Beauty Routine Basics: Where to Save and Where to Splurge

We all want to look our best at all times, but we often find that beauty costs some serious cash. When you count everything you need your you regular beauty routine, makeup included, it amounts to quite a lot of products. However, not every product is equally important, and in time you can learn where it’s okay to pinch a few pennies, and know where to spare no expense.

Splurge on eye cream

Plenty people think that eye cream is nothing more than a glorified and overpriced moisturizer, in a smaller package. In fact, eye creams are very much worth splurging on. They usually have a different formula, one created specifically for the sensitive area around the eyes. They tend to be oilier, with more concentrated, non-irritating ingredients. The most effective ones contain hyaluronic acid or retinol.

Save on cleanser

While cleansing should never be skipped, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should spend a fortune on this step of your beauty routine. Vaseline can also be used as an excellent makeup remover. To wash your face, choose an inexpensive, mild face wash. In a pinch, baby products work well too, as they usually have gentle formulas.

Splurge on moisturizer and eye cream

All of the makeup in the world cannot make things better if your skin is not healthy and nourished. There is no universal formula for a good moisturizer and it’s hard to find one that is perfect for your skin. It’s worth it to check out a premium line like Dermalogica, which provides a number of solutions for every skin type, made with quality ingredients. Experimenting with samples is a good way to explore until you find the perfect formula for your skin. The general rule is that expensive moisturizers are more concentrated and are less likely to use synthetic ingredients.

Save on body lotion

In most cases, body skin is far less sensitive than facial skin. In general, the most important thing is to be consistent and use lotion regularly. Drugstore brands work perfectly if you apply them after every shower. Vaseline is a godsend for problematic areas like your heels, elbows or chapped lips, as it helps seal moisture in.

Splurge on serum

Are serums really the magical fairy juice that will help you never age? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes! The serum is usually applied before moisturizer, and as it’s the first thing you put on your skin, it gets completely absorbed, so it’s in an ideal position to work its magic.

Save on masks

There are many affordable masks that are quite effective. Depending on the purpose you want the mask to serve, there are some great, inexpensive finds. You can also make some fantastic ones yourself: if an ingredient is good enough to eat, it’s probably good enough to put on your skin too. Oatmeal soothes, vinegar tones, egg nourishes. There are many simple and effective face mask recipes that will leave your face fresh and glowing.

Splurge on eye makeup

Not all makeup is equally important. While affordable makeup can look good, and even have a lasting effect, it’s better not to experiment with what you put on your eyes. Because they get into direct contact with your eyes, eye shadows and mascaras made from cheap ingredients can cause irritation, redness, and infections.

Of course, there are hits and misses on both sides of the price spectrum. Don’t forget that, as you age, the quality of your skin changes, and you might need to mix up your routine from time to time to meet its new needs.

Featured Image Credit: Oil Dale/unsplash

Emma Lawson is a passionate writer, online article editor, and a health enthusiast. In her spare time, she likes to do research, and write articles to create awareness regarding a healthy lifestyle.