If you’re considering having a no-buy or low-buy January you’re not alone. perhaps you’re considering doing this throughout the year? I know I am going to make more considered purchases this year. I am going to highlight the areas in your skincare routine which are genuinely worth spending your money on. Leading me to the alternative; products worth searching the high streets for.
I am going to list the products in order of worth the largest spend. So most expensive £££ at the top. I’m doing this so that you can see where in your routine you could perhaps save some money and make some changes.
The order of this list would be slightly different depending on age range so I will touch a little on that throughout the post however I have for a long time taken a good look at my audience and the majority of you fall into the 18-28 category. So this will be written with 18-35(ish) in mind.
Skincare routine listed from highest cost to lowest
- Serum/Treatments – This is the no.1 category no matter your age range. These products regularly contain high performing, innovative ingredients which are not often cheap. These are the products which I have found to be the most expensive for me but the ones I get the best results from in my skincare routine. This can be anything from retinols (35+) or low retinols if you’re late 20’s-35. anti-ageing peptides and hydration boosters. This category basically includes anything runny which is applied to the skin before your moisturiser. You can find my favourite serum in my recent 2019 favourites here.
- Dedicated night creams – You might have seen I occasionally use a day cream for night but a night cream is something that is 100% worth the investment. This is the perfect protection for your skin from damage, help with nightly skin repair and retain moisture. So whether you want anti-ageing help now or just want to prevent damage these are worth the investment.
- Facial Oil – This would be added to my routine following my serum but before the moisturiser. If you could skip any of these steps I think this would be it. However, this step especially if you suffer from regular breakouts and dehydrated skin this step could really transform your skin. I think there is a huge difference between cheap and even mid-range facial oils I think £25-30 and you should have a great quality facial oil.
- Exfoliating acids – This is the toner step. Toning is important in order to help balance the pH of the skin stabilising the outermost layer of the dermis. The acids also help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of collagen. This step would perhaps be no.3 and oils no.4 if your over 35.
- Moisturisers (normal/day) – Think of these moisturisers as a coat and the serums and oils are the outfit. You want a nice coat to protect you from the cold but the clothes underneath are the main attraction. moisturiser is the same it is a barrier to protect the skin during the day the facial oils and serums are doing the hard work. I don’t think you need to spend too much on these.
- Eye creams – Eye creams are good for protecting the very thin eye skin don’t just pile your usual moisturiser on this area. however, if budget is an issue save your pennies and use your good serum (mentioned 1st) in the eye area.
- Face masks– I have been known to use some expensive face masks but mainly as they were in a set or a gift with purchase however these are predominantly hyaluronic acid and is not very expensive so don’t blow all your cash on these. I really like the garnier ones and they’re only a couple of quid. I have a post about getting the most out of your face masks if you’re interested.
- Face Mists/Sprays – These have become more and more popular and I am yet to buy one. honestly they’re mainly water and aren’t expensive at all. Only pay a couple of quid. They are however, refreshing, hydrating and cooling which is great in summer time.
