My AM & PM Skincare Routines

If you read my July/Life Update newsletter I emailed out last week, I said that I would start publishing blog posts in early August, but I thought what are you waiting for? So, I spent last weekend researching and writing and here is my first blog post in about five months. In this post I am talking about my morning and evening skincare routines so here we go!

My skincare routines are geared around three things: hydration, moisturization and exfoliation and most everything I use comes from the drugstore (a few products come from Trader Joe’s and Amazon and are drugstore priced). You can find really good skincare without breaking the bank, so after some trial and error over the years, I have created skincare routines that work for my skin, and everything is affordable too! So, before we dive into my skincare routines, my skin is mature (I am 57 yrs. old) and dry to very dry (depending on the time of year), so the skincare products I use will not be for everyone. So, with that being said, let’s get into it starting with my morning skincare routine (all products listed are in the order I use each one):

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Power Cream Wash $7.69 – I work out every morning and this is the cleanser I use in the shower. It has 2% salicylic acid, green tea, and aloe, does not dry out my skin and is perfect for cleansing my skin after my morning workouts (especially now that summer is here).

The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Toning Solution $8.70 – This toner has 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and Tasmanian Pepperberry. I use this every morning with an exfoliating cotton round $2.88 after cleansing my skin and I love this!! It’s not drying and makes my skin feel smooth, so if you are looking to add glycolic acid into your skincare routine, I recommend starting with this toner!

Equate Beauty PM Ceramide Facial Lotion $6.96 – This lotion is for normal to dry skin, contains ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, is half the price and just as good as the brand name. I use this every morning without fail and totally recommend!

Full of the Earth Vitamin E Cream $3.34 – This cream is very moisturizing, and my skin loves vitamin E, so if you skin is dry/very dry, give this cream a try.

Trader Joe’s Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 15 $3.99 – This lotion has vitamins A, C & E, UVA/UVB protection and is fragrance free. I have been using this lotion for many years. If you are looking for a lightweight lotion with no fragrance, this is the lotion for you!

Trader Joe’s 100% Organic Argan Oil $6.99 – Known as “liquid gold” this lightweight oil is a moisturizer, primer, brightener, protector, and treatment all in one. I apply this last to seal in the rest of my skincare. I buy this over and over again; I love it and recommend to anyone looking to add a facial oil.

Carmex Lip Balm $2.74 – Lips need care just as much as our skin does and I have been using this in the morning (and throughout the day and before bed) for a long time. It is just the best lip balm in my opinion!

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30 $13.97 – I love this SPF, it’s perfect for dry/very dry skin, provides a sheer wash of color and leaves your skin hydrated and glowing.

That is my morning skincare routine and takes around 5-7 minutes to do. Now let’s get into my evening skincare routine (a few of the products I use in the morning I also use at night, so there will be a few repeats) that takes about the same time as the morning and includes the best cleansing balm ever:

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser $9.74  – This gentle cleansing balm melts away all traces of makeup and eye makeup (including waterproof eye and face makeup) without drying my skin or burning my eyes. It is paraben, preservative, and fragrance free and is the best cleansing balm I have ever used and recommend it to those of you who have dry/very dry skin.

Equate Beauty Hydrating Facial Cleanser $5.34 – This is an excellent cleanser for normal to dry skin, does not leave your skin dry after cleansing, is half the price and better (in my opinion) than the brand name and I have been using for a few months now. If you have dry skin, this is the cleanser for you!

Alpha Skin Care Enhanced Renewal 12% Glycolic Acid Cream $17.99  – This cream contains 12% glycolic acid and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles without drying my skin. I use this every night; I love this cream and highly recommend if you are looking to upgrade your skincare game!

Equate Beauty PM Ceramide Facial Lotion $6.96  As with the morning, I use this at night too (also use as an eye cream), it is that good!

Trader Joe’s Nourish Oil Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer $5.99 – This has quite a few good skincare ingredients that my skin loves, it is fragrance free and no parabens. If you are looking for an antioxidant packed lightweight fragrance-free lotion, pick this up on your next shopping trip to TJ’s.

Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Cream $3.34 – This cream does double duty as a night cream too! Again, I recommend this cream if you have dry/very dry skin.

Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil $6.99 I added this facial oil to my evening routine as soon as it hit the shelves at TJ’s, and I am hooked! I apply this last and it provides a blanket of moisture that is wonderful for overnight. If you have been looking for a marula oil to add to your skincare routine, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this one from TJ’s is right on the money and fantastic.

Smith’s Rosebud Salve $7 – This salve comes in a tin and will last you a long time! I apply this over Carmex Lip Balm before bed and my lips are soft and hydrated when I get up in the morning. Great overnight lip balm!

That’s it! My skincare routines are simple, not a whole lot of steps and affordable. You can find all of these products at your local drugstores, mass retailers, Trader Joe’s, or Amazon and until next time my friends, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!

*This blog post is not sponsored. The links listed above are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to use the links, but if you do, thank you very much and I appreciate your support of Glam Budget Beauty!