Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Skin-Care Products of 2020

Sticking to a budget is easier said than done, especially when it comes to shopping for skin care from the comfort of your own home these days. It’s easy to be lured in by luxe packaging and exclusive ingredients, and the hefty price tag that comes with them, but that’s not the only route to an effective skin-care routine. As it turns out, though, drugstore buys are often just a reliable — and powerful — as high-end options. Whether you’re looking for an affordable moisturizer or toner, add these to your list next time you head out to your nearest drugstore. We’ve got you covered, ahead.

Our Favorite Affordable Facial Cleansers

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $14.13 (MSRP)

If you’re a fan of foaming cleansers, 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 and hyaluronic acid, and it can help control oil and give your skin a cleaner, refreshed feel. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof,  $8.99 (MSRP)

For a product that both cleanses and removes makeup, give this micellar option a try. It gently foams to remove makeup while cleansing and refreshing your skin. It rinses off easily, so there’s no need for harsh scrubbing, and it’s suitable for use on all skin types. 

Our Favorite Affordable Facial Toners

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner, $17.00 (MSRP)

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, $17.99 (MSRP)

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 cleansed and hydrated.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, $12.00 (MSRP)

If you want a skin-care product that refreshes and moisturizes the face, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray is a must. It works as a morning moisturizer, an afternoon energizing splash and even as a primer.

Our Favorite Affordable Facial Moisturizers

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer With SPF, $19.99 (MSRP)

Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30, this facial moisturizer keeps skin hydrated all day while protecting it from ultraviolet rays. Its fragrance-, oil- and paraben-free formula makes this moisturizer a great fit for those with sensitive skin.

L’Oréal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care, $13.93 (MSRP)

The product is created with aloe water and hyaluronic acid to provide up to 72 hours of hydration that quenches the skin’s thirst and improves its natural radiance. 

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb, $14.99, (MSRP) 

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, $46.29 (MSRP)

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.

Our Favorite Affordable Eye Creams

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Eye Brightener, $19.99 (MSRP)

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 your under-eye area looking bright. 

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller, $12.30 (MSRP)

If you’ve ever shopped for an eye treatment, 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  de-puffs and reduces the look of under-eye bags for less than $13.

Our Favorite Affordable Face Sunscreens

CeraVe Sheer Tint Sunscreen SPF 30, $15.99 (MSRP)

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays.. The CeraVe Sheer Tint Sunscreen SPF 30 lightweight solution is affordable and perfect for everyday wear.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60, $19.99 (MSRP)

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, $25.50 (MSRP)

This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, while shielding your skin from free radicals. Plus, it leaves a dry finish on your face, so your skin won’t feel weighed down.

Our Favorite Affordable Face Masks

Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask, $4.50 (MSRP)

There’s something so satisfying about gel masks. This light pink mask is formulated with volcanic rock and alpha-hydroxy-acid to brighten dull skin through a double-peel action. The results? Illuminated, glowing skin.

Tony Moly I’m Real Sheet Masks, $6.00 For Two (MSRP)

I’m Real comes in 14 varieties, with ingredients like rice, orange, avocado, aloe and even pearl. Each mask has the ability to hydrate your skin (no matter how dry you’re feeling) and they’re only $6 a pop. 

Read More:

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