Shopping Spree: 6 Affordable Products You’ll Actually Use

CLEANSER

More than just an inexpensive face wash, Ultra Facial Cleanser by Kiehl’s— enriched with apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, and squalane—helps dissolve excess oil, dirt, and debris while maintaining the skin’s natural balance. It’s mild enough to be used twice per day every day—on all skin types!—for thoroughly cleansed skin without over-drying.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $10 MSRP

MOISTURIZER

You can’t get away with neglecting moisturizer for too long before dryness and flaking begins to creep up on your body’s largest organ. Not only does dry skin feel uncomfortable, it can also exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. (Ah!) After cleansing your skin (which FYI you must do daily), follow up with a heaping amount of moisturizer, like Garnier’s Refreshing Gel Cream. The product—available at your local drugstore—instantly hydrates skin so it looks and feels smooth all day long. Not to mention, the single-digit price tag can’t be beat!

Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream, $5.99 MSRP

BODY LOTION

Don’t limit moisturizing to your face only. Extend the love below your jaw with body lotion! Once out of the shower, slather on this shea butter-infused body lotion to help lock in moisture and leave skin feeling soft and supple with a subtly nutty scent. The formula—enriched with skin-hydrating ingredients like sunflower seed oil, and glycerin in addition to shea butter— is nourishing, lightweight and (duh) affordable.

The Body Shop Shea Butter Whip Body Lotion, $13 MSRP

EYE CREAM

Who said eye cream has to cost an arm and a leg? Keep your limbs and use this uber-affordable eye cream from L’Oreal instead! The eye cream takes 5-in-1 skin renewing action on dark circles, bags, puffiness, lines, and crepey lids! Can your current eye cream do all that for under $30?

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal Eye Cream, $24.99 MSRP

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen, especially broad spectrum sunscreen, is a non-negotiable part of any skin care routine to help protect against harmful UV rays that can prematurely age skin. When purchasing sunscreen, make sure the formula offers broad-spectrum protection, boasts an SPF of 15 or higher, and is water-resistant. You’ll also want to pick one out that’s suited for your skin type. If that just so happens to be oily and/or acne-prone, try Anthelios Clear Skin. In addition to its budget-friendly price tag, the broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 60 features a dry-touch texture and finish. It’s formulated with a unique oil-absorbing complex to help absorb excess oil and keep skin matte—even in the heat and humidity! 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin, $19.99 MSRP

FACE MIST

We know we know. Face mist isn’t up there with skin care essentials like SPF and moisturizer. However, it is the ultimate midday pick-me-up product, especially on a particularly hot day or inside an office that’s blasting artificial heat. Seriously, just one spritz is enough to make your skin feel refreshed! Since not all face mists are created equal, we recommend Vichy’s fan-favorite Mineralizing Thermal Water. In addition to being ultra hydrating and refreshing, the formula is rich in 15 rare minerals and antioxidants sourced from the French volcanoes to help protect skin against signs of aging while fortifying its barrier so it’s more resistant to environmental aggressors.

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water 50G, $9.50 MSRP