The Broke Girl's Guide To Shopping For Facial Serum

When we think of facial serums, we think of money. Not because some facial serums can make you look and feel like a million bucks (though they can), but because some—read: many—come with a hefty price tag that us broke girls simply can’t afford. If your bank account is keeping you from relishing in the skin care benefits of facial serums, this one’s for you. Keep reading for helpful tips on how to find an effective yet affordable facial serum you (and your skin) will love!

4 TIPS FOR FINDING A BUDGET-FRIENDLY (AND EFFECTIVE) FACIAL SERUM:

Shop Sales: Want to know a secret? Shopping for facial serums is no different than shopping for a new dress or skirt in that you can sometimes find the one you are looking for on sale. If you already have a facial serum that you love—or are dying to try—but the price tag is too high for your broke-girl budget, subscribe to brand newsletters to find out when the next sale is. Fun fact: Some brands even offer a discount on your next purchase when you subscribe.

Give Drugstore Brands a Try: Think drugstore brands don’t live up to the pricey stuff? Think again! Drugstore serums can be just as effective as luxe serums and some might even have similar formulas to the expensive facial serum you’ve been eyeing. Need help finding a drugstore facial serum? We share some worth trying, here.

Read Reviews: Shopping for skin care online can be tricky but the good news is there are plenty of product reviews out there to help guide your decision. Skim through the product reviews before purchasing to see what customers before you have to say.

Ask Your Dermatologist: Dermatologists are experts on all things skin care. Ask yours to suggest an all-star facial serum that can perfectly fit your skin type, concerns, and budget.

Looking for an effective—yet affordable—facial serum? We share some of our favorite $45 or less facial serums, ahead!

CERAVE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

Hyaluronic acid serums are a dime a dozen, but CeraVe’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum stands out from the pack. Comprised of three essential ceramides as well as vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, this serum can not only alleviate dry skin but can help to rebuild and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Feel free to layer a moisturizer on top for added hydration.

CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $16.93 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE ULTRA-LIFT 2-IN-1 SERUM + MOISTURIZER

Garnier’s range of skin care products are beloved for their affordable price yet effective results. Hitting under just $20 (and also available at a drugstore near you), the Garnier SkinActive Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Serum + Moisturizer is a pro-retinol product that hydrates and firms the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. What’s more, it’s a 2-in-1 serum and moisturizer giving you way more bang for your buck.  

Garnier SkinActive Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Serum + Moisturizer, $16.99 MSRP

L’ORÉAL PARIS REVITALIFT DERM INTENSIVES 1.5% PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

If you’re skin type weighs heavy on the dry side, throw the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum into your shopping cart. The hyaluronic acid that debuts as its star ingredient has the ability to naturally bind and retain water molecules to skin’s surface for a serious boost of hydration. Your skin will feel smoother and suppler upon use. Check out how it can even be a part of your anti-aging regimen when paired with another L’Oréal Paris product, right here!

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $24.99 MSRP

VICHY LIFTACTIV SERUM 10 SUPREME

Even though its packaging got a sleek new update, the Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Supreme remains the same powerfully-hydrating formula it’s always been. Perfected by ten years’ worth of scientific research and development, the Serum 10 Supreme can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in no time.

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Supreme, $45 MSRP

To learn more about the latest serum foundation trend, click here!