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. Score!

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 $40 or less facial serums, ahead!

THE BODY SHOP VITAMIN E INTENSE MOISTURE SERUM

Give your dry skin a boost with The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Intense Moisture Serum. Formulated with the brand’s Community Trade honey from Ethiopia, this $22 facial serum can leave your skin feeling ultra nourished and hydrated upon application.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisture Serum, $22 MSRP

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT CELL RENEWAL GOLDEN SERUM

Your search for the best anti-aging drugstore serum ends here! L’Oréal Paris’ Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum is as luxurious as it sounds. Formulated to restore radiance to the complexion, this drugstore facial serum can leave the skin looking and feeling softer and smoother with a youthful-looking glow.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum, $24.99 MSRP

VICHY AQUALIA THERMAL DYNAMIC HYDRATION POWER SERUM

If your skin is dry, chances are you can benefit from an ultra nourishing and replenishing facial serum, like the Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum from Vichy. Formulated with the brand’s exclusive Thermal Spa Water, this ultra-hydrating drugstore facial serum can add much-needed moisture to the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.  

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum, $36 MSRP

VICHY IDÉALIA RADIANCE BOOSTING ANTIOXIDANT

Boost the overall look of your complexion with Vichy’s Idéalia Radiance Boosting Antioxidant. Formulated with the brand’s exclusive Mineralizing Thermal Water, this mineral-rich antioxidant serum can help reduce the appearance of fatigued skin, revitalize the complexion, and hydrate skin, too!

Vichy Indéalia Radiance Boosting Antioxidant, $39 MSRP