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The Best Moisturizers for Every Skin Type That are $20 or Less

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Even though we’re technically in Spring, cold weather is still upon us, which means scaly skin, redness, peeling, and therefore, much-needed TLC for our skin. Whether your skin is parched from the brutal winds or just as oily as it was in August, I’ve got you covered, especially in this pandemic-ridden world when saving money matters all the more. Step aside, high-end skincare – our self-care skin routine doesn’t need you.

For Normal/Dry Skin:

If you’ve ever visited the dermatologist asking for skincare product recommendations, chances are, they’ve suggested CeraVe for you. This fragrance-free moisturizer is the solution to dry skin, since it’s hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help. Also, the price of this moisturizer is a serious winner. Talk about getting plenty of bang for your buck! 

Ulta Beauty, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream For Normal to Dry Skin, $19; shop now

An alternative to this CeraVe moisturizer is this one by First Aid Beauty! Formulated with shea butter, allantoin, oatmeal, glycerin, and squalane, this moisturizer screams hydration and is the perfect addition to calm winter redness and lessen skin peeling. Plus, it glides onto the skin like butter, if you’re someone who enjoys a richer texture when it comes to face creams. Pro tip: it can function as a moisturizing hand cream, too!

Ulta Beauty, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, $16; shop now

For Combination Skin:

Combination skin is always tricky to find products for, as those with combination skin have dry patches and oily areas on their face. But as someone who has combination skin and is living in NYC, I’ve been reaching for this moisturizer from The Inkey List all the time. This moisturizer is packed with niacinamide, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil, all of which are soothing, effective ingredients in providing hydration, without feeling too heavy on the skin. 

Sephora, The INKEY List Vitamin B, C, and E Moisturizer, $5; shop now

For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:

If you have oily skin that’s prone to breakouts, gel-creams are your best friends when it comes to moisturizing. This gel-cream from Versed contains green tea and aloe vera, two calming skincare ingredients that are well-suited for battling acne. Green tea is an antioxidant that helps prevent premature aging and reduces excess sebum production. Aloe vera provides hydration and can help reduce redness from blemishes and breakouts. Ingredients aside, the texture of this moisturizer is lightweight and will glide onto the skin seamlessly.

Target, Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream, $15; shop now

Saving money is one thing, but saving money on skincare while still getting awesome ingredients in your routine is a double score. There’s no shame in wanting to splurge occasionally, but everyone is on a different budget and you don’t need to spend exorbitant amounts of money on reliable, quality products that deliver the results you want. Additionally, as a friendly reminder, always follow moisturizer with SPF during the daytime, even during colder months! Doing so will help delay signs of aging and prevent hyperpigmentation.

Stefani Shoreibah

Columbia Barnard '21

Stefani Shoreibah is a student at Barnard College, Columbia University majoring in art history with a minor in biology. When not studying or working, she can be found exploring New York City, reading (memoirs, historical fiction, or Frank Bruni's newest article in The New York Times), or petting strangers' cute dogs.