*Keeping up your skincare routine is an essential to daily life.*

Facing a cost-of-living crisis many of us are having to give up the luxury of high-end cosmetic products. However, all hope is not lost as I am here to share my favourite hidden gems to keep your skin thriving when money is tight.

1. It is always refreshing to kick off your skincare routine with a decent exfoliator, but did you know that this can also be one of the cheapest steps in your routine? I have personally found ‘Clearasil’ (marketed at £3.99) to be just as effective as any high-end exfoliator and I can always rely on it to clear up any acne.

*Exfoliator brightens and improves the appearance of your skin.*

2. Regarding cleanser I find the ‘Soap and Glory fab pore purifying foam face cleanser’ to be an absolute hit. At only £5.33 I find this cleanser easy to remove even a full face of makeup and is a fantastic addition to anyone's night time routine. The foam texture of the product is gentle on the face compared to other cleansers.

*Soap and Glory have a wide variety of skincare.*

3. Another important step in skincare would be toner and personally I find the ‘Simple soothing facial toner’ to be adequate in removing residue following cleanser and revitalising your face. This toner is dermatologically tested and contains pro-vitamin B5, chamomile, witch hazel and allantoin. For only £2.49 this can be the perfect bargain for your skincare routine.

*Toner removes any traces of dirt that can be stuck in your pores.*

4. When it comes to serums, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the popular brand ‘The Ordinary’ is affordable. My choice of serum would be the hyaluronic acid which provides hydration for softer healthier skin. This product is £7.90 for a 30ml bottle on ‘Cult Beauty’ which is a little more expensive than other products on the list, but it is up to the person whether incorporating this step is necessary depending on personal skin type.

*Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and removes dryness.*

5. Sheet masks are always a fun and relaxing step in skincare and can even be a fun activity to do at sleepovers or hangouts, however although by themselves they are cheap, incorporating them into your routine can rack up expenses. ‘Amazon’ however offers bundle deals which can save a little bit of money for those who enjoy masks, my personal go to is the £8.88 deal on the ‘Garnier’ bundle which contains 3 sheet masks and 2 eye masks.

*Sheet masks are a popular choice to make your skin look healthier.*

6. The final and most key step in skincare would be moisturiser. Personally, I feel that when I cannot invest in more specific products for moisturisation the classic ‘Nivea’ bottle is an adequate substitute. It can be found in most supermarkets or drugstores at around £2.00 and has many benefits for its price. It can be used as day or night cream, and it also works as a good primer substitute for those who wear everyday makeup. ‘Nivea’ also has other similarly priced moisturisers with specific uses such as bronzing or SPF.

6 Cheap Skincare Products during a cost-of-living crisis