I've been combating breakouts and blemishes for what seems like decades. Over the years, I've found a routine that works for me that includes both drugstore products and a few more expensive name brand finds. My sister recently asked me, "of all the things you use on your face, what are the ones you actually use and love from the drugstore?" That got me thinking about how much I value those affordable finds, because how well they work and who doesn't love a good price?
If you also experience breakouts from time to time, then I'm here to offer a little shopping inspiration. Ahead, I curated a list of my 10 favorites finds you can find at Target, Ulta, or any drugstore. From spot treatments to my favorite micellar water and even a back-acne spray, these are my ultimate must haves. Keep reading to shop them all.
This La Roche Posay Ultra Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Remover For Sensitive Skin ($25) is what I use daily to remove my makeup. In the past, I used makeup wipes but felt they striped my skin of its natural moisture. This micellar water deeply cleans my skin, while keeping it feeling fresh and hydrated.
My everyday cleanser is a gentle choice for sensitive skin, but with wearings masks recently I've been breaking out more. I switched to this CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser ($12) and the salicylic acid helps me fight breakouts, but the formula isn't harsh or overdrying.
I'm all about spot treatments and in the day time I use this It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer ($32). Not only does it cover my blemish, but it works on drying it out to heal faster.
As someone with oily skin, I spent years thinking I needed to avoid moisture and I was so wrong. Turns out, hyaluronic acid was the key to keeping my skin healthy and happy. The artnaturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($13) is only of my favorites to use morning and night.
I use a variety of spot treatments, but these COSRX Patch Anti-acne Facial Treatments ($5) are hand-down my favorite for big hormonal blemishes. Not only do they help them go away much faster, but they also don't leave behind a red mark.
Wearing sunscreen everyday is important to me to keep my face protected. I spent years searching for one that wouldn't break me out and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Face Serum With Sunscreen with SPF 50 ($43) was the winner. It's light and scent-less formula feels more like a serum and works as a primer for my foundation.
Every now and then when my skin is feeling super dry, I love to use this Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask ($3). The mask is packed with hyaluronic acid which hydrates and refreshes my skin instantly.
Using a drying lotion overnight when I have new breakouts helps them go away much faster for me. This SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Drying Lotion ($12) is one of my current favorites.
Sometimes larger blemishes can leave behind scars and dark spots. I recently tried these Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches Micropoint for Dark Spots ($16) and was shocked at how it helped a few spots fade quicker than usual.
From time to time I suffer from back acne and it's a hard place to treat. In addition to using an acne-treatment body wash, this Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist ($18) really helps. The fact that is sprays helps me get hard to reach places.