The reverence I have for taking care of my skin as an adult is all thanks to my mom sitting a 12-year-old “period debutante” me down and forcing her to wear moisturizer with vitamin C in it. Mind you, at that time SPF wasn’t that big of a thing (especially not to someone who knew nada about nada). Since then, my arsenal of skincare artifacts and gems has grown and is probably my biggest on-going expense (because how many serums is demasiado?). With this in mind, I seek to use things that are not only effective by economical so that my wallet won’t strangle me in my sleep. Despite the below seeming like an ad for Versed (which it is not), I’ve used each of these products and typically keep them on my list of regulars. In case you are wondering, the below skincare products are all below $20.
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Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Toner – $17.99
Looking for something that will help out with skin dullness? Here it is (you’re welcome). This potent little toner has lactic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid, bearberry extract, and vitamin C (among other ingredients). Due to its high acid count, I like to use this one at night (the same way you’d use a retinol or retinoid). Make sure to layer with something calming and soothing.
Buy the Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Toner
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Serum – $6.70
If you were born in the “late 1900s,” then it’s time for you to beef up your collection with an eye serum. So, what’s in the ingredient list? Things like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, soja (soybean) seed extract, and caffeine. The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution helps with puffiness and under-eye pigmentation.
Buy The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
READ MORE: 7 skincare serums and face oils worth adding to your arsenal
Versed The Fix Emergency Eye Mask – $17.99
You can never have too many under-eye products (crow’s feet, amiright?). This little mixture is great for all skin types and boasts ingredients like caffeine, cucumber juice, vitamin E, and provitamin B5 — all in an effort to not only nourish your sensitive and delicate eye nethers but also reduce puffiness and swelling.
Buy The Fix Emergency Eye Mask
Lumene Valo Glow Boost Essence Serum with Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid – $12.99
It’s Scandinavian, small, and potent. While it comes in two sizes, I typically purchase the smaller of the two as a little goes a long way. In it you will find ingredients like Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Extract, and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.
Buy the Lumene Valo Glow Boost Essence Serum
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the acids: PHA, AHA, and BHA
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream – $6.99
This lovely and light moisturizing gel-cream is great for all skin types and doesn’t leave your skin greasy (at least mine wasn’t). It carries green tea leaf extract, aloe leaf juice, and sodium hyaluronate (works much like hyaluronic acid).
Buy the Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
BYBI Mega Mist HA Toner – $18.99
I am a sucker for a face mist, especially when it smells like this one. This mist is plant-based, contains hyaluronic acid, and is great for all types of skin ranging from sensitive to acne-prone to mature.
Buy the BYBI Mega Mist HA Toner
READ MORE: 5 hand creams to help restore moisture to your manos
Versed Wash It Out Gel Cleanser
It is always important to have a face cleanser that does what it says. This cleanser uses ingredients like rosewater, mint, apple amino acids, and seaweed extract. Don’t forget to lather this on for at least 30 to 60 seconds to ensure your face is thoroughly cleaned.
Buy the Wash It Out Gel Cleanser
The Ordinary Buffet Serum
The Ordinary carries two “buffet” options for those looking for a new overall face serum (both are highly rated so you can’t go wrong with either). Both are vegan, alcohol free, gluten free, silicone free, and parabens free (among other things). They are also usable during the AM and PM.
Latina Lowdown 