The right skin care products [1] are essential for keeping your face protected from the sun and reducing signs of ageing and blemishes; they even serve as self care. However, with so many options on the market, the contents of your medicine cabinet can get pricey pretty quick. That's why we consulted the beauty editors at POPSUGAR to find out how they'd stock their skin care kits with only $50.
While some editors chose to design a whole routine with their money, some picked just a few essentials or a holy grail product. Ahead, discover some of the best and most affordable skin care products [2] that our editors adore.
Sunscreen and Makeup Wipes
"My biggest complaint about my morning skincare routine is that the number of products I use almost always causes my makeup to pill. On days when I'm running late (read: always) and don't have time to let each product absorb fully, I reach for the Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Sunscreen [3] ($39). It acts as a moisturiser, primer, and sunscreen with SPF 50 in one and never makes my CC cream ball up on top of it. I also can't live without the Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes [4] ($6). They help me remove my makeup when I don't have time for a full double-cleanse and smell refreshing AF. Plus, they don't leave behind that sticky residue that some wipes do!" — Lindsay Unterberger, content director, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Cleanser, Oil, and a Facial Spray
"While cooler Fall weather often means beloved pumpkin-spice lattes and cuter outfits, it also means my normal-to-oily skin starts becoming dry. With a $50 budget, I'm grabbing everything and anything that will help add moisture back into my skin. I love the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser [5] ($15) because it's affordable and also cleanses your face without stripping it of its hydration. Then I'll follow up with the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oat and Cannabis Seed Oil [6] ($30), which works to soothe dry, distressed skin with its antioxidant-rich formula. And since I have some money to spare, I figure it's only right to snag the cult-favourite Mario Badescu Facial Spray [7] ($5) in the travel-size so I can keep it in my bag and hydrate whenever I need a quick boost." — Genesis Rivas, assistant editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
One Great Moisturiser
"I would splurge on the Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream [8] ($48). The formula is a lightweight gel that absorbs into the skin as quickly as a lightning flash and plumps and smoothes uneven texture around my nose and on my chin. After application, my skin looks and feels as smooth as a Renaissance statue. Pro tip — store it in the fridge for an extra cooling finish. Best $50 skin care spend ever, I swear!" — Alanna Marine Kilkeary, assistant editor, Makeup.com
An Entire Budget Routine
"At the bare minimum, every skin-care routine needs the following products: a cleanser, toner, eye cream, and moisturiser (with SPF, of course). If I'm going to keep my regime simple and straightforward, I use the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser [9] ($18) to cleanse my skin without drying it out, Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Toner [10] ($9) to balance and keep my complexion clear, E.l.f. Illuminating Eye Cream [11] ($9) to brighten my undereye area (because I'm guilty of staying up too late), and the Garnier SkinActive Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid [12] ($11) to hydrate and protect my skin with SPF 30 plus antioxidants." — Jessica Harrington, associate editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
A Deeply Hydrating Combo
"I'm nothing short of obsessive when it comes to hydration — and for good reason. The second I get even a little dry, my skin becomes super sensitive, irritated, and ridiculously red. Weleda Skin Food [13] ($12) is 100 percent my holy grail — I swear by it. It's great as a lip mask, nighttime moisturiser, or a natural dewy highlight during the day. With my remaining money, I would pick up a gentle cleanser. Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleaning Oil [14] ($30) is my go-to; it's super nourishing and keeps my skin looking bright." — Samantha Holender, assistant editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
An Acne-Fighting Medley
"For me, the most important aspect of my skin care routine is battling breakouts. That's why I couldn't go without a great face wash like the Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser [15] ($10), followed by a chemical exfoliant to prevent dead skin from clogging my pores. I've been using the Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution [16] ($30) for years and swear by it. The final step in any routine should always be moisturise and SPF, and this stellar Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser With Soy [17] ($7) is my pick for its oil-free formula and broad spectrum protection." — Sarah Siegel, assistant editor, Beauty
A Radiant Skin Combo
"My skincare rotation is often changing. (It's the blessing and curse that comes with being a beauty editor.) Two things that have remained staples in my routine are the Too Cool For School Rules of Mastic IX Enhancer Recovery Balm [18] ($18) and the Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Pore Strip to Facial Scrub [19] ($7), which is what I would pick up with the money.
I use the balm with the same vigour as the woman in the Frank's Red Hot commercials. Dry skin, redness, areas that look dull — I put this sh*t on everything. The fragrance-free cream is thick and intensely hydrating yet never leaves behind any slippery, greasy residue. I go through the stuff so fast because it truly quells all of my skin concerns with one pea-sized amount.
As for the pore strips, in just two minutes, they pull dirt and oils that have collected on the skin of my nose, exfoliate the area, and leave the area looking and feeling clearer." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant editor, Beauty