Skincare

Skincare does not have to be expensive to be effective. More and more brands are formulating products at affordable price points that rival the results and efficacy of their luxury competitors. You may feel that budget friendly skincare is only good for younger skin and that in order to get good results for mature skin, you must spend more. But that is not the case anymore. My skincare needs are much more in depth the older I get so I am constantly seeking out products that WORK. I’ve been testing a bunch of affordable skincare products over the past year in order to figure out which ones are the most effective especially for mature skin. For now, these are the ones that I recommend and personally use. I will continue to update this post as I find more products that impress me so be sure to bookmark this post for future additions.

For more skincare reviews, here are some recent blog posts to check out:

My Favorites From Naturium Skincare

The Best and Most Effective Beauty Devices

A Luxury Lip Mask Worth the Splurge

20+ Affordable Skincare Favorites For Mature Skin

Cleansers

Experiment Plasma Wash

As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types. This formula uses glycerin depositing compounds that delivers moisture that remains on the skin even after you rinse. It doesn’t leave a film but it makes the skin feel intensely nourished and supple much like a serum or moisturizer would do. It’s quite a unique cleanser and one that is fantastic for those with dry mature skin.

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

This cleanser could fall both in the dry skin and sensitive skin category because of how gentle and nourishing it is. It’s a cream texture that feels moisturizing and soothing yet still gives the skin a really deep clean. Some of the key ingredients are the La Roche-Posay thermal spring water which is rich in antioxidant properties. Additionally there is ceramide-3 which is a natural component of the skin barrier and glycerin which moisturizes and hydrates the skin. As someone who really focuses on protecting and strengthening my skin barrier, this cleanser is a must have!

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm has an almost identical texture to the Farmacy but is a touch more creamy. Not as oily as the Elemis so my skin doesn’t feel as moisturized afterwards, but still does an amazing job at removing every last stitch of makeup. And it’s a great price point!

Toners/Essences

Curel Deep Moisture Mist

This is an intensely nourishing face mist that feels almost creamy once applied. The mist is perfect and super fine which I love.

TirTir Milk Skin Toner

TirTir is one of my favorite Korean beauty brands and this was the first skincare product from them that I tried. I fell in love with the formula and have repurchase it multiple times since. It’s a very ligthweight milky toner that has a watery consistency. Formulated with niacinamide, rice bran extract and ceramides, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner delivers intense hydration while also comforting and soothing the skin. The addition of panthenol helps make it suitable for sensitive skin and especially great for those with very dry and reactive skin. Like with all the milky toners that I have, I prefer to pour a small bit into my hands and pat it into the skin. This does leave a slightly tacky finish on the skin which I like since my skin is more dry and mature, but this is a lighter version for those who don’t prefer that feeling.

Bubble Cosmic Milky Toner

This is the first product I have tried from Bubble skincare and I can confidently say I will be trying out more products ASAP. This milky toner is an amazing price point ($16 for 100ml) and feels AMAZING!!! It’s not as thick as the Rhode Glazing Milk but not as watery or thin as the TirTir or Byoma. As with most milky toners, this is full of ceramides which help to strengthen and support the skin barrier. In addition to ceramides, the Bubble Cosmic Milky Toner contains essential fatty acids to regulate the skin barrier, arnica to soothe the skin, a 4D hyaluronic acid blend to hydrate and maple sap water to protect the skin barrier.

It leaves a gorgeous glazy finish to the skin which I absolutely love. While some of the thicker milky toners may be best for dry skin types and the thinner ones for oily or combination skin types, this texture falls right in the middle which I feel would make it suitable for all skin types.

Cocokind Calming Magnesium Facial Mist

I use facial mists every single day in both my morning and evening skincare routine as well as throughout the day to keep my skin well hydrated. While so many mists help with hydration only, the Calming Magnesium Facial Mist helps to calm stressed skin. The formula was designed for those with sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin to help support the skin barrier while also refreshing the skin. I don’t have sensitive skin but my skin does get drier than ever before and this mist is absolutely amazing!

Eye Creams

TirTir Collagen Lifting Eye Cream

The TirTir Collagen Lifting Eye Cream is an eye cream formulated to build collagen, erase fine lines and strengthen the skin. It contains plant-based collagen that helps soften deep wrinkles and fine lines. While also building a shield on the skin that allows it to retain moisture. Dehydration especially around the eye shows itself in the form of loss of elasticity and fine lines. The main ingredients of the formula are niacinamide which helps brighten and even out the skin tone, avocado oil to deeply nourish and hydrate, a plant-derived collagen complex + 5 peptides to enhance elasticity, smooth fine lines and firm. In addition, it contains adenosine which boosts collagen production, reduces wrinkles and helps to calm sensitive skin. Even those with sensitive skin or eczema-prone skin can use this eye cream. It’s super gentle yet effective.

One of my favorite parts of this eye cream is the metal ball applicator that allows for a precise placement while providing a comforting massage to help reduce puffiness and improve absorption. It’s a lightweight gel-like texture that absorbs almost instantly while still providing intense hydration.

L’Oreal Revitalift Under Eye Serum

I wanted to add a bit more hydration to my under eye area so I have been layering this hyaluronic acid serum underneath my daily eye cream. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t disrupt anything I layer on top of it. But it does give a really great boost of moisture to that area which has made a huge difference in how my eyes look and feel.

Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream

This is a very straightforward no muss, no fuss hydrating eye cream that works well at a great price point. The cooling metal applicator feels amazing on the skin and instantly helps to soothe and depuff. It’s suitable to use for day or night and works well under makeup. While it does state that it helps reduce dark circles, I find that very few eye creams do and it’s a hard thing to really tackle. For me, this eye cream really soothes and moisturizes my eye area while also helping to depuff and smooth any fine lines.

Face Serums

Versed Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

Exfoliation is so important but not if it strips or damages your skin barrier. Choose a chemical exfoliant over a physical one as they tend to be more effective with less overall irritation. I have been testing this Versed Pore Clearing Serum for a few months since the brand sent me a lab sample before it was available to the public. I am so impressed with how smooth my skin feels using this regularly (1-2x/week). My skin feels soft and smooth without any redness, flakiness or irritation. It’s a great serum to add in if you struggle with breakouts or congestion but also will help to smooth uneven or rough texture.

Timeless Skincare 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

I personally love using a vitamin c serum every morning in my skincare routine. Vitamin C can help brighten and provide antioxidant protection throughout the day. It’s also best to use during the day because it can neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. I’ve tried a lot of different vitamin c serums at all price points and have regularly repurchased this one. It’s lightweight, incredibly hydrating and has a 20% concentration of vitamin c in the formulation. It’s effective at helping even out the complexion and brightening the skin tone.

Naturium Barrier Bounce

I like to use a hydrating serum almost daily and this has been the only one I’ve been reaching for. Holy GLOW!! It can be used a ton of different ways (as an essence, as a serum, as a lightweight moisturizer) but I prefer to use it as a serum. It instantly plumps my skin and delivers intense long lasting hydration. And the price point is under $25 which absolutely blows my mind. This is 10x better than serums double and triple the price. Highly recommend!!!

Experiment Beauty Super Saturated Serum

If your skin is feeling dehydrated or lacking moisture, this hydrating serum will solve all your problems. It is a barrier support serum so it will help strengthen and protect the skin barrier while also delivering intense hydration. The serum is formulated with 30% glycerin as well as a ton of other humectants. So it will also aid in helping your skin hold onto that moisture all day long. This is a thicker serum so layer it accordingly in your skincare routine (thinnest to thickest) but it will truly help increase your skin’s hydration immediately as well as for the long term.

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum

There are different strengths available in this serum so if you find that retinol products irritate your skin, this would be a great alternative. Designed to target various signs of aging such as fine lines, uneven skin tone and dullness, this Retinaldehyde Cream Serum is easy to add in to any existing skincare routine.

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Nourishing Daily Serum

It doesn’t matter what skin type you have, protecting and supporting the skin barrier is must have for healthy, balanced skin. The Ceramide Barrier Nourishing Daily Serum is lightweight but super creamy and nourishing. It’s easy to add in to any skincare routine and works for all skin types. Formulated with a blend of five types of ceramides and lipids, this daily serum helps reduce irritation, hold onto moisture in the skin and soften the skin with the addition of lactic acid.

Moisturizers

Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh

Another barrier strengthening moisturizer because a healthy and strong skin barrier is more important than using all the exfoliants and retinols. A healthy skin barrier looks plump, balanced, fresh and always feels comfortable (not tight and irritated). As with most of Experiment Beauty’s products, the texture of this is incredibly unique. It’s a semi-rich formula that feels nourishing but does have a bit of a tacky/bouncy feel to it. I personally love that because it leaves my skin so firm and supple. The tacky texture doesn’t last however and this moisturizer absorbs beautifully into the skin after only a few minutes. My skin feels plump, calm and instantly nourished.

Versed Rich Barrier Cream

Out of all my recommendations in this post, the Versed Rich Barrier Cream is the lightest in texture. Still thicker than many moisturizers but if you have dry skin and don’t like the feeling of something too heavy on your skin, this is perfect! The formula is designed to help support the skin barrier, restore moisture and calm the skin. So it’s great to use as a final step either in the morning or evening. I have layered it under makeup and it wears beautifully. So I definitely plan to use this as the weather cools down. It is safe for sensitive and eczema prone skin which is another added benefit. The price point is super affordable as well coming in at $20 for 1.5 oz.

Cocokind Electrolyte Water Cream

Gel creams and water creams are not typically my favorite textures to use because they never feel hydrating or moisturizing enough for my dry skin. But the Electrolyte Water Cream is one of the few exceptions – it is like a drink of water for the skin! The formula feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin but the deep hydration it gives is next level. It contains an electrolyte blend that supports the skin barrier, helps balance hydration while also controlling shine. If you have oily or combination skin, this is perfect for both morning before your daily SPF or evening as your final step. However, it you have dry or mature skin and are hesitant to branch out from the rich creams, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this water cream.

Sunscreen

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

There is a reason this is a top seller for Naturium!  While the name is Dew-Glow, I would say this is not overly dewy so it would work well for a variety of skin types. It’s creamy, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a natural finish. The price point is also what makes this a cult classic – $44 for 100mL which is nearly double the amount of every sunscreen in this list.

Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

The other two sunscreens in this list have a moisturizer-like texture to them, whereas the Versed Good Defense SPF feels like a lightweight gel-cream. It’s intensely hydrating as soon as you apply it leaving my skin feeling plump and well-balanced. It’s a clear formula that leaves no white cast on the skin. For anyone with dehydrated skin, this SPF is a must try!

I have not done an updated skincare routine in a few months so I thought it was time to share what I’m using this winter. My skin is SO dry which means I need to use all the nourishing and barrier strengthening products I can. Here is my full morning and evening routine that would be great for anyone with dry, mature skin like myself!

A Winter Skincare Routine For Mature Skin

Morning Skincare Routine

Cleanse

Prequel Gleanser

This cleanser is formulated with 50% glycerin which is an incredible ingredient to help hydrate the skin. There is a reason it has become incredibly popular and gone viral many, many times. It helps to soften the skin, remove excess impurities and oil from the skin without ever stripping it. It’s especially great in the morning to hydrate my skin while giving it a deep cleanse.

Tone/Skin Flooding

I usually skin flood in the morning after cleansing which means I layer my hydrating toners/essences one after the other. Currently there are only two that I’m using.

Cocokind Calming Magnesium Facial Mist

While so many mists help with hydration only, the Calming Magnesium Facial Mist is best for calming stressed skin. The formula was designed for those with sensitive skin, reactive skin and acne-prone skin to help support the skin barrier. I use this mist first and then trap the moisture in the skin by layering the toners on top.

TirTir Milk Skin Rice Toner

This is a very ligthweight milky toner with a watery consistency. Formulated with niacinamide, rice bran extract and ceramides, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner delivers intense hydration while also comforting and soothing the skin. The addition of panthenol helps make it suitable for sensitive skin and especially great for those with very dry and reactive skin. Like with all the milky toners that I have, I prefer to pour a small bit into my hands and pat it into the skin. This does leave a slightly tacky finish on the skin which I like since my skin is more dry and mature.

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

This is the only skincare product I have tried from Sarah Creal Beauty but I now understand why it’s a best seller for the brand. It’s one of the most hydrating and plumping essences I’ve ever tried. An essence is heavier than traditional toners. So it is best used after you have cleansed/toned, but before you apply your serums. Skip a cotton pad and pour the essence into the palm of your hands and press it gently into the skin. It’s a bi-phase formula so be sure to shake it up before you apply.

Eye Cream

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum

I need something intensely hydrating but lightweight in the morning. I want to prep my under eye area for makeup while using a formula that won’t disrupt any concealer or foundation I put on top of it. This is one of the best hydrating eye serums I’ve ever tried. It gives instant moisture to the area, helps to depuff, smooth fine lines and keep my under eye area hydrated all day long.

Serums

Educated Mess Golden Hour (discount code: MAREE15)

I personally use a vitamin c serum every morning in my skincare routine because it is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from various types of free radicals and environmental damage. The Golden Hour Vitamin C serum is especially great for those with sensitive skin or if you experience any irritation from using vitamin C serums. This serum is for those looking to brighten any discoloration on the skin and will overall give you a radiant glow.

Moisturizer

Cocokind Electrolyte Water Cream

Gel creams and water creams are not typically my favorite textures to use because they never feel hydrating or moisturizing enough for my dry skin. But the Electrolyte Water Cream is one of the few exceptions – it is like a drink of water for the skin! The formula feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin but the deep hydration it gives is next level. It contains an electrolyte blend that supports the skin barrier, helps balance hydration while also controlling shine. If you have oily or combination skin, this is perfect for both morning before your daily SPF or evening as your final step. However, it you have dry or mature skin and are hesitant to branch out from the rich creams, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this water cream.

Sunscreen

Versed Good Defense SPF 50

This was sent to me at the beginning of the summer but I was testing other things so I put it aside for when my current sunscreens ran out. I’m so mad that I didn’t try this immediately because it is GORGEOUS! It’s super affordable, thin yet still intensely nourishing and preps my skin beautifully for makeup.

Evening Skincare Routine

Cleanse

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm

I’ve been using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for nearly 10 years and loved it from my very first use. It’s one of the best cleansers to remove makeup (even waterproof makeup) and leaves my skin feeling nourished, moisturized and soft. None of that “squeaky clean” feeling that often cleansers will leave me with – which often means it has stripped my skin of all the necessary moisture and oils leaving it dry and dehydrated. A really good cleansing balm should give a thorough deep clean without stripping the skin.

Experiment Plasma Wash (discount code: MAREE15)

As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types. This formula uses glycerin depositing compounds that delivers moisture that remains on the skin even after you rinse. It doesn’t leave a film but it makes the skin feel intensely nourished and supple much like a serum or moisturizer would do.

Tone/Skin Flooding

Eadem Cashmere Peel

I have been testing this out a few times a week though I’m not sure it is right for my skin. It is supposed to be a very gentle exfoliating toner but I had to build up to using it a few times a week because it was a bit too irritating at first. I plan to finish it but don’t think I will repurchase.

Cocokind Calming Magnesium Facial Mist

While so many mists help with hydration only, the Calming Magnesium Facial Mist is best for calming stressed skin. The formula was designed for those with sensitive skin, reactive skin and acne-prone skin to help support the skin barrier. I use this mist first and then trap the moisture in the skin by layering the toners on top.

TirTir Milk Skin Rice Toner

I will typically skin flood after using the Eadem peel using this toner. It’s incredibly hydrating and really soothes my dry skin.

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

I love this as my final skin flooding/toning step because it’s a thicker essence that really preps the skin nicely for the rest of my routine.

Eye Cream

OneSkin OS-01 Eye Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

I’m rarely loyal to an eye cream, but this eye topical supplement from OneSkin has become one of my most repurchased skincare items. After the first bottle I finished, I immediately repurchased a new one. In addition to helping moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes, the eye topical supplement will help firm sagging skin. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Often I will get milia from other eye creams that are too rich. Then after going through a full bottle of this eye supplement, all the milia was gone! The eyes are always the first to show signs of aging so don’t skip the eye area!

Serums

VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100

I finally began testing this top selling and viral Korean skincare product and LOVE IT! It’s unlike anything I have ever tried before but really impressed by how it performs. It’s a microneedling serum that you apply before your other serums in order to help the products absorb better into the skin. It isn’t uncomfortable but does feel like tiny little needles all over your face as soon as you apply it. It really helps to boost the results of any other serums I apply afterwards.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Retinal Night

I use a retinol product in my routine a few times a week and find it to be more important as I get older. The clinical proven Retinal Night Firming Treatment helps to stimulate cellular turnover which slows as we age. It firms, smooths and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This particular formula uses retinaldehyde, a form of vitamin A that works faster than traditional retinol. Many retinol products can be irritating to the skin. So it’s best to start slow and work up to a few nights a week as your skin gets used to it. I use this typically 1-2 nights a week.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Exfoliation Night Resurfacing + Brightening

The Exfoliation Night Resurfacing Brightening serum delivers triple exfoliation without added irritation. This treatment is best used in the evening and contains a blend of AHA, BHA and PHA. If you struggle with dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this is a great addition into your evening routine. In addition to helping even out the skin tone, the Exfoliation Night serum will target fine lines, help smooth texture and reduce the appearance of large pores. On the nights I am not using the Retinal from Dr. Bowe, I will use this serum. Like the Retinal Night serum, I use this Exfoliation serum 1-2 nights a week.

Dieux Deliverance Serum

The Dieux Deliverance serum is a 3-in-1 serum that helps to firm, smooth, calm and support the skin barrier. This will address fine lines and loss of elasticity but will also target redness, a damaged skin barrier and uneven skin tone. For anyone with redness, irritation or inflamed skin, this serum immediately helps to soothe and calm. I have been using this every single night because it does wonders at helping calm my skin especially since I am using strong actives (retinal, chemical exfoliants, etc)

Experiment Beauty Super Saturated Serum (discount code: MAREE15)

If your skin is feeling dehydrated or lacking moisture, this hydrating serum will solve all your problems. It is a barrier support serum so it will help strengthen and protect the skin barrier while also delivering intense hydration. The serum is formulated with 30% glycerin as well as a ton of other humectants. So it will also aid in helping your skin hold onto that moisture all day long. Another serum that I have been using every single night to help boost my hydration and keep my skin barrier strong. My skin has been so dry during the winter so this has been helping counteract any sensitivity.

For a quick rundown of my routine, here’s how I use each of the serums:

Monday/Thursday: VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, Dr. Bowe Retinal Night, Dieux Deliverance, Experiment Beauty Super Saturated

Tuesday/Friday: VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, Dr. Bowe Exfoliation Night, Dieux Deliverance, Experiment Beauty Super Saturated

Wednesday/Saturday: VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, Dieux Deliverance, Experiment Beauty Super Saturated

Sunday: Dieux Deliverance, Experiment Beauty Super Saturated

Moisturizer

Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

The Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer is a skin-restoring moisturizer designed to deeply nourish, provide barrier support and give an “ethereal glow” to the skin. It doesn’t focus on anti-aging concerns or other targeted treatments. It is truly the ultimate final step in taking care of your skin. I will alternate this with the Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh as my final step each night.

Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh (discount code: MAREE15)

This is one of my all time favorite barrier strengthening moisturizer. I focus a lot on supporting the skin barrier because a balanced and strong skin barrier is one of the keys to healthy skin. A healthy skin barrier looks plump, balanced, fresh and always feels comfortable (not tight and irritated). If your barrier is damaged, none of your skincare products will deliver their intended results because your skin barrier isn’t functioning optimally. Using a rich or nourishing moisturizer is good. But it’s better to choose one that is designed and formulated to support the skin barrier.

Face Masks/Beauty Devices

Clarins Cryo-Flash Mask

I love using this mask once a week to help tighten and give my skin a gorgeous glow.

Blue Lagoon Algae Mask (discount code: MAREE15)

I’ve been using this Blue Lagoon Algae Mask once a week and it’s been saving my skin this winter! It’s incredibly nourishing and replenishing for my dry skin.

CurrentBody LED Mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

This is a splurge but it’s the one skincare device that I never skip! I use it 6 nights a week after I have cleansed but before I do the rest of my skincare routine. It has a timer for 10 minutes so you can turn it on, do what you need to do for 10 minutes and then it will automatically shut off when complete. It helps to improve fine lines/wrinkles, even out skin tone, smooth texture and brighten the skin. If there is one beauty device to invest in, it is without a doubt this one!!