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Affordable products for building a skincare routine from scratch

Erin Christie

Updated July 11, 2024 - 10.33am

9PR: Beginner skincare — 9Product Reviews

Despite having something of a skincare routine for about eight years now, I surprisingly haven't learned all that much about what I should and shouldn't be putting on my face.

In fact, it's possibly the seemingly strict rules around skincare that cultivate my lazy attitude towards my routine. If there are too many steps, I'll give up almost immediately. If it's too expensive, I will not begin. If I have to do different steps on different nights, I'll likely forget.

While so many people find joy in skincare, it's only worth having a skincare routine if you're going to be consistent. So, with that in mind, I have abandoned the shoulds when it comes to skincare, and instead focus on the products I like and remember to use (after making sure they're not going to react and burn my face, obviously).

If the overwhelming nature of skincare has put you off building a routine for yourself, this is the only starting guide you need. Trust me, I'm not going to tell you to do anything complicated.

What do you need from a skincare routine?

To keep things simple, we're going with a cleanser, an optional serum, and a moisturiser. Ideally, you'd do some kind of exfoliating, too, but one thing at a time.

A cleanser removes dirt, makeup and impurities from your skin, making it a good one to use both morning and night. While washing off the day is a no-brainer, ensuring you remove your skincare from the night before once it's worked its magic is also a good idea.

A serum will treat problems with your skin, and you can select one that aligns with your specific problem. For example, hyaluronic acid is a moisturising serum that can improve overall skin hydration and promote skin elasticity. Vitamin C is used to brighten skin that appears dull. These are just two serums you can try.

A moisturiser locks your serum in place, and of course, works to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Easy!

So, without further ado, here are some affordable skincare products that cover the three important bases to get you started on your skincare journey. Good luck!

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Affordable products for building a skincare routine from scratch

What do you need from a skincare routine?

Cleansers

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

TBH Skincare Acne Hack Anti-Bacterial Cleanser

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

MCo Beauty Hydrating Cleansing Oil

MCo Beauty Hydrate Balancing Hyaluronic Cream Cleanser

Serums

MCo Beauty Everyday Brightening Glow Luxe Face Oil

TBH Skincare Rebound Serum

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum

The Ordinary The Bright Set

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

Moisturisers

TBH Skincare Skin Shady Face Moisturiser

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Acne Moisturiser

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream Moisturiser

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