Save vs. Splurge: Skincare Layering Routine
If your skincare routine feels like a science experiment, you’re not alone. The key? Layering products in the right order—and using the right formulas for your skin and your budget. Whether you’re all about affordable finds or love a little luxury (or a mix of both), I’ve got you covered with a Save vs. Splurge guide that follows the essential morning and night routine steps.
Let’s scoop into it, shall we?
Morning Routine: Layer Like a Pro
1. Cleanser
Save: Naturium Face Cleansing Gelee — Gently brightens, balances, and deeply cleans skin
Splurge: Tula Skincare The Cult Classic Cleanser — Probiotic gel cleanser that gently refreshes, soothes, and removes impurities
2. Toner
Save: Thayers Alcohol-Free Toner — Classic and effective
Splurge: PCA SKIN Hydrating Toner — Hydrating, alcohol-free toner that soothes and preps skin
3. Serum
Save: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum — Brightens without breaking the bank
Splurge: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic — Pricey but routinely hailed as the gold standard (if you can only splurge on one thing, serum is it!)
4. Moisturizer
Save: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer — Soothing, barrier-repair moisturizer for sensitive, hydrated skin
Splurge: Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream — Lightweight, nourishing cream for all-day hydration and skin balance
5. Sunscreen
Save: e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen — SPF 35 and just as good as the one below!
Splurge: Splurge: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 — Invisible, primer-like finish
Night Routine: Reset & Replenish
1. Double Cleanse
Save (Step 1): e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
(Step 2) CeraVe Hydrating Face Cleanser — Affordable options that remove makeup and gently cleanse
Splurge
(Step 1): Elemis Cleansing Balm
Splurge (Step 2): Elemis Superfood Facial Wash — Both options are balm and gel duos that deeply cleanse without stripping
2. Toner (Same as morning, or skip if your skin prefers)
3. Hydrating Serum
Save: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — Budget-friendly hydration.
Splurge: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Face Serum — A cult classic that is said to deliver a “well-rested glow”
4. Retinol
Save: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum — Great for beginners
Splurge: Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum — Gentle retinol serum that smooths, renews, and brightens
5. Moisturizer
Save: L’Oreal Midnight Cream — Viral plumping night cream that lives up to the hype
Splurge: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask — Overnight magic in a jar
Final Scoop
Skincare doesn’t have to cost a fortune—but if you’re going to splurge, do it where it matters most for your skin concerns (vitamin C, retinol, or moisturizers with targeted benefits). Mix, match, and build a routine that fits your skin and your budget. Don’t forget to save this post and shop my full beauty + skincare curation here.
