Obviously there seems to be a skincare trend going on, from TikTok convincing me to run to Target to influencers’ posts which seem to start focusing on inner beauty first. But I have always loved skincare. Now, this doesn’t mean I was particularly good at it or that I even understood it, I just have always been a routine girl. I can’t even sleep without washing my face. Besides all that, I think after a lot of research and YouTube videos, I have come up with a skincare routine that not only fits my schedule but is super simple, affordable, and clean.
My skin is mostly normal, but that doesn’t mean all the products I will be recommending are for that skincare type. My friend Nadia has always talked about her struggle with acne, which I never understood completely because I had never experienced it. During the beginning of the pandemic, my skin went through its worse days, to the point where I didn’t even want to go outside. Which made me 1) learn about more acne products, 2) sympathize with anyone who has/is experiencing acne, and lastly 3) learn about what makes skin sometimes give you the middle finger.
For me, it broke out because of stress with COVID and school, but instead of just feeling it, my skin physically showed it. This type of breakout was because I was too stressed, it’s super common and really hard to get rid of because you can’t just treat your skin, it’s the problem on the inside.
Some other really common breakouts include/start with: dehydration, hormones being heightened, diet changes, lack of sleep(haha I get this too), and commonly a dirty pillowcase, so wash those dang pillows! And a big one, using the wrong products!
How do I know what products are right for me?
Well, first here are some things I try and live by when shopping: price, fragrance, alcohol content, amount of product, and ingredients. So a basic guide I would say is less/no fragrance, find something in your price range, and try to not get things with alcohol (they are drying agents). If both products meet your standard and you are at a standstill, buy the one with more product ounces.
For price–price is tricky, you’re a broke college kid but want to have the lavish skincare routine of the model on that Vogue YouTube video. Well, expensive products don’t mean holy grail and cheap products are not all dupes. But if you are on a tight budget these are my budget-friendly go-to’s.
Cleanser-Simple Micellar Facial Gel Wash $6 – Everyone loves Cerave, ok I love it too, but seriously if you aren’t too picky and just want something easy and simple, this is it. Only 6 dollars and 5 oz. It also is fragrance-free!
Exfoliant-Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser $8 – Let me tell you, is this my favorite product, no. Do I think it simply fulfills it’s purpose well, yes I do. It’s dirt cheap, safe, and 6 oz. But please be mindful that you should only be exfoliating with this product once or twice a week, it’s not every day like it reads.
Moisturizer-CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion $13 – Ok so I get it, you think I thought this was a cheap list! But this stuff lasts so long, is so simple and also there is a smaller size for $8.
What I’m Using Right Now
Cleanser-Pure skin Face Cleanser $11-21 FAB – I have been using the First Aid Beauty cleanser because of the price, I got the mini (which has lasted me two months so far) and it was only 11 dollars. It’s a clean product and has no fragrance which I really like. The texture is soapy but in a nonsticky more creamy way. I think it does work for a general wash, but I will say I don’t use it to remove my eye makeup.
Eye Makeup Remover- Garnier Micellar Water $6 – So my eyes are super sensitive, I even switched my mascara to one that had a less dense formula so that my eyes felt better. This cleanser is good, I’ve had better I’ve had worse. I don’t use makeup wipes anymore (part 2 will explain more) and it’s cheap so yay!
Toner-Inkey List PHA toner $11 – Just bought this two weeks ago, lasting pretty long for how small it is. I really wanted to try The Inkey List and I was trying to find a toner that worked for me. Sadly I did love Dr. Thayers, but everyone was telling me it was bad for me so I stopped. Anyway it’s good, the only thing I will say is it must linger on your hands because I rubbed my eyes a few hours later and I felt like my eyes were gonna burn out of my face.
Moisturizer/Sunscreen-5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30 FAB $40 – This moisturizer may look like it’s pricey but in all actuality, it’s not that bad, it also has SPF, so after help from Olga from Sephora I got it. I really love it! It’s super oily at first but it almost has to marinate in. Weird but true. Sidenote, First Aid Beauty is like high-end skincare minus all the additives and high price tag.
Oil-Anti-Pollution Drunk Elephant Sunshine drops $36 – I don’t even know how to explain these drops, they give you a bronzy glow and I think have really helped my skin.10/10 would recommend. Do not really understand the anti-pollution idea though.
Eye Cream-Peter Thomas Roth Vital E eye cream $55 – I know it’s a lot. And to be honest, not worth it. It was something my mom purchased, used once didn’t like giving it to me sorta thing. I like it, but I probably would also like the 5 dollar one from target. I just don’t want to spend another 5 dollars, you get my drift. But also it protects me from blue light which honestly best during this online school time.
Night Cream-Fresh black tea firming overnight mask $90 – You hate me, you don’t want to even read the rest of this article. I’m so sorry, I know 90 dollars. This is the same girl that recommended you a 9 dollar night cream not so long ago. Again, my apologies, let me explain though. I got this night cream a year ago and it has changed my life. The 90 dollars is for over 3 oz, so really its more like 40. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. But this is so thick, so oily, so luxurious. And wait I haven’t even mentioned, my thick forehead wrinkle from raising my eyebrows, gone when I wake up. Freaky right? Well I can’t stop using it, so I’m sorry but maybe buy it if you also have thick forehead wrinkles.
Some Extras-
A lot of people may think those three products are just enough for them and their budget, which is totally understandable. But the lover of skincare I am needs to show you these three mind-blowing extras!
Night Cream-CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion $9 – I really enjoy night creams, they just make my skin feel better in the morning. I would probably call this a lotion (which is always a lot thinner because it’s water-based not oil-based) but my friend Annie uses this and really loves it. She said it is definitely on the thicker side, but it makes your skin feel a lot more hydrated because of how thick it is. Nighttime is the best time to apply those extras, so your face can really absorb all those important nutrients and hydration agents.
Oils-Castor Oil by Heritage Store $7– This product will grow your eyebrow hair! It will! End of story, no questions. And it will last you forever.
Sunscreen- Sunscreen Face Lotion CeraVe $15 – To be honest, this should not be an extra. Wear sunscreen every day. I know it gives you a white cast, I know you can’t see the sun every day. Still please, wear it, so you don’t have to pay for botox later.
I think I could go on for days about skincare and products. But I have some YouTube creators to thank for that. Here are some creators you should check out to learn more about your skin:
Hyram-If you haven’t heard of him, either you don’t have a crippling addiction to TikTok or you live under a rock. Hyram is so reliable and trustworthy you will love him, his brand, and his information. Hyram on Youtube
Mixed Makeup- Susan Yara is funny, understandable, and sweet. I really like her videos, her message, and what I’ve learned from her. Mixed Makeup on YouTube
Vogue-Vogue has every celebrity and major makeup artist or skincare junkie on their channel. This is just so fun to watch. American Vogue
So that’s it for this part, next time I will be focusing on ingredients, best acne products, and what has changed in my skincare bag. Also maybe I will figure out what’s up with those anti-pollution drops.