How To Build A Skincare Routine For Less Than £30

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable skincare routine then you’ve come to the right place. While shopping for skincare on a budget might seem like a daunting prospect, it’s actually much easier than you might think… If you’re smart with your choices (choose products that you can use day and night) and shop the best budget beauty brands (at BEAUTY BAY we stock the likes of The Ordinary, Bondi Sands, Bubble, and e.l.f.) then it’s totally possible to build a full skincare routine without breaking the bank. We can’t promise that you’ll be able to build an 11-step routine without spending more than £30, but if you strip things back to the basics (cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and SPF) then it’s totally doable.

Scroll down for our top tips on where to spend, where to save, and the best affordable skincare products to add to your routine.

Since cleansers only spend a couple of minutes on your face (and then get washed down the drain) you don’t really need to spend a lot of money on them. Whether you want a cleansing balm, a cleansing oil, or a gel or foam cleanser, there are loads of great affordable cleansers out there. Oil-based cleansers are great for removing makeup, massaging your face, and cleansing dry or sensitive skin without stripping it, while water-based cleansers can give a deeper cleanse and leave skin feeling refreshed.

Serums are watery-thin solutions, which contains potent blends of active ingredients. Since the ingredients are usually blended in otder to target specific skin concerns, serums allow you to really target your individual skin type. For example, if you have dry skin you might use a hydrating serum, if you have dull skin you could use a vitamin C serum, and if you wish to clear congested skin you could use a serum with niacinamide or retinol. Serums tend to be more expensive than other products since they contain high concentrations of ingredients, however there are still some really good budget-friendly options available.

Moisturisers pack hydrating ingredients into skin, which work not only to draw in moisture but also to seal it in and prevent it from escaping. You might think that you only need moisturiser if your skin is dry, but in actual fact, moisturiser is essential no matter what your skin type. Hydrated skin is healthy skin, so by moisturising twice daily, you’ll be able to boost your skin’s overall health, meaning your skin is better able to defend itself from pollutants, bacteria, and antioxidants, and to heal from any damage. You’ll also find that your skin looks and feels healthier and brighter when it’s well hydrated. While moisturisers are available at a range of price points, there are loads of affordable options – choose a gel texture if your skin is prone to oiliness, breakouts, and dehydration, or a thicker, cream texture if you have dry skin or want to address signs of skin aging.

You only need to use SPF in your morning skincare routine, but this step is essential. UV rays affect skin even on dark and cloudy days, since they penetrate cloud cover, as well as glass and clothing. UV is the primary cause of skin aging, and it can cause more damage than just sunburn… Exposure can result in increased inflammation, worsened pigmentation, more sensitive skin, and increased chance of dehydration as well as early signs of skin aging like loose skin and fine lines. In addition, UV exposure can result in more serious concerns such as skin cancer. Fortunately, there are loads of great affordable sunscreens around, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.