There’s no question that skincare can cost you a pretty penny – for any of you that keep your eye on the latest and greatest products, it’s no surprise that a good night cream can cost upward of $70 for a 15ml tub (though this can be enough to last 2-3 months depending on whether you apply once or twice daily). Although the expense can often be justified on higher-ticket items like these (take Charlotte Tilbury’s wonderful Magic Eye Rescue cream for example), there are plenty of skincare basics available right in the aisles of your local pharmacy that come at a fraction of the cost of the designer alternatives that should not be overlooked. And, at the price you’ll find them for, I’m sure they
1. Simple Cleansing Wipes
My husband and I first bought these on a whim while on vacation in the UK, and are now my go-to for a general facial cleanse morning or night. Because my husband has combination-type skin (oily/dry), he doesn’t like to wash his face too often since he finds the overuse of more deep cleaning products can tip the balance one way or the other (he generally washes his face every other day as a result). He’ll use Simple cleansing wipes to provide the light cleanse I need on my off-wash days – formulated without harsh chemicals or fragrances and containing E and B5 vitamins, they’ll gently remove the grime without causing irritation. I on the other hand, with dry sensitive skin, find them effective as a makeup remover as well while not upsetting my complexion and I use them twice a day. Allure recently named these a Best of Beauty product in 2018, and at only $6 per 25 wipes, they’re not going to break the bank.
2. NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
The second step in my light cleanse process, NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing pads are one of my absolute favorites because they are a mild exfoliant and leave my skin looking more even and with a better texture. I only use them in the morning, saving my retinol-based products for nighttime when I feel they have a better effect – retinoids degrade in light, so I don’t like to put them on before any exposure to the sun. Whether you do the same or vice versa, just remember to use a good sunscreen as both will make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays, which can make the impact of these obsolete.
3. Dermalogica AGE Smart Antioxidant Hydramist
Coming in around $45, this Dermalogica AGE Smart Antioxidant Hydramist spray is the most expensive product on this list but is chock full of antioxidants derived from natural sources like rose, clove, and pea extract. I lightly coat my face and neck with a few sprays after my cleansing regimen to help fight environmental toxins, free radicals, and advanced glycation end-products and other protein or lipid metabolites that damage and age your skin. It’s naturally scented and super refreshing to apply and can give your skin a boost throughout the day whenever it’s needed – you can feel free to apply it underneath or on top of any other skincare or cosmetic products you use. I love that you can easily find it at CVS pharmacies (we have three just in Beacon Hill!). Pro tip: make sure to save those extra bucks for this – whenever I get a 25% off coupon from CVS it’s definitely going toward this product every time.
4. Delon Premium Cosmetic Cotton Rounds
A reliable cotton pad like the Delon Premium Cosmetic Cotton Rounds is great for applying liquid products like toners or astringents. These additive-free pads use durable fibers, are double-sided (one side is smooth, the other is textured), and don’t create much lint as you apply your products – to be fair, a strand or two may come off the pad during use a day after my husband shaves, but I find the textured side to be more helpful on these occasions to minimize the lint formation as the mesh barrier protects the cotton inside while providing light exfoliation.
5. The Creme Shop sheet masks
When my husband and I visited Seoul, South Korea three years ago, they would give out free sheet masks in Myeong-dong like candy and we’ve been hooked ever since. Who doesn’t love a good sheet mask? The Creme Shop uses a thick cotton sheet which comes densely saturated in serum for my face to soak up. We both prefer these sheet masks because are large enough to fit his manly face. Drug store supplies of these are hit or miss, but when I find a good deal I’m always excited to buy them out and store them for a rainy day or #Netflixandchill night with my better half. I prefer to use them after a shower to maximize skin absorption, but after 15-30 minutes on they can cure whatever skin symptoms I might be having.
BEAUTY HILL 