Let’s be honest: skincare can get expensive. Between the influencers pushing six figure priced serums and the drugstore shelves promising the same results for less, it’s hard to know when to spend big and when to save smart. The truth? Not every step in your skincare routine needs a luxury price tag but there are a few categories where paying a bit more is worth every penny.
Here’s your ultimate splurge vs. save skincare guide so you can glow up and stay savvy.
1. SPLURGE: Sunscreen (SPF)
This is your skin’s first line of defence. Cheap sunscreens can leave a grey cast, clog pores, or feel greasy, especially on darker skin tones. A good SPF should blend effortlessly, feel lightweight, and offer broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB).
If you wear SPF daily (which you should), it’s worth investing in one you actually enjoy applying.
2. SAVE: Body Oils & Butters
Your body doesn’t need the same expensive actives as your face. Basic hydration, think shea butter, almond oil, or glycerin, gets the job done beautifully.
3. SPLURGE: Serums (Especially Actives)
Serums are where the real magic happens, think Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. With serums, the formulation matters: percentage of active ingredients, pH levels, and delivery systems can affect how well it works. If you’re tackling hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or acne — this is where your money should go.
4. SAVE: Cleansers
A cleanser is on your face for, what, 60 seconds? As long as it gets rid of dirt, makeup, and oil without stripping your skin, you’re good. Save your coins for leave-on treatments. Pro tip, skip cleansers with harsh sulfates or strong fragrance.
However, if you’re dealing with acne or any othr major skin condition, you may want to splurge here.
5. SPLURGE: Eye Cream (If You Need One)
Not everyone needs an eye cream, but if you struggle with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines, a targeted formula can help. Cheap versions often just mimic moisturiser. Luxe ones pack in peptides, caffeine, or brightening agents that actually do something.
But again, only if your eyes need that extra TLC.
6. SAVE: Toners & Face Mists
A hydrating toner or face mist should refresh and prep your skin, not cost the same as your rent. Unless you’re using a treatment toner (with acids or actives), basic hydration does the job.
Look for ingredients like glycerin, rose water, or green tea, soothing, calming, and gentle on your wallet.
You don’t have to go full luxury to have effective skincare and drugstore doesn’t always mean basic. Know where your skin needs the most help (acne? dryness? hyperpigmentation?) and spend there. The rest? Keep it simple, affordable, and consistent.
Because at the end of the day, skincare isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about what works for you.