These Are Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Skin-Care Products of the Year

Sticking to a budget is easier said than done, especially when it comes to skin care. It’s easy to be lured in by luxe packaging and exclusive ingredients, and the hefty price tag that comes with, but that’s not the only route to an effective skin-care routine. These days, drugstore buys are often just a reliable — and powerful — as high-end options. Whether you’re looking for an affordable moisturizer or toner, we’ve got you covered, ahead.

The Best Affordable Facial Cleansers

Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Micellar Water 
Micellar waters have undoubtedly become a staple in almost everyone’s skin-care collection and there’s a good reason for that. Not only do they work, but, much to our joy, their popularity doesn’t come with an inflated price tag. The Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Micellar Water perfectly cleanses skin, removes makeup and leaves the skin feeling soothed — all for under $15. 
 

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof
Have some waterproof mascara that won’t budge off of your face? What you need is the cleansing power of this micellar water. This formula intensely purifies skin by removing dirt and impurities, all while sweeping away even stubborn waterproof makeup. What’s more, it’s gentle enough to use on all skin types.

 

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
If you prefer a foaming cleanser, try the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is fitting for anyone with normal to oily skin and works to cleanse and remove oil without disrupting the protective skin barrier. It’s formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and can help control oil and give your skin a cleaner, refreshed feel. 

 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof 
Want the best of both worlds, aka a cleanser and makeup remover? Then give this micellar-infused cleanser a try. It gently foams to remove makeup while cleansing and refreshing your skin. It rinses off clean, so there’s no need for harsh scrubbing, and it’s suitable for use on all skin types. 

The Best Affordable Facial Toners 

L’Oréal Paris Hydrafresh Toner
When you start cutting steps out of your regimen to cut back on costs, don’t let toner be one you let go. Even after cleansing, your skin can use toner to help sweep away any lingering dirt, impurities and residue. Plus, keeping toner in your routine doesn’t have to drain your pocket. The L’Oréal Paris Hydrafresh Toner refreshes skin for under $10. 
 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
Some toners can be harsh and drying, but the Ultra Facial Toner from Kiehl’s is certainly not one of them. This toner gently assists in refining skin texture while preparing it for moisturizer. It’s formulated with squalane, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and vitamin E, and can nourish your skin while gently removing surface debris and residue.
 

Vichy Pureté Thermale Toner
This toner from Vichy will do the job of cleansing and refreshing your skin in a pinch. It’s infused with Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water, and it works to remove makeup residue and impurities to leave your skin with a cleansed, hydrated finish.
 

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
If you want a skin-care product that has multiple uses, refreshes and moisturizes the face, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray is a must have. It works as a morning moisturizer, an afternoon energizing splash or a primer. 

The Best Affordable Facial Moisturizers 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil
If you want to take a few extra minutes in the morning and evening for some well-needed self-care, this is the product for you. With 4 to 5 drops to the palms, massage this product onto your face and skin to help refresh and renew the surface of the skin. 

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
If you’re someone who has dry skin and need a rich moisturizer that will keep you hydrated throughout the day, the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream is a good go-to. The creamy formula provides soothing 48-hour hydration to the skin.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer With SPF
Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30, this facial moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated all day long while protecting it from ultraviolet rays. Its fragrance-, oil- and paraben-free formula makes this moisturizer a great fit for those of you with sensitive skin.

L’Oréal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care
The product is created with aloe water and hyaluronic acid to provide you with up to 72 hours of hydration that quenches the skin and improves the skin’s natural radiance. 

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb 
Consider this a glass of water for your face. Loaded with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, this water-based gel-cream will give your skin a burst of hydration without feeling greasy and also make the skin appear more youthful after every use. 

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion works to keep your skin feeling and looking nourished while protecting it against harmful UV rays. Make sure to use it in the morning to reap the hydrating benefits all day long.

The Best Affordable Eye Creams 

Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller
If you’ve ever searched for an eye treatment to purchase, you know how costly they can be. They’re only for a small area on your face, but they’re often very expensive. Thankfully, that isn’t always the case. The Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller costs an affordable $12.99, but that’s not the only reason to snag it ASAP; it’s also effective at de-puffing and reducing the look of under-eye bags.
 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Eye Brightener
This eye cream’s specialty is anti-aging, so you can be assured that reducing wrinkles, dark circles and color correcting are the name of the game for the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Eye Brightener. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin and leaves under your eye looking bright. 

 

The Best Affordable Face Sunscreens 

 
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
A hefty price tag is still no excuse to skip sunscreen but it never hurts to have a more affordable option available. The CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 lightweight solution is perfect for everyday wear.

 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60
If a fear of clogged pores is keeping you away from sunscreen, then we have the perfect product for you: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 Sunscreen. This sunscreen is oil-free and contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and Advanced Technology with Cell-OX Shield XL to give you broad-spectrum SPF 60 UVA/UVB protection, plus antioxidants to nourish your skin without clogging your pores.

 

Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 Sunscreen
This sunscreen is definitely one of our favorite picks. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, while shielding your skin from free radicals. What’s more, this sunscreen leaves a dry finish on your face so your skin won’t feel weighed down.

The Best Affordable Face Masks

 
L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify and Smooth Face Masks
Don’t fret if you can’t fit a spa trip into the budget this month (or year). You won’t have to pass up on pampering completely — there are face masks for that. Instead of paying for a facial, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask for $12.99. The mask addresses your complexion concerns for smooth, even and resurfaced skin — just what you need from a skin-spoiling product. 

 
Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Sheet Mask
We all love a good sheet mask, which is why we’re obsessing over this charcoal-infused one from Garnier. It works to minimize the look of pores while purifying and refreshing your skin with its powerful combination of charcoal, algae extract and hyaluronic acid. The best part? It’s under $3!
 

Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask
There’s something so satisfying about gel masks. This light pink mask is formulated with volcanic rock and AHA, and works to brighten dull skin through a double-peel action. The results: illuminated, glowing skin.
 

Acne Free Kaolin Clay Detox Mask with Charcoal 
The two-in-one clay mask is formulated with vitamin E, zinc, charcoal and kaolin clay to rid pores of excess oil and dirt while preventing breakouts. 

 
 

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