I Have $1,000+ Worth of Skincare Products—Here Are 8 Items to Splurge On and 8 Cheaper (Still Incredible) Alternatives

CeraVe foaming facial cleanser is a staple in my routine and it’ll never break the bank). It retails for $17 and has more than 13,000 five-star reviews on Ulta alone. It's a gel-based face wash that’s specifically formulated for oily and combination skin. It works to cleanse the skin, while removing excess oil, dirt and makeup. Made with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it doesn’t cause dryness and it’s suitable for sensitive skin. 

If you’re going to spend $88 on a face wash, please make it this all-natural delight, which pulls double duty and exfoliates dead skin cells while whisking away the day’s grime. It’s formulated with apricot microspheres to smooth texture, a natural BHA from white willow bark extract to clear pores and an olive oil liquid crystal complex that moisturizes skin. In my humble opinion, it’s worth the sticker shock.

While I love e.l.f Cosmetics's makeup (I live for lip oils!), you don't want to sleep on their skincare line, especially when most items are under $20. I recommend trying their face cream to nourish and plump your skin. It's packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, squalene *and* vitamin b5. Aside from locking in moisture, it promises to even out skin tone, improve elasticity and encourage collagen production. I also found it to be very lightweight and gentle, which is great for all skin types.

I was *really* trying to not give into the hype of The Rich Cream, but once I tried a dollop of the buzzy product, I was hooked. The moisturizer ranges in price from $98 to $550, but the benefits outweigh the price tag. It’s formulated with the brand’s signature TFC8 technology, a mix of amino acids, vitamins and molecules that aim to repair and renew the skin. The creamy formula also has evening primrose oil to soothe skin, squalane to retain moisture, vitamin E to support your skin’s barrier *and* hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. The luxe product has also been known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while evening out complexion. 

I had a group of testers try out the best retinol serums in the market, and this $16 serum has me convinced to get a bottle for myself. Influencer Marketing Coordinator Darlyn Batista told me it was very gentle, especially for her acne-prone skin, writing, “The biggest improvement I saw was my skin's tone. The retinol helped even out the tone a bit more. I have super sensitive skin, and this is the first retinol I’ve tried that did not irritate my skin.” Formulated with retinoid, retinyl and squalene, the serum will help hydrate, soothe and protect your skin for a smaller price tag than two many similar serums out there. 

This is a $60 purchase well spent. The retinol complex can renew skin’s tone, soothe irritation and smooth texture. It has 0.5 percent retinol and magnolia bark extract that makes it gentle for all skin types. In her review, Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida writes, “I definitely noticed a reduction in fine lines and an improvement of a pesky textured/off-colored spot on my forehead. I also have a lot less redness, and my skin feels smooth and even-toned.” 

OK, I’ve finally found a high-quality eye cream that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The Ordinary is known for their affordable and effective skincare products, and their caffeine eye serum is proof. This editor-approved item is formulated with caffeine and green tea to minimize dark circles and reduce puffiness. As Associate Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera shared, “I absolutely love this super affordable option from The Ordinary! I use it anytime I've been up late and my eyes are dark and puffy in the morning. I definitely see a difference afterwards!"

It may be $125, but this top-rated SkinCeutical product is all business. It has more than 700 five-star reviews on Dermstore, and it’s scientifically proven to show improvement in eight weeks. Made with 7% ProxylaneTM, the synthetic molecule helps target dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet. The creamy formula also features caffeine and peptides to brighten the area. "I have pretty dark circles under my eyes, and I noticed they were visibly lighter after a few uses. The cream felt very hydrating, and while I don't have any wrinkles to combat, I could still tell that my skin was slightly smoother and taut,” writes Courtney Mason, editorial assistant at PureWow. “Overall, my experience using this eye cream was great, and I can't wait to continue using it in my routine."

For an instant boost in brightness and hydration, but for a fraction of the cost of some pricier serums, this blend of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid will do the trick. All you need is one to two pumps of the gel and watch it glide seamlessly across the skin for a nice shine. Bonus: It leaves behind a dewy glow, so you can use it in place of your highlighter.

This $89 serum proves to be a hit for all age groups. Whether you’re dealing with a loss of firmness, dryness or uneven texture, this is a serum that multitasks. It’s formulated with ginseng extract to support the skin’s barrier, as well as Korean herb extract for hydration and a vitamin C derivative to brighten the skin. According to Senior Editor Dana Dickey, she noticed a boost of hydration and fewer fine liners after a few weeks of testing.

When I was building my skincare routine, this liquid exfoliant was one of the products I added to my regimen and never looked back. Made with 2% salicylic acid and green tea, it clears pores, controls oil production and overall improves skin’s radiance. As someone with acne-prone skin, this toner is gentle and soothing, while also helping in preventing any breakouts or future blemishes. Plus, it absorbs quickly and has a non-sticky formula—and it’s under $50. Win-win. 

You can’t talk about toners without mentioning this K-beauty staple. The facial treatment is known for minimizing dark spots, improving elasticity and brightening the skin. Its key ingredient—niacinamide—works to gently exfoliate and hydrate in order to prep the skin for your next step. Yup, it’s $80, but the 1,000 raving reviews may sway you to check it out. 

I love this pure, cold-pressed rosehip seed oil from The Ordinary. In addition to being incredibly moisturizing, the key ingredient has also been shown to help with any redness or hyperpigmentation leftover from past acne marks. Just apply a few drops on your face before bed to target any dullness or dryness while you snooze—and with more than 1,800 raving reviews and an impressive $11 price tag, you’re all set in the face oil department.

The grande finale to your skincare routine? Why, a luxurious face oil, of course. This $72 one is loaded with sugarcane-derived squalane oil and vitamin C to visibly brighten and firm skin, while providing a soft glow without feeling overly greasy. Shoppers say it absorbs quickly, locks in moisture and overall is a great final step to your skincare routine.  

If you’re familiar with the Medicube Collage Jelly, then you probably know about their viral sister product, the overnight facial mask. This $19 tube is packed with ceramides, collagen and adenosine to protect and renew your skin as your sleep. The brand claims you’ll wake up with firmer, hydrated skin—plus, it’s easy (and satisfying) to peel off and continue with your morning routine.