Did you know “skincare” is different than your make-up routine? I just learned this recently! Back in January, I published this podcast episode about my $5 winter skincare routine, and since then I’ve updated what I’m using. From cleansers, to moisturizers, to serums- the world of skincare is overwhelming, complicated, and can be a hefty investment. I want my skin to have a healthy glow while protecting it from the sun (my freckles are turning into age spots?!) and I don’t want it to break the bank. Here’s what products I’ve been using that have delivered noticeable results that aren’t breaking the bank.

 

1. Cleanser

Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser from CeraVe.
$18 on Amazon

I use this every night. In the morning, I will either rinse my face with warm water or use some of this as well. It depends how my skin is feeling,
but I’ve found a warm-water rinse in the morning has been working well.

2. Vitamin C Serum

Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum from CeraVe.
$14 on Amazon.

 

I use this in the morning after patting my skin dry from cleansing.
I put a small amount on my face, skin, and collarbone area.

Vitamin C Serum was the one product I found on every single skincare routine blog and article that I read.
It’s meant to decrease fine lines, balance out skin tone, and increase brightness.

I have definitely noticed my skin is brighter and some of my freckles (age spots!) are less noticeable.
My fine lines have not disappeared and staying hydrated is always the biggest difference maker.

 

3. AM moisturizer + SPF

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 30 from CeraVe
$15 on Amazon

I don’t have a ton of product experience, but this isn’t my favorite.
I love that it’s a moisturizer with SPF but I don’t love the way it feels on my face. I will be experimenting with other SPF daytime moisturizers in the future once this one runs out.

4. PM moisturizer

PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion from CeraVe
$15 on Amazon

This lotion feels much lighter and smoother on my face than the AM version.
If I’m not going to be spend any time outside (this almost never happens, though) sometimes I’ll put the PM lotion on my face in the AM for a cleaner feel.

(This also means I’ll be swapping out my AM SPF moisturizer once the one above runs out.)

 

5. Additional Moisturizer

In the evenings, I also add this CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

It’s thick and creamy, so I slather it on my face right before bed for an extra hydrating skin boost.

 

6. Exfoliate

This is a simple but huge step in skincare as we age- getting rid of old and dead skin cells and give our skin the chance to glow!

I use this stuff– it works WAY better than the cheap drugstore brands I’m used to (I hate admitting that, but it’s true.)

I exfoliate in the shower 2-3x per week.

If you’re feeling spicy, you can (maybe should?) exfoliate your entire body. This stuff seems too luxurious to scrub all over my arms, legs, and torso so for now I exfoliate my entire body using this scrub.

And I keep the good stuff for my face.

7. Face mask

I’ve been OBSESSED with this product for years now.

I’ve experimented with plenty of Osea’s products, and I don’t think I’ve met a product of theirs that I don’t like- except for the price tag.

However, this face mask produces the most instant results that I keep on coming back for more- it’s THAT good.

I use it about 1-2x per month and I leave it on over night while I sleep then rinse it off in the morning before cleansing.