’s tempting to expand our skincare before we even finish it, but resist the urge next time you’re in stores. You don’t need every little thing you see, and you certainly don’t need more products collecting dust under your bathroom sink.
3. Use Your Hands
Believe it or not, a big money zapper is actually accessories! From beauty blenders to an arsenal of brushes, you’ll save more by ditching all the add-ons. As far as cleansers and toners go, you’ll save more by applying it with your hands.
4. Shop Deals
Skincare might cost a fortune but that doesn’t mean it should break the bank. Even big-name stores carry deals throughout the year, so try and wait it out. Newly released products often cost an arm and a leg, but bargain hunters clean up pretty nicely.
5. Focus on Your Skin Type
A good way to save is to focus on your skin type. For example, don’t buy moisturizers for dry skin if you have an oily T-zone. When you grab any item under the sun, you waste time and money targeting nonsensical areas; buying for your skin ensures you get exactly what you need.
6. Influencers Aren’t Gospel
Some influencers have your best interest at heart, but others are walking Amazon ads. It’s one thing to buy the odd recommended product, but it’s another to splurge on everything one person suggests. It’s okay to ignore suggestions that don’t apply to you!
7. Look for Bargain Products
Why spend $50 on one eyeshadow color when you can nab a pallet for half the cost? Lip color trios and blush duos are your ticket to the good (inexpensive) life. Invest in more bang for your buck; your wallet and skin will thank you.
8. Embrace DIY Solutions
From hand balms and face masks to massage oil and moisturizers, there are countless ways to DIY skincare! Online recipes include a breakdown of ingredients, so you won’t have to worry about irritating your skin. If you’re looking to save money, embrace those at-home remedies.
9. Stick to a Routine
The right skincare routine keeps our skin glowing and our checking accounts full. When you find what works best for you, you eliminate the need for weekly trips or unnecessary restocks. Proper routines also ward off any breakouts or reactions, which is one less headache to worry about.
10. Wear Your Sunscreen
Magazines have us all convinced that expensive routines are the only way to healthy skin—but the simplest solution is sunscreen! It’s our biggest protector against skin cancer and early signs of aging. Invest in your skin now and spend less on treatments in the future.
11. Hunt for Dupes
Dupes are a dream come true for any bargain hunter. They’ve also been a useful solution for the last several years, which means a plethora of options await! Online guides and social media influencers have their fair share of recommendations, so don’t always turn to the name-brand stuff.
12. Invest in Reusable Items
Reusable cotton pads and silicone applicators can make or break your bank account. Do yourself and the planet a favor by investing in affordable items that offer several uses between restocks. (Just make sure you properly clean them!)
13. Simplify Your Routine
Don’t buy into the idea that you need dozens of skincare products. Most people only require a good cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Remember your sunscreen and only add serums as needed. You’ll be surprised how much your skin can glow with so few products.
14. Test Trial Sizes First
Did someone say deluxe samples? They’re an amazing workaround to trial-buying full products, especially when you don’t know if it’s right for you. Sample sizes are your gateway to the best skincare routine, so be sure to ask for them before committing!
15. Don’t Ignore Store Brands
Store brands need a little love too. Remember—just because something’s less expensive, that doesn’t mean it’s worse. Dynamite brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil live on drugstore shelves, and they’re just as impressive as name-brand items.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
16. Two-in-One Makeup
Sometimes beauty is all about creativity. If you’re looking for simple ways to save on skincare, use products like a two-in-one! You can always smooth lipstick on your face instead of blush or dab a little bronzer on your lids for eyeshadow. They work way better than you’d expect and save tons of money in the process.
Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
17. Multi-Purpose Products
Speaking of multi-purpose products, some skincare items already blend two-in-one solutions. Tinted moisturizers, toner/serum duos, and coconut oil are all effective options that nail two birds with one stone!
18. Invest in Refills
Instead of buying a new bottle every time, invest in refillable products. Those refills might seem costly up front but they’ll actually save you quite a bit in the long run. It’s also a greener solution for any environmentally conscious folks.
19. Get the Most From Your Moisturizer
What if we told you that a pea-sized amount of moisturizer is more than enough? It’s true! To stretch that tube’s longevity, apply moisturizer straight out of the shower on damp skin. You won’t use as much, which saves money, and slightly wet skin locks in moisture.
20. Cut Packaging Open
There’s no shame in taking scissors to your packaging—cutting open tubes and bottles gets every last drop of product out of there. You already spent $60 on that face mask, so you might as well get the most out of it!
