Hormonal acne, an oily T-zone, and sensitive skin that will break out at the sign of harsh chemicals is how I would describe my skin type. So, yeah, you can say I have a problematic face. Over the years, I've invested more time and money than I can even count into perfecting my ideal morning and night routine. From trying expensive name brands to organic and clean ones, I've tested it all. I'm finally in a place where I love every single item I use, and surprisingly, most of them are from the drugstore.
To prove that not all impressive products have to cost loads of money, I curated a list of my favorite affordable finds ahead to help inspire your own routine. Brands like Neutrogena and Olay play big roles in my everyday life and I recommend them to friends whenever I can. The best part: these choices are easy to find just about anywhere. So if you're traveling and forget one, just pop by the store to replace it. At reasonable prices, it's easy to get them all without breaking the bank. Need more convincing? Keep reading to see all my favorites and maybe try a couple for yourself.
I've been using this Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Facial Toner ($8) for nearly a decade. The water-like toner gives me just enough moisture for the day without leaving me too greasy or dried out.
This lightweight and smooth La Roche-Posay Anthelios Antioxidant Face Serum With Sunscreen SPF 50 ($43) is my daily go-to for sun protection. I always put it on before my foundation and it helps keep me moisturized the whole day.
Because I have sensitive skin, I love using this 100 percent natural St. Ives Skin Renewing Body Collagen and Elastin Lotion ($2-$12) from head to toe.
Some days I'm just too lazy to do my whole skincare routine, so I simply grab one of these Olay Cleanse Makeup Remover Fragrance-Free Wipes ($5-$10) to quickly remove and cleanse.
I'm a true believer in this Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water ($9). Not only does it remove my makeup like a pro but it leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
Made with naturally derived salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment ($11) helps me fight pesky breakouts without harsh chemicals.
When my hormonal acne acts up from time to time, this Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment ($27) comes in handy. The blue light technology kills bacteria and the red light helps to reduces inflammation. It's basically like a quick spa-zapping treatment in the comfort of your own home.
When I was hunting for the right face wash I wanted something simple and clean, and this Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash ($7) was a total winner. Since I don't respond well to harsh chemicals, this pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E enriched choice helped my skin clear up.
Sometimes I suffer from acne of my back, and this Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Scrub ($9) helps keep it under control.
The best part about this Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Smooth Sugar Lip Scrub ($22) is that it's easy and compact enough to use on the go.
When I'm looking for a deep clean, I turn to this Foreo Luna Go Compact Facial Brush ($99). The brush deeply penetrates my pores getting out all the dirt and excess makeup. Plus, the silicone material is proven to be more hygienic than tradition bristel brushes.