When I was a teenager I hardly ever had acne issues. Usually only small breakouts around that time of the month. I didn't spend much time outside during the day, but if I absolutely had to be outdoors I wore sunscreen. My beauty routine consisted of powder foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and tinted lip gloss. Easy peasy. I believe that contributed a lot to my healthy skin, and minimal break outs. In recent years all of that has changed. I really started to notice my breakouts in pictures, and I was getting some serious blemishes underneath the skin that hurt to touch. Once they were gone I could still see spots that they left behind. I know that I definitely wear more make up now, and my stress level has tripled since those younger years. Pair that with some not so great eating habits, and it's definitely not the greatest combination for healthy skin.
This is why I started to look into products that might help improve my skin's overall appearance. Now, I'm not big on things that are time consuming. I need something that's fast with very little mess. I'm a working mom that's usually not prepared for the next day's morning if that makes sense? So, I don't have time to put on seven layers of cream, or to let products absorb into my skin over a long period of time. And I have even less patience for masks that are required to stay on my face for ten or more minutes. Then there's the fact that I'm also on a budget. I can't afford to splurge on anything fancy. Would I love to get my hands on some GLAMGLOW? Hell yes! Am I going to fork over $70+ tax on a 1.4 oz jar? NOPE. So, today I thought I'd share my skin care routine which is budget friendly. I've been on this particular regiment/schedule for three full weeks now, and I've been able to see a difference. Before I continue let me just say that water helps your skin out a lot. Cutting out sugar also helps tremendously. I know it can be hard, but it really does help. So those are two of the most important things you can change up to see result. Now, let's start shall we?
Night Time
Step 1: Makeup removal. This is probably the most important step for us heavy makeup users. On the daily we're putting so much into our pores when we layer products, and mists. Add dirt and oil as the day goes by, and you have your self a nice recipe for breakouts. I use the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water in the blue bottle. It's for all skin types, and removes waterproof make up as well. This stuff is very refreshing, and leaves my skin feeling clean. Dries really fast too. I've had mine for the three weeks, and I'm no where near the half-way mark. Cost is $6.96.
Step 2: Cleansing the skin, or exfoliating. I put both of these down because I alternate days. On cleansing days I use Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser. This stuff gets anything that the remover left behind. It feels really nice on the skin, and my face has a nice glow to it afterwards. It's very light weight in feel, and the scent is also very subtle. Cost is $6.94. A little of this goes a long way. I've had this bottle for about four months though I've only recently started to use it regularly. To exfoliate I use Equate Beauty Blemish Control Apricot Scrub. I've tried the St. Ives brand as well, and honestly I didn't see or feel a difference. Maybe the ingredients don't match up 100%, but they're close. This stuff smells amazing, and I like how the scrub makes my face feel really soft afterwards. This step is normally done in the shower on most days. Cost is $1.97.
Step 3: Moisturizing the skin. I'm about to be thirty this year so keeping my skin feeling fresh, and hydrated is really important. I use Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream before bed. This is a small jar, and when I saw the price at first I laughed. But believe me when I say that a small amount of this goes a really long way. I dab two fingertips and place a dot on both cheeks, my forehead, and neck. Then I smooth it over my neck, and face. It dries fairly quickly, and like the cleanser it has a really light scent. Cost is $12.34.
Morning Time
Step 1: Overall acne treatment. After having the night cream on there are days when I wake up feeling like my skin is just a bit more on the oily side than usual. So, I started using Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent first thing after waking up. The smell is on the stronger side which helps to wake me up. Bonus point. And after looking at the cotton ball I can tell that its removing any extra dirt or oil that I had left in my pores. It leaves my face feeling dryer, stripped of the excess oil, and soft. If I notice a cluster of blemishes starting to pop up I normally leave the cotton ball over them for a few seconds longer to really let it soak in. Cost is $3.86.
Step 2: Moisturizing again. Now, I consider this the first step before putting on anything makeup related. I like to use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With SPF 15. I like this because it has sunscreen in it which I feel is really important. But I think my favorite thing about it is how light weight it feels on the skin, and how it doesn't leave your face feeling/looking greasy. I tried the Naturals moisturizer, and it left my face feeling really slick and gross. This one on the other hand dries really fast. I can put it on while in the bathroom, and by the time I get to my room (about five steps away) it's dry. This one is also a bit more on the pricey side, but again a little goes a long way. I use about a half pump for my entire face. Cost is $9.97.
Now, if you care to splurge I have another product as well as an optional acne treatment to recommend. Clinique's Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream has quickly become a favorite of mine. I actually got a sample jar for free, and it has lasted me four months. It comes in two full sizes, and ranges between $45-$65 a pop. Pricey, I know. It's not something I could ever see myself forking over money for so it'll be a sad day when I run out. But I will say that this stuff has helped a lot around my eyes in regards to wrinkles, discoloration, and dark circles. The second product is Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment for the days that I do breakout. I'll dab some of this over a blemish or pimple before bed. It helped to reduce the redness, and cut the healing time by about two days. This little tube costs $5.98.
So far my skin has reacted really well. Obviously these don't have the miracle power that some higher end brands do, but they're within my price range. And most importantly they do what they claim to do. At least for me. Obviously a lot of this is dependent on one's skin type, and sensitivity. I've noticed that my skin has brightened up, and no longer has an ashy dull tone. My breakouts are starting to become less frequent, and I've noticed that my dark spots have faded a bit. Not counting the two optional products I mentioned these all cost about $45. Which is less than the one jar of GLAMGLOW. And I spaced out my purchases so it wasn't hitting me all at once. You might be able to find some of these products cheaper elsewhere though. Anyway, that about wraps it up. If anyone has any suggestion for products I'm all ears too. I definitely enjoy trying new things. I hope everyone has a lovely Monday! 💜
*I linked all of the products to Walmart because it's the only place close to me that offers all of these at an affordable price. But I know a majority of these can be found on Amazon. ALSO, I was not paid or compensated for this post.
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