Building the perfect skincare routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about finding the right products that suit your skin type and goals. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a beauty expert, curating the right combination of products can give you glowing, healthy skin without breaking the bank. This guide will help you identify the essential products to include in your daily regimen and share where to find the best discounts and exclusive deals on top skincare products.
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser: The Foundation of Your Routine
Cleansing is the first and most important step in any skincare routine. A good cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Look for a formula that suits your skin type—gentle foaming cleansers for oily skin or cream-based cleansers for dry skin.
What to Buy Now:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Perfect for dry to normal skin, this gentle yet effective cleanser restores the skin’s natural barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Right now, it’s available at a discount at major retailers like Ulta and Target.
- Discount Tip: During seasonal sales, many drugstore brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Neutrogena offer bundle discounts on cleansers, making it an ideal time to stock up on your favorites.
2. Exfoliate for Smooth Skin: Choose the Right Exfoliator
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover, leaving your skin smooth and radiant. However, it’s crucial to choose an exfoliator that’s gentle on the skin. Chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) are generally better for sensitive skin, while physical exfoliants can work well for oily or combination skin types.
What to Buy Now:
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This cult-favorite product is beloved for its ability to clear pores and exfoliate without irritation. Right now, Paula’s Choice offers exclusive discounts on skincare sets, which often include this BHA liquid exfoliant.
- Special Edition: Check out exfoliating sets from brands like Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary during special sales events, where you can get high-quality exfoliators at a reduced price.
3. Hydrate and Balance: Toner for Refreshing Your Skin
Toners are an often overlooked step, but they’re an essential part of a complete skincare routine. They help to balance your skin’s pH after cleansing and prepare it for better absorption of other skincare products. Choose a hydrating toner if you have dry skin, or a balancing toner if you have oily skin.
What to Buy Now:
- Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner: This soothing, alcohol-free toner is perfect for calming and hydrating sensitive skin. Kiehl’s often runs promotions, so you can get this bestselling toner at a great price when shopping during sales.
- Discount Tip: Many beauty retailers offer gift-with-purchase deals, especially during holiday or seasonal promotions, which may include toners as free gifts with a certain purchase.
4. Targeted Treatments: Serums for Specific Skin Concerns
Serums are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or acne. Whether you’re looking for anti-aging benefits, brightening, or hydration, serums are a must-have in a tailored skincare routine.
What to Buy Now:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: An affordable yet highly effective serum that deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, giving you a dewy, youthful glow. This serum is available at a fraction of the price compared to similar high-end products, especially when bought during special discounts.
- Discount Alert: Look out for The Ordinary’s site-wide sales, which often include popular serums like this one at up to 20% off.
5. Moisturizer: Locking in Hydration
Moisturizers are key to keeping your skin hydrated, smooth, and protected from environmental factors. Choose a moisturizer that fits your skin type—lightweight gel-based moisturizers for oily skin or thicker creams for dry skin.
What to Buy Now:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: This oil-free, lightweight moisturizer is perfect for oily and combination skin, offering instant hydration with a non-greasy finish. During major sales events, Neutrogena’s skincare products are often discounted at retailers like Amazon and Walgreens.
- Special Offer: Look for exclusive skincare bundles that include moisturizers, like Clinique’s 3-Step Skincare System, which often includes discounts when you buy a complete set.
6. Eye Cream: Target Dark Circles and Puffiness
The delicate skin around the eyes requires special care. Eye creams can help address common concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Look for formulas with caffeine to reduce puffiness and peptides to firm the skin.
What to Buy Now:
- Olay Eyes Depuffing Eye Roller: This cooling eye treatment helps reduce puffiness and brightens the under-eye area. Olay products are frequently featured in seasonal sales, offering great discounts on popular eye creams like this one.
- Pro Tip: When shopping online, take advantage of flash sales that often include eye creams and serums at discounted prices, especially from major retailers like Ulta and Sephora.
7. SPF Protection: Sunscreen is a Year-Round Must
Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and skin cancer. Apply sunscreen every day, even during cloudy weather, as UV rays can penetrate the skin at any time.
What to Buy Now:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60: This broad-spectrum sunscreen is perfect for everyday wear, offering high protection without leaving a greasy residue. La Roche-Posay frequently offers bundle discounts on their sunscreens, so look out for these during major sales.
- Exclusive Deals: Look for bundle offers that include sunscreen with other skincare essentials, such as cleansers or moisturizers, often at a reduced price during seasonal or holiday sales.
8. Night Care: Revitalize While You Sleep
Night creams are formulated to work while you sleep, allowing your skin to repair and regenerate. Look for rich, nourishing formulas with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants to fight signs of aging and restore your skin overnight.
What to Buy Now:
- Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream: This powerful retinol treatment works overnight to reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. Drunk Elephant often offers discounts during site-wide sales, so make sure to grab your favorite night creams during these events.
- Discount Tip: Keep an eye on “Flash Sales” from luxury skincare brands like Estee Lauder and Clarins, which offer substantial discounts on night creams as part of their promotional campaigns.
