Here’s to cutting out the fluff and embracing an affordable anti-aging skincare routine.

(Contains affiliate links.)

As soon as I started taking my skincare routine seriously, I realized I’ve been a fool….and wasting A LOT of money.

Getting older, I set out to learn as much as I could about skincare in hopes of preserving my good skin for as long as possible. I read research articles from around the internet. I watched YouTube videos by practicing dermatologists. The more I learned – the more I realized that an affordable anti-aging skincare routine is not only doable – in many ways, it’s preferable.

I felt suckered and duped.

For far too long, I foolishly bought into this idea that you have to invest a lot of $$ into quality products. I bought into the “experience” of applying luxury skincare products, seduced by their lovely smell and beautiful packaging. Never mind that they might not have all that much actually going on inside.

After a wake up call, I realized that I needed to completely overhaul my skincare routine and develop one that actually addresses my skin’s needs. No more being swayed by a pretty bottle and a designer name. I wanted products that WORKED!

Adopting an Affordable Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Before introducing you to my affordable anti-aging skincare routine, I want say that it’s affordability just happens to be a bonus.

When I set out to adopt a new routine, I was most interested in finding products that got down to business. I read countless reviews and recommendations, on the hunt for products that are effective at getting the job done. It just so happens, that they’re largely much much more affordable than the pricier alternatives of my past. A delightful and refreshing perk!

My Trusted Nighttime Routine

To help you on your own skincare journey, today I walk you step-by-step through the affordable anti-aging skincare routine I turn to every night. Not only does it nourish my skin, it’s also evolved over time to be a self-care routine of sorts and one I find myself craving as soon as dusk arrives.

Washing the day away and layering nourishing products on my skin is a soothing practice that’s been surprisingly addictive. Then, of course, are the benefits! This routine has:

• Improved and smoothed out my skin’s texture
• Cleared my complexion to the point where I have no breakouts
• Boosted my skin’s natural radiance
• Thoroughly moisturizes my skin

I hope this in-depth look at my affordable anti-aging skincare routine helps you rethink the false notion that you have to spend a lot of money to find great products. I also hope it helps you tap into a routine that improves your skin health!

STEP 1: Garnier Waterproof Micellar Cleansing Water (Shop)

Okay! First off in my affordable anti-aging skincare routine is cleansing.

As a rule, I actually don’t wear waterproof mascara because I’m so paranoid about irritating the delicate skin around the eyes…but I absolutely love this Garnier’s Waterproof Micellar Water for removing my eye makeup. The waterproof formula is definitely much more powerful than the traditional edition, meaning it cuts through mascara, eyeliner and even foundation all that much faster. It’s also surprisingly gentle. If you have sensitive skin, I think you’ll love it.

STEP 2: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel (Shop)

Following Garnier’s Micellar Water, I turn to my Clarisonic and Mario Badescu’s Enzyme Cleansing Gel. It’s a more affordable alternative to the Philosophy Purity Cleanser I used to use religiously while being gentle on the skin.

The Enzyme cleanser has AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) built in so if you don’t have a Clarisonic? No need to worry. The AHAs will naturally exfoliate your skin as you cleanse. A great two-in-one product!

STEP 3: Ole Henriksen Dark Spot Toner (Shop)

Back in January 2019, I did a MONSTER post on how much of a game-changer the latest toner from OleHenriksen has been in my skincare routine. As such, I won’t rag on about it too much here but essentially this changed my (lackluster) opinion of toners as a whole. At $28 a bottle, you might question how affordable the product is – but when you consider that a bottle will last you 4 months, it comes out to be a very affordable and important step in my routine.

Using a cotton pad, I apply the toner as the first post-cleansing step in my routine. It’s also become an essential step, producing better results from all the products that follow.

STEP 4: No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum (Shop)

I’ll be honest, I do really like the Lancome Advanced Genefique serum…but when I read an article about this UK drugstore gem being clinically proven to reverse the signs of aging and fine wrinkles, I was on my way to Target IMMEDIATELY.

No 7’s Protect & Perfect comes at a much more attractive price and by using the Target Cartwheel app, I was able to save even more dollars. It’s also got quite the following as an affordable anti-aging skincare product and was even difficult to keep in stock after the BBC toted its abilities. The serum itself includes a patented peptide complex that improves skin elasticity. Do I believe it can totally reverse aging? No. But as I’m living in a preventative stage it’s one I’m keeping for now.

Note, the serum contains dimethicone which can be irritating to some.

STEP 5: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (Shop)

Obviously the terms Retinol and Retinoid are thrown about quite a bit these days when it comes to chasing eternal youth. Fortunately, The Ordinary is basically a dream when it comes to delivering affordable anti-aging skincare products. This retinoid rings up at $9.60 a bottle which is a virtual steal! I started out with the 2% because I was concerned the 5% retinoid would be irritating on my somewhat sensitive skin, but have had zero issues. As such, I think you could jump right in with the 5% if you like.

Note: It’s recommended to apply this over a serum *only* if its water based. As the No 7 serum I use above is, I followed The Ordinary’s instructions to do serum first and then retinoid. When using, be sure to carefully read the proper order to apply based of the products/ingredients in your routine.

STEP 6: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Shop)

Following the Retinoid, I turn to The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid. This step I would say is totally optional as my moisturizer does also contain Hyaluronic Acid…but given the claims it helps boost collagen as well as maintain skin moisture, I double up.

Typically, I apply the Hyaluronic Acid every other night. It’s an extra step that I really quite enjoy! The product takes a bit of time to seep in, so I use this step to do a bit of a mini facial massage as it absorbs to help relieve any tension I’ve built up through the day. (I tend to carry stress in my face so alleviating that is always welcomed!)

STEP 7: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin (Shop)

At nighttime, I go heavy duty with the moisturizing! In all my reading and YouTube watching about moisturizers, I started to realize basic was the best way to go to really protect my skin’s moisture barrier. It was a rather transformative revelation after years of buying all sorts of fussy moisturizers.

CeraVe does not disappoint and this moisturizer means business! It contains Hyaluronic Acid, but also Ceramides — which are essential in building a barrier that will protect your skin from the elements.

Essentially, I turn to this product to “lock in” moisture and the seal the deal on all the steps I mentioned above. The grande finale!

If you made it this far? Round of applause for you!

This post has turned into a bit of a marathon but I really wanted to closely review my affordable anti-aging skincare routine with you in hopes that it can help you develop your own perfect routine. I also hope this helps you find products that get the job done — without breaking the bank. Save your dollars for something else!

As always, thank you oh so much for reading. I hope this post was useful to you and I look forward to chatting with you again soon.

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Shop the Post

Garnier Micellar Water for Waterproof Makeup
Mario Badescu Enzyme Gel Cleanser
OleHenriksen Dark Spot Toner
No. 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advance Serum
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoids 5%
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

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Kelly

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