Finding a good face cream and moisturizer shouldn’t be a big hassle. With plenty of options on the market, the hard part isn’t coming across one you’ll love. It’s weighing those costly price points to find something that works for you and your budget. Since today’s skincare products can easily ring up at $60, $80 or even $100 (!), I prefer to keep my bathroom vanity stocked with drugstore moisturizers.
While I’ll admit that some skincare products are worth their weight in gold, it’s hard to justify spending so much on a teeny bit of product — especially given that most moisturizers come in containers sized at 1 ounce or 1.5 ounces. Paying for a small jar of night cream shouldn’t cost more than my weekly grocery budget.
That’s why I’ve always been a fan of drugstore beauty products. Who doesn’t like being able to pick up a new item for less than $20? Even better, who doesn’t like seeing the “Sale” sticker (something you would never see with high-end beauty brands).
I’ve tried a number of different drugstore moisturizers and creams over the years. These are the six that have won me over. The best part? They’re all priced for less than $25.
These drugstore moisturizers give double value for their price point
More bang for your buck, eh?
The one that smells like fresh fruit
This face cream from Farmstead Apothecary has 100 percent natural ingredients. Its jojoba oil is anti-aging and helps with acne. I’m in love with its fig and honey scent.
The one that’s good for an at-home facial
I’d heard about Bliss skincare before and finally had a chance to test out its products. (They’re available at Target, my favorite store!) Though I don’t get a chance to do it often, I aim to give myself a facial at home every weekend. This Mighty Marshmallow mask from Bliss is great for just that. I leave it on for 15 minutes and enjoy feeling a little pampered.
The one that helps brighten my skin tone
I’m always up for anything that has Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties. The Garnier Clearly Brighter sunscreen mist has an SPF of 15 and helps even out my skin tone and texture. It’s great for daily use.
The one that has an extra dose of hydration
I don’t know how else to describe the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel except to say it really does feel like splashing your face with water! It has hyaluronic acid and absorbs quickly into the skin. I love that I don’t have to wait for it to absorb for some time before putting on makeup.
The one that works its magic at night
My mom has always sworn by Olay skincare and it’s been something I’ve totally picked up in recent years. Olay is known for its anti-wrinkle formulas, and while I’m not quite there yet, I’m a fan of solid night cream. The Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream has an amino-peptide complex that penetrates deep into the skin. The result: I wake up with skin that feels more supple and hydrated.
The one that’s great for daily use
I’ve written before about how much I love Aveeno’s Clear Complexion line of products. (My skin easily breaks out thanks to stress and hormones, so I’m always looking for the best spot correctors and products to even out my skin tone). But, its Positively Radiant moisturizer is also a winner. While I wish the SPF was higher than 15, it’s a fast-absorbing formula (what you want in a morning moisturizer), and I’ve always noticed my skin texture improves when I use it regularly.
