Before we look at how much you should be spending on your skincare, we first need to look at what your essentials are.
This largely depends on your age. If you’re in your teens – early 20s, you guessed it, you don’t need quite as many products. Let’s start with the basics.
A Good Eye-Makeup Remover
This doesn’t have to be expensive; it can be a pharmacy own brand and if you don’t wear a lot of make-up, leave it out altogether.
Cleanser
If you want to reduce your spending, you can use your eye-makeup remover for this. However, if you are wearing heavier makeup, I would recommend a second cleanser for this.
Acid Product
This should only really be considered if you suffer regularly with breakouts. Start mild, either a lactic or salicylic acid. You also do not need to use this every day.
Moisturiser
Again, this doesn’t need to be expensive. Make sure it’s fragrance free – especially if you have sensitive skin and choose between a light lotion or cream depending on the dryness of your skin.
SPF
Regular SPF use at this age will save you a lot of money in later years. It will help prevent a large amount of wrinkles by protecting from sun damage.
As you move into your 30s, 40s, 50s etc, I would suggest adding the following to your routine:
- Two cleansers are a necessity at this stage.
- Still include your acid toner, you can introduce Glycolic if you wish.
- Vitamin C product
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Vitamin A / Retinol
- Eye product (this is still a choice at this age)
- Facial oil as you move into your 40s.
- A good pigmentation serum as you move past your 40s.
Now comes the big question: How much should all this cost?
Well, the most expensive skincare product you own should be your serums. That’s because these should contain the most active ingredients. The products designed to ‘correct’ and ‘repair’. You should expect to spend between £50 – £150 for high-tech serums. Fortunately, in this are you get what you pay for.
Ultimately, it’s still important you buy what is affordable to you. The most you should be spending on a moisturiser is £30 – £50 and the same goes for cleansers.
Facial oils are another area where I would recommend spending a bit more. Much like serums, you get what you pay for.
So, where shouldn’t you be splurging?
If you’re under 40, then you can usually skip an eye cream, but even this shouldn’t be an overly expensive product. Look for ones that promote hydration and plumping.
Face masks, scrubs and clay masks should not be expensive. This cost very little to make so you are likely just paying for fancy packaging or a brand name.
Floral spritz or hydrating sprays are basically just water, don’t pay over the odds for these.
Think about your skincare budget in regard to how much you would spend on a handbag (I use this example as typically this budget increases as we get older). If you can comfortably afford to spend £100- £200, then this is what you should budget for your skincare. After all your skin is the one thing you will have for your entire life, look after it!