Affordable & Effective: The Best Budget-Friendly Skin Care

Sticking to a budget is always a good goal, but sometimes that’s 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. You can create an effective regimen that will work for your complexion without emptying your bank account. That’s where affordable drugstore products come in. Nowadays, drugstore buys are often just a reliable—and powerful—as high-end options. In other words, if you’ve put yourself on a strict budget this year, there’s no need to worry. We’ve rounded up the best affordable skin care products—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—in every category. Whether you’re looking for an affordable moisturizer or toner, we’ve got you covered ahead.

THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY 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 really 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 skin feeling soothed—all for under $15.

Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Micellar Water, $14.50 MSRP

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.

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser, $9.99 MSRP 

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 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, and can help control oil and give your skin a cleaner, refreshed feel. The best part? It’s under $15!

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $13.99 MSRP

GARNIER MICELLAR FOAMING CLEANSER

Want the best of both worlds, aka a micellar water and a foaming cleanser? Then give this micellar-infused foaming 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. Bonus: There’s also a foaming cleanser option for oily skin!

Garnier Micellar Foaming Cleanser, $6.69 MSRP

THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY 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 in a splash for under $10. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydrafresh Toner, $6.29 MSRP

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.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner, $16 MSRP

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 works to remove makeup residue and impurities to leave your skin with a cleansed, hydrated finish.

Vichy Pureté Thermale Toner, $18 MSRP

THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY MOISTURIZERS

GARNIER SKINACTIVE SOOTHING 3-IN-1 FACE MOISTURIZER WITH ROSE WATER

We love trendy ingredients, like rose water, but we aren’t a fan of how much they can cost. That’s why the Garnier SkinActive Soothing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Rose Water quickly became an office-wide favorite. At $11.99 (MSRP), it seems almost too good to be true that this moisturizer nourishes skin day and night and doubles as a face mask.

Garnier SkinActive Soothing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Rose Water, $9.96 MSRP 

CERAVE AM FACIAL MOISTURIZING LOTION

 

Start your skin’s day off right with the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. This lotion can moisturize your skin throughout the day as it helps restore the protective skin barrier with 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It’s also formulated with SPF 30 to keep your skin protected against harsh UV rays.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $13.20 MSRP (AFFILIATE LINK)

LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE DOUBLE REPAIR FACE MOISTURIZER UV

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.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV, $19.99 MSRP 

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT CELL RENEWAL ROSY TONE MOISTURIZER

Not only is this moisturizer pretty and pink, but it can also give your skin a vibrant rosy hue for a healthier-looking tone. This facial moisturizer assists in renewing and reviving your skin’s tone for a younger-looking appearance.  

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Moisturizer, $24.99 MSRP

THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY EYE ROLLER 

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.

Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller, $10.34 MSRP

THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY SUNSCREENS 

CERAVE SUNSCREEN FACE LOTION SPF 50

 

A hefty price tag is still no excuse to skip sunscreen but it doesn’t hurt to have a more affordable option available if your budget calls for it. The CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 rings in at $14.99, plus it’s lightweight—perfect for everyday wear.

CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50, $14.99 MSRP 

LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS CLEAR SKIN SPF 60 SUNSCREEN

If clogged pores is the fear that is keeping you away from sunscreen, then we have the perfect product for you: the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 Sunscreen. This sunscreen is oil-free and contians La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water andAdvanced 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.

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

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.

Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 Sunscreen, $25.50 MSRP

CERAVE SUNSCREEN STICK SPF 50

For a quick, mess-free application, try out this sunscreen stick from CeraVe. It’s formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 50 to keep your skin protected from harsh UV rays, and is formulated with InvisibleZinc to provide a sheer, residue-free finish. Throw it into your purse for easy access while on the go.

CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $9.99 MSRP

THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY FACE MASKS

L’ORÉAL PARIS PURE-CLAY CLARIFY & SMOOTH FACE MASK

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. 

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE SUPER PURIFYING CHARCOAL FACIAL 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 just under $3!

Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask, $14.94/6-pack MSRP

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.

Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask, $20.00 MSRP 

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR SHINE CONTROL CLAY MASK

If you have oily skin, then this face mask from La Roche-Posay will be your next skincare BFF. It’s crafted with gentle clays and can help to eliminate excess oil and invisible impurities sitting on your skin, all while controlling shine.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask, $19.99 MSRP