Your Drugstore Skin Care Routine

You understand the importance of having a well-curated skin care regimen but many skin care products—like super fancy face serums and creams—simply aren’t in your budget. What’s a gal who wants a gorgeous complexion to do? Luckily, pricey products aren't all that's out there—there are plenty of affordable, drugstore options available to address your skin care concerns. Interested? Keep reading for your step-by-step drugstore skin care routine.

STEP #1: CLEANSE YOUR FACE

As with any skin care routine, you want to start by getting rid of any dirt, excess oils, makeup, and impurities that are on the surface of your skin. Here are a few drugstore cleansers we love, broken down by skin type.

If you have oily skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. Formulated with three pure clays and eucalyptus, this cleanser removes everyday impurities such as dirt, oil, and pollution. The oily skin cleanser also improves skin’s overall quality and leaves you with a clean, matte finish.

If you have dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser. This gentle daily cleanser for mature skin cleanses without over-drying. Formulated with replenishing oils, the face wash removes traces of makeup and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.

If you have combination skin…use the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. This cleanser removes makeup—even waterproof mascara—and completely cleanses skin in one step without the need for harsh rubbing. It’s formulated for all skin types and will leave your skin feeling hydrated and purified.

STEP #2: APPLY A SERUM

A serum is a great way to give your skin the TLC it deserves. Below, find some of our favorites.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This face serum contains 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid to enhance skin's moisture-retention for lasting hydration. The serum plumps skin and reduces wrinkles—in just two weeks—for a more youthful appearance. The formula is free of fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic dyes.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum: Formulated with 10% pure vitamin C, this serum boosts radiance and neutralizes free radicals that lead to skin aging. To maximize potency and stability, the serum was produced in controlled conditions to minimize oxygen exposure, formulated without water and packaged in an air-tight metal tube. Fragrance and paraben-free, the serum is suitable for sensitive skin.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum: This serum for mature skin restores resilience, radiance, and vitality by stimulating surface skin cell renewal to reveal more youthful-looking skin. You’ll be left with skin that feels firmer, looks visibly replumped, and is full of life.

STEP #3: MOISTURIZE

Once your skin is cleansed, it’s important to layer on hydration by using a facial moisturizer. Here are our best drugstore moisturizers to add to your routine:

If you have oily skin…use the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin. This water-based moisturizer contains aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid to provide continuous hydration. The formula will leave your skin looking fresh, healthy, and mattified.

If you have dry skin…use the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. Both moisturizers will leave you with glowing, healthy-looking skin by providing continuous, intense hydration.

If you have combination skin…there will be days that your skin is more dry and others when it’s more oily. Invest in two of the moisturizers mentioned above, one to fit each occasion.

STEP #4: GRAB YOUR EYE CREAM

No matter your age, it’s a good idea to start taking preventative measures against unwanted wrinkles, crow’s feet, and under-eye bags. To do just that, try adding one of these drugstore eye creams into your routine:

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel: This ultra-gentle eye gel is formulated with manuka honey and nurturing oils to cushion mature, very dry skin with nourishing moisture. The rollerball wand massages away the look of puffiness, under-eye bags, and dark circles.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power™ Eye Treatment: This powerful and luxurious eye treatment has a silky texture that goes beyond a simple anti-aging treatment. The formula fights wrinkles and reduces puffiness and dark circles.

L’Oréal Paris Eye Defense: This light, non-greasy gel-cream smooths fine lines, reduces puffiness, and diminishes dark circles.

BONUS: USE A FACE SCRUB AND MASK

Up to three times a week, add a drugstore face scrub and mask to your routine. We recommend picking products from the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay lines for a luxurious, skin-pampering experience.

Want more drugstore beauty products to try? Check out our article, Our Best Drugstore Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair.