This is a 6 minute read~

Y’all, we know you want to be gorgeous and stay on budget.  We hear you.  So, we compiled a good skin care routine that won’t break your bank.

Let us first say that we believe, with our whole heart, that if you love, nurture and care for your skin your makeup will look bomb.  Even if its a drugstore foundation.  So please y’all, spend your coins on the skincare and budget your makeup.  TRUST US.

That being said, some of us are on a budget for all the beauty goods.  So check out this out.

This is a no frills, budget conscience regime for normal to dry skin types.  If you would like to see similar curations for oily/acneic skin types, or even a makeup routine, please drop us a comment below and we will get to work on one for you.

CLEANSER

You’re going to need something that you can use daily, doesn’t over strip skin of its natural pH balance and that melts away makeup and gunk.  Check, Check, and Check.  Glossier’s Milk Jelly Cleanser will get you all the way clean, and condition as it works.  It does a number on makeup, and you can use it twice daily.  Yes, you should be washing your face again in the morning; even if you did you night routine before bed.  At $18 for a full 6 fl. oz. it is a great value.  As with anything we recommend, it isn’t loaded with garbage.  This cleanser was also the recipient of a ton of beauty product awards over the last few years and its deserved-for sure.  You can read all about it on Glossier’s website.

 

TONER

If you’re a reader of ours, you probably knew where we were going with this category.  Pixi Glow Tonic FTW!  “Glycolic acid gently exfoliates skin to reveal healthy, glowing skin underneath, while ginseng improves circulation to keep your skin looking great. Aloe vera soothes skin as you tone, preventing irritation that can come from exfoliating. This cruelty-free skin tonic is great for all skin types, and is paraben-free so you can feel good about what you’re using.”  Basically, you need this in your life.  You might want to buy from Target online, as they are always out of stock in store.  Its maddening.  3.4 oz will cost you $15.  This is the part of the routine that will keep you far away from “scrubs” like St. Ives Apricot which is exactly as it should be.  Stay away.  Exfoliate with a gentle acid.  We did a pretty comprehensive list of acid products, uses and new product launches back in January, you can read that treasure trove of toner knowledge here.

SERUM

A higher tech skin care routine would include a few serums for day time use and a few for the overnight.  Since we are keeping it super simple, we’re only going to recommend a serum for the evening, to be worn after cleansing, overnight. Retinoids are and will likely forever be the gold standard for anti-aging skin care.  They work.  They literally reverse damage and the signs of aging.  The Ordinary has dubbed itself “the abnormal beauty company” as it offers clinically effective products at the lowest prices you will ever see in todays marketplace.  Simple. Clinical. Effective.  Zero frills, perfect for this installment of Fleurt Beauty Blog.  Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane will absolutely get you where you want to go for an anti-aging product.  Remember, you must use retinoids overnight as they make us more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays.  If sensitivity occurs, reduce use.  *Its important to note, these will likely make you peel.  They are increasing your skins regeneration.*. Are you ready for how much it is?  $9.80.  For 30 mLs.

MOISTURIZER

While we would rather you layer a few thinner, water based serums rather than use a thick, creamy moisturizer for the sake of simplicity and budget this fits the mold nicely.  FAB is a great brand that launched a ton of new masks, that are affordable and contemporary in their ingredient approach.  Easily accessible at Ulta and Sephora, you can’t go wrong.  First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration has a whipped texture, is not greasy and instantly eases stressed dry skin and really does a number of eczema too (it contains colloidal oatmeal).  A little dab will do it, so do not over layer this.  You will reach for this more in the harsh colder months, but if you use it sparingly in summer you will be hydrated and balanced.  While we love the “barrier function’ this cream creates, it does contain shea butter, so if that lends itself to break outs for you, forget this one.   Since its rich, we suggest getting the small size (2 oz), which will set you back a whole $12.00.

FACIAL OIL

If you like a facial oil (as we do) you will know that there are a few Marula oils available form a number of brands.  None of them as affordable as The Ordinary’s.  “Referred to as a “luxury” oil by some, this antioxidant-rich oil is obtained from the kernels of the fruits of Marula tree. It’s mostly composed of oleic acid and linoleic acid but also contains procyanidin, catechins and flavanoids. Marula oil offers antioxidants, hydrates the skin and helps restore a radiant tone.”  Its lush. Its also a whole $9.90.  If you would like to ready why they sell products that are so affordable, you can do that on their website.  Click here.

 

EYE CREAM

Can you live without and eye cream?  Of course.  But at this affordable price, you don’t have to.
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness will get your delicate under-eye skin hydrated and looking smooth.  As the name implies, its marketed to address dark circles and puffiness.  We beg to disagree on those claims.  You will need to seek other options if puffiness and dark circles are your main concerns.  What it does do, is hydrate and smooth out fine lines.  CeraVe is also a trusted brand of dermatologists and contains ceramides.  Ceramides are fatty acid, lipid molecules.  Super hydrating, and it gives dry thin eye skin some bounce and does wonders under concealer.  Meaghan keeps this in her kit and goes through 5,000 tubes per wedding season.  Walgreens has this in stock and with a coupon, or points you can often pick some up for even less than the regular price of $15.49.

All that will cost you $80.19 before tax.

If you have questions about how to layer skin care, which products to use when, etc., please drop us a comment.  We’d love to hear from you and what you’re using and what you love.  Also, remember, your specific needs are just that.  Specific.  What works for some, will not work for all.  Always seek the advice of your dermatologist!

xo