Skin Care on a Budget: Your Luxury Routine for Less Than $100

If you’re someone who appreciates skin care not only for the way it benefits your skin, but for the self care and pampering it provides, a luxury skin care routine is right up your alley. Now, there is no official definition for a “luxury” skin care routine, but if you ask us, it should be defined by effective and quality formulas, soothing ingredients, and chic packaging. But these features can often come with a hefty price tag, and it’s understandable that not everyone can get down with that. So here, we’re sharing a full skin care routine 一 with anti-aging benefits 一 that has all the elements of luxury for less than $100. 

 

Step 1. Cream Cleanser

The first step in any good skin care routine is ensuring that your skin is clean. Cream cleansers are not only great because of their soft, creamy texture, but they’re also extremely gentle on the skin while still effectively removing impurities. Plus, we love a good cream cleanser when fall weather rolls around and skin tends to be drier. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser ($6.99) is formulated with nourishing ingredients that cleanse the skin and remove makeup without drying or stripping it of necessary oils. 

 

Step 2. Serum

Face serums are often the most expensive part of a skin care routine because they typically have higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers and cleansers, and that can come at a premium. However, spending hundreds of dollars on a serum to get a quality formulation isn’t necessary. 

 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Midnight Serum ($43.99) has all of the qualities of a luxury serum without the painful price tag. It’s formulated with an antioxidant recovery complex made of bitter orange and vitamin E, which helps to increase the skin’s renewal overnight 一 when the skin is most receptive to repair 一 as well as reinforce the skin barrier. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to lock in moisture. With continued use, it leaves the skin luminous, hydrated, smooth and looking youthful. 

 

If you’re dealing with dark spots, consider adding L’Oréal Paris 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum ($39.99) to your skin care routine. The potent formula is packed with niacinamide and ferulic acid to fade stubborn dark spots, gently exfoliate and even skin tone. It can be used morning and night, so make sure to pair it with SPF, like L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion ($32.99).

 

Step 3. Moisturizer

A good, hydrating moisturizer is a must for both your morning and evening skin care routines. In the morning, stick with something lightweight before applying SPF like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream ($32.99). The lightweight facial cream helps strengthen the skin barrier while deepling hydrating to plump fine lines. 

 

For nighttime, there’s a good chance you’ll need a formula that’s a little richer, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, Antioxidants ($36.99). Unlike many night creams which can often feel heavy on the skin, this moisturizer is lightweight while providing rich, all-night hydration. It’s formulated with vitamin E and antioxidants to repair the skin barrier when it’s most receptive — while you sleep. 

Editor’s tip: At night, give yourself a relaxing facial massage using gua sha tools or a jade roller to up the self-care and luxury in your routine. 

 

Step 4. Anti-Aging Eye Cream

The eye area is often the first place to show signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Investing in an eye cream to address these concerns and keep the eye area looking its best can make all the difference in your skin, but luxury eye treatments can be costly. 

 

L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment ($9.99) is not only great for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but also dryness and skin texture. In just four weeks of continued use, crow’s feet look smoother. Additionally, it’s formulated with calcium to strengthen thinning skin around the eyes. 

 

Next: What Active Ingredients Can You Use With Niacinamide?