High/Low Nighttime Skincare Routine
rich auntie approved
You don’t need to tell me twice—skincare is expensive. Trust me, I know—I’m a woman, and I’ve been buying it for years too! As much as I love skincare, I’m always on the lookout for ways to incorporate more affordable products to help cut down the cost of maintenance. After many years and what feels like nine billion product trials, here’s what I’ve learned...
A double cleanse is a must in the evenings. Why?
We need to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and pollution from our skin before hitting the pillow. But I know what you’re thinking: Paula, now I need double the cleansers?! Yes—but don’t worry, I’ve got two budget-friendly solutions for you.
For the first step of your double cleanse, an oil-based cleanser is essential. It breaks down makeup and sunscreen effortlessly. My go-to is the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil—it’s under $45, removes every trace of makeup, and leaves no oily residue behind.
For step two, you’ll want a water-based cleanser to remove any leftover dirt or residue. I’ve recently fallen in love with the Komenuka Japanese Rice Bran Face Wash from The Natural Faces. It’s enriched with essential fatty acids and Vitamin E complexes, including Tocopherols and Tocotrienols—ingredients Japanese women have trusted for centuries. It even comes in a stunning traditional Natsume storage can or an eco-friendly refill pack. At under $35, it’s a luxurious but affordable addition to your skincare routine.
Ditch regular towels for Clean Skin Club Towels
One of the best upgrades I’ve made to my skincare routine is swapping out regular towels for Clean Skin Club Towels. Here’s why:
Regular towels can harbor bacteria, dirt, and oil—even if you wash them often. This can transfer to your face, causing breakouts or irritation. Clean Skin Club Towels are single-use, giving you a fresh, clean surface every time you dry your face.
They’re also ultra-soft, designed specifically for delicate skin, making them perfect for anyone with sensitivity or acne-prone concerns. Plus, they’re biodegradable and eco-friendly, so you can pamper your skin without adding unnecessary waste.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to regular towels!
Not every product in your routine needs to break the bank
You don’t have to splurge on every step of your skincare routine—there are plenty of affordable and effective options out there. That said, the one step I do think is worth investing in is your evening moisturizer, especially in the winter when your skin is parched.
Here’s the breakdown of my high/low skincare routine after cleansing:
Toner or Essence
This step leans on the pricier side for me because I’ve fallen for Augustinus Bader’s "The Essence". It’s a 3-in-1 wonder: part gentle exfoliant, part toner, and part hydrating essence, streamlining all your post-cleanse needs into one product. At nearly $100, it’s a splurge, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, I also love:
Both are under $25 and deliver fantastic results!
Why you shouldn’t skip toner: It restores your skin’s natural pH after cleansing, removes any lingering impurities, and preps your skin to absorb subsequent products like serums and moisturizers. This step optimizes your skin’s health and appearance, so it’s worth the effort.
Serum
When it comes to serums, I’ve tried everything from $900 luxury picks to $9 drugstore options. My current staple is Reflekt’s 2 Collagen Boost Vitamin C Brightening Serum. At under $70, it brightens, plumps, and keeps my skin glowing—it’s an absolute must in my routine.
If you’re looking to splurge on a serum, here are a few options:
111Skin Black Diamond Serum: This serum is phenomenal but extremely pricey. I was gifted it, and while it works wonders, I’d personally save that money for a laser treatment or glycolic peel.
Victoria Beckham Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum: Luxurious, clean, and packed with niacinamide—this is one I’d spend my own money on.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum: Just over $200, it features anti-aging ingredients like Ginsenomics™ and Ginseng Retinol™, visibly improving skin in 7 days. It’s a splurge, but it delivers results.
Moisturizer
This is the one step where I think spending more can make a difference, especially at night. While affordable moisturizers are great for daily hydration, premium options often include advanced, proprietary ingredients that elevate your results.
Why nighttime moisturizing is crucial:
Skin repair: While you sleep, your skin works to repair itself. A good moisturizer can help nourish and rejuvenate your skin.
Hydration: Your skin loses moisture overnight, and a quality moisturizer replenishes it, leaving your skin supple and radiant.
Targeted concerns: Nighttime moisturizers can address specific issues like fine lines or uneven tone.
Enhanced absorption: They help active ingredients penetrate more effectively.
My winter favorite is Augustinus Bader’s "The Rich Cream." It’s $300, but it’s rich, luxurious, and delivers serious hydration. The lightweight, refreshing formula supports cellular renewal and leaves your skin glowing and deeply nourished. This is one product I don’t mind splurging on because it consistently delivers results.
Eye Cream
After applying my nighttime moisturizer, I finish with eye cream, and right now I’m loving Ranavat Brightening Retinol Eye Cream. At just over $110, it’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth it. Even though I typically avoid retinol due to my sensitive skin, this formula is gentle yet effective. It brightens and tightens the delicate skin around the eyes when used consistently. For a more affordable option, the Reflekt 4 Smoothing Squalane Eye & Lip Treatment Cream is under $65 and does double duty for the eyes and lips. Its light formula renews the skin, leaving it brighter, smoother, and more hydrated.
Don’t neglect your lips!
Your lips deserve the same TLC as the rest of your skin—especially as you age. The delicate skin on your lips is thinner, making it more prone to dryness, fine lines, and thinning over time. Taking proper care of them not only keeps your pout soft and smooth but also helps maintain a youthful appearance.
The key steps for lip care are exfoliation, hydration, and protection. Gently exfoliating removes dead skin, while a high-quality balm restores and locks in moisture. And don’t forget SPF—your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your face.
Here are some of my favorite lip products to keep your lips in top shape:
Exfoliators
Poppy and Pout: Affordable and adorable, their exfoliators are all under $15 and come in the cutest holiday scents like Candy Cane Fluff and Frosted Sugar Plum. These make lip care feel festive and fun.
Fortuna Skin Lip Duo: For a luxurious treat (or the perfect holiday gift), try their new Triple Olive Lip Polish and Soothing Olive Lip Butter Balm, powered by the clinically proven Splendore Anchusa® Complex. At $80 for the duo, it’s indulgent, and while I love the results, spending that every month on lip care just isn’t realistic for me!
Hydration
Reflekt Restorative Lip Balm: My holy grail. This $30 balm is everything—clean, effective, and long-lasting. The applicator is a dream, and the way it feels on my lips is unmatched. Honestly, I’m not even giving other options in this category because nothing compares.
Skincare can feel overwhelming with so many products and routines to consider, but the most important thing is finding what works for you. Building a thoughtful routine doesn’t mean you have to break the bank—it's all about prioritizing and investing wisely where it matters most. Whether it's double cleansing for a fresh start, ditching regular towels for Clean Skin Club Towels to avoid bacteria, curating a mix of high and low-cost essentials, or giving your lips the TLC they deserve, taking care of your skin is an act of self-care that pays off over time.
Remember, skincare is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling confident and radiant in your skin. Prioritize the steps and products that make you feel your best, and enjoy the process of creating a routine that feels like a luxury, no matter your budget. After all, the best glow comes from loving the skin you're in!
