Life Changing Skin Care Tools and Products

Shannon Quinn - June 14, 2020
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If you’re staying home, you have most likely stopped wearing makeup every single day. This can be a great thing! It’s giving your skin a well-deserved break. So instead of buying more makeup, you may want to take this opportunity to enhance the appearance of your skin. And once you’re ready to get back to normal life, your stellar complexion will make you feel radiant and confident. Here are some of the best affordable skin care products on the market.

Drunk Elephant is one of the best skin care brands on the market. Credit: Drunk Elephant

30. [amazon title=”The Dunk Elephant Retinol Serum is a Holy Grail Item” link=”B07Z2WCZNZ”]

In recent years, everyone has been raving about the anti-aging qualities of retinol serum. However, many of the products you’ll find on the market aren’t very effective. One of the best retinol serums that actually works is by Drunk Elephant. This bundle also comes with a hydrating serum, since retinol can sometimes feel harsh on your skin. Normally, anything from Drunk Elephant is very expensive, but this mini duo is actually affordable on a budget. This product is so strong, your face will most likely begin to peel. But a few days later, you’ll have younger-looking, baby soft skin. I can speak from personal experience that this works. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to only leave this on for a couple hours before washing it off. Otherwise, your skin will be peeling for nearly a week before it’s smooth again.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B07Z2WCZNZ” ] [amazon fields=”B07Z2WCZNZ” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Derma rollers are amazing for healing scars and stretch marks. Credit: Lolysenta

29. [amazon title=”Dermarolling Can Help Heal Scars, Stretch Marks, and Saggy Skin” link=”B07HNMGGYS”]

Dermarolling, also known as microneedling, is the process of pricking your skin with tiny sterile needles after applying vitamin c serum. This helps to trigger a healing response in your skin, which has been proven to eliminate scars and stretch marks. Even though this sounds painful, you actually don’t feel anything at all. One of the best examples of how dermarolling can dramatically improve your skin is from a YouTuber named Lindy Tsang, who goes by the name BubzBeauty. During her two pregnancies, Lindy’s belly stretched to an abnormally large size, due to a condition known as polyhydramnios. Doctors told her that the only option to fix her saggy skin was to get tummy tuck surgery. But after 6 months, her tummy has gone back to normal. We are linking a 0.25mm roller, which is best for the face. Larger needles, like 1.5mm are use on the body.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B07HNMGGYS” ] [amazon fields=”B07HNMGGYS” value=”price” format=”linked”]

The Ordinary makes an incredible BHA serum. Credit: The Ordinary

28. [amazon title=”The Ordinary Peeling Solution Gives You High-End Results For a Fraction of the Price” link=”B071D4D5DT”]

Chemical peels have been a popular anti-aging treatment for years, because it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars. The only downside to professional treatments is that they’re expensive, and so strong that you can’t leave the house for a few days. BHA and AHA peels are mild enough to exfoliate without being too extreme. Unlike salon treatments, your entire face isn’t going to peel off. When using this one a week, it gradually exfoliates as you wash your face daily. One of the best BHA treatments on the market is the Drunk Elephant Baby Skin Facial, but it’s well over $80. The Ordinary Peeling Solution has been called a “dupe”, since it contains the same ingredients for a fraction of the price.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B071D4D5DT” ] [amazon fields=”B071D4D5DT” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Marula oil helps to soothe your skin after a harsh chemical peel. Credit: Acure

27. [amazon title=”Acure Marula Oil Helps Soothe Your Face After Using a Chemical Peel” link=”B00BG238AU”]

In the last entries, we mentioned BHA and retinol peel treatment options. Keep in mind that if you do this, you’ll need to purchase a soothing oil to put on your face afterwards, since it will feel a bit dry and raw. One of the best affordable options to go together with the Ordinary Peel Solution is Acure Marula Oil. This will moisturize your skin. Over time, your skin will look younger and brighter. Alternatively, you could also use something like Vitamin C oil, which we have later on the list.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B00BG238AU” ] [amazon fields=”B00BG238AU” value=”price” format=”linked”]

The Clinique 3-step skincare system has been popular for decades. Credit: Clinique

26. [amazon title=”The Clinique 3-Step System is Perfect For All Ages” link=”B005LVN0QY”]

The Clinique 3-Step System is designed for all ages- whether you’re a teenager suffering with acne, or an adult with dry skin. It comes with a cleanser, toner, and a moisturizer that are formulated differently depending on your skin type. This helps you to clean, remove makeup, exfoliate, and moisturize. My mom suffered from cystic acne as a teenager, so she bought my first Clinique 3-step when I was just 13. Because of that, I never had major acne. Everyone said that I was so lucky to be “born with” clear skin, but it’s really because I was diligent with using all 3 steps on a daily basis. Later in life, I learned that many models and beauty gurus also used the Clinique 3-step as teenagers. Even after using dozens of different products over the years, I still find myself going back to this time and time again.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B005LVN0QY” ] [amazon fields=”B005LVN0QY” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Yes, it’s possible to peel blackheads off of your entire body. Credit: Vassoul

25. [amazon title=”Yes, It’s Possible to Rip Blackheads From Your Whole Body” link=”B07LFQBWCM”]

Nearly everyone has tried those black head removing nose strips at least once in their lives. But obviously, blackheads don’t just exist on our noses. Have you ever wondered if you could do the same thing to your entire body? This must have been the mindset behind the genius who came out with the blackhead remover mask. Just spread it on your skin, let it dry, and peel it away. Customer images prove that it really does rip out the blackhead, but we’ll spare you the gross pictures.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B07LFQBWCM” ] [amazon fields=”B07LFQBWCM” value=”price” format=”linked”]

This facial cleansing brush comes with several head attachments. Credit: Pixnor

24. [amazon title=”This Facial Cleansing Brush Leaves No Makeup Behind” link=”B07GGXZR4G”]

When you wear a full-face of make-up, have you ever experienced going in with cotton pads over and over again? It almost seems as this the makeup will never come off your face. This is why facial cleansing brushes are so useful. You can apply your facial cleanser onto a brush, and it will scrub away any dirt or makeup that might be on your face. This particular brush comes with a variety of different heads, which are useful for exfoliating.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B07GGXZR4G” ] [amazon fields=”B07GGXZR4G” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Bioderma is a makeup removing micelle water that has been around for decades. Credit: Bioderma

23. [amazon title=”The Bioderma Micellar Water is a Fan Favorite” link=”B002XZLAWM”]

Years before micellar water was commonplace in American drug stores, Beauty insiders reached for Bioderma. This was one of the original brands for cleansing waters that help take off your makeup. I remember hearing stories of women sneaking bottles of Bioderma in their luggage on flights home from Europe, just because of how great it is. Nowadays, with the magic of the Internet, it’s as easy as ordering it online.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B002XZLAWM” ] [amazon fields=”B002XZLAWM” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Secret Key Rose Water can help tone your skin. Credit: Secret Key

22. [amazon title=”Secret Key Is One of the Highest Rated Rose Water Brands” link=”B01MCR634Q”]

Rose water has been used as a toner for years, even before companies were manufacturing it in bottles. If you have roses in your garden, you could save money by making your own at home. Otherwise, it’s a staple product to include in your skincare regimen. This can help you clean and tone your skin. As an added plus, it also smells amazing. I have used a few different rose waters throughout the years, but Secret Key is one of the top-rated affordable products on the market right now.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B01MCR634Q ” ] [amazon fields=”B01MCR634Q” value=”price” format=”linked”]

It’s easy to do laser hair removal from the comfort of your own home. Credit: Feeke

21. [amazon title=”Yes- It’s Really Possible to Do Laser Hair Removal at Home” link=”B07WDWCTGW”]

Now that we are forced to stay at home, many of you out there probably had to skip your waxing session at the salon. This might be a great time for you to try laser hair removal. Going to a salon costs a few hundred dollars per session. Each area of the body takes at least five to six sessions in order for the hair to be removed permanently. Over time, this can cost several thousand dollars. I have personally tried both salon and at-home treatments. This IPL laser isn’t as powerful as a salon, so it may take 12 or more treatments. It also works best if you are consistent. If you tend to forget things easily, set an alarm on your phone to remind you that it’s time for your treatment. Otherwise, your hair growth may slow down, but not go away completely.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”ASIN” ] [amazon fields=”ASIN” value=”price” format=”linked”]

The Yes To soothing gentle milk cleanser is made of natural ingredients. Credit: Yes To

20. [amazon title=”Yes to Cucumber Cleanser Won’t Make Your Skin Feel Dry” link=”B007AS61TE “]

One of the best vegan brands on the market is “Yes To”. They always have a vegetable basis, and come in a variety of products to help different ailments. The Yes to Cucumber line is the best for all skin types, because it helps to soothe and clean. This cleanser in particular will help to moisturize while it cleans, rather than drying out your face.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B007AS61TE” ] [amazon fields=”B007AS61TE” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Bentonite clay helps to exfoliate and heal skin. Credit: Aztec Secret

19. [amazon title=”You Won’t Believe How Amazing Aztec Secret Truly Is” link=”B00N528HIC”]

Years ago, ancient people used clay to heal wounds and skin problems. As time went on, people began using other methods, but that doesn’t mean clay is any less powerful. Personally, I started using this every time I break out in some kind of rash, and it heals it every time. It’s also great for dandruff on your scalp, and so much more. The only downside is that it’s very messy to clean up.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B00N528HIC” ] [amazon fields=”B00N528HIC” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Vitamin C serum helps heal your skin. Credit: Insta Natural

18. [amazon title=”Vitamin C Serum Nourishes and Heals Your Skin” link=”B00IDWP4IA”]

Earlier on this list, we mentioned dermarolling. If you want to actually try it out, you’ll need to purchase some vitamin c serum to help heal your skin. Even if you’re not interested in dermarolling, a lot of people claim that using vitamin c serum helps them absorb moisturizers far better. This can be used on your entire body, so it’s great for anyone who is trying to make their skin glow for the summertime. There are a lot of different brands making this serum at various price points, but I chose the one by Insta Natural. This is also made with additional ingredients like plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, and sea buckthorn oil.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B00IDWP4IA” ] [amazon fields=”B00IDWP4IA” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Fans rave about how much they love this moisturizer. Credit: Garnier

17. [amazon title=”Dry Skin? Garnier Has You Covered” link=”B01M7TXCK3″]

As people get older, they find that their skin stops being oily, and begins to transition over to dryness. Moisturizing is critical for retaining your skin’s youthful appearance. If you’re struggling with dry skin, reviewers have been raving about the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb. However, this has a strong scent, so only purchase this if your skin isn’t overly sensitive.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B01M7TXCK3″ ] [amazon fields=”B01M7TXCK3″ value=”price” format=”linked”]

Anti-aging enthusiasts swear by Olay. Credit: Olay

16. [amazon title=”Olay Regenerist is a Favorite For Anti-Aging” link=”B0012J30LY”]

As women get older, they shift their focus to finding anti-aging creams. One of the most popular creams in the United States is the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Face Cream. This is great for plumping up aging skin. Reviewers say that the best results come after using this every day for an entire year. Many of the before-and-after photographs are truly impressive to see the improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B0012J30LY” ] [amazon fields=”B0012J30LY” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Collagen cream helps make your skin look younger. Credit: Etude House

15. [amazon title=”Fans Consider Etude House Collagen Cream to be the Holy Grail of Anti-Aging” link=”B016AEC63I”]

Our body naturally produces collagen, which helps skin heal and look young. As we get older, your body produces less collagen. This is why some people try to make up for it by using collagen cream. Korean beauty products are notorious for being high quality, and Etude House is one of the best brands. The rating on this product is 4.5 out of 5 stars, which is incredibly high for a beauty product. Many customers claim that they have tried dozens of products, but this is the only one that actually works for anti-aging.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B016AEC63I” ] [amazon fields=”B016AEC63I” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Lip masks can help to hydrate your lips. Credit: CC Beauty

14. [amazon title=”These Lip Masks Make Your Mouth Kissably Soft” link=”B07XYZ47B4″]

If you smoke or suck on straws on a regular basis, you might start to notice wrinkles around your mouth as you get older. Alternately, your lips might start to get dry in the winter time at any age. These Korean lip masks are made to cover your lips and mouth area. They moisturize and plump your lips, making them look and feel oh-so-kissable. Depending on your lockdown situation, you might want to put this on your wishlist for when it’s safe to go on dates again. Or, if you’re in a great relationship, this could become part of your self-care routine.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B07XYZ47B4″ ] [amazon fields=”B07XYZ47B4″ value=”price” format=”linked”]

Eye repair cream helps to alleviate wrinkles from around your eyes. Credit: Neutrogena

13. [amazon title=”Neutrogena Eye Repair Cream Helps With Fine Lines” link=”B004D24818″]

For a lot of people, their eyes are one of the first places that shows signs of age. The skin around your eyes are thin and delicate, so it also dries very easily if you’re not drinking enough water. Laughing and smiling creates wrinkles around your eyes, so it’s actually a sign that you’re happy. But in case you want to look a bit younger, invest in some eye repair cream. Neutrogena sells an affordable cream that can be used daily.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B004D24818″ ] [amazon fields=”B004D24818″ value=”price” format=”linked”]

Jade rolling is an easy way to help tighten up your face. Credit: Beauty by Earth

12. [amazon title=”A Jade Face Roller Will Help Get Rid of a Puffy, Chubby Face” link=”B07XZPPGJZ”]

After a night of drinking wine with Netflix, you might experience waking up with a puffy face. Some people even wake up every single morning with a puffy face, especially if they eat a lot of salty food. A great way to alleviate this excess fluid buildup is to use a jade face roller. Many people will even put this in the freezer, and take it out in the morning. The cold temperature combined with the rolling motion will help to loosen up the puffiness in your face, and make it more angular. This particular jade roller has a smaller end for the delicate area under your eyes. Some people totally swear by the effectiveness of their jade rollers, and use them every single day before going to work.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B07XZPPGJZ” ] [amazon fields=”B07XZPPGJZ” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Blackhead removing tools are an essential skincare product for teens. Credit: Bestope

11. [amazon title=”Every Skincare Tool Kit Needs a Pimple Popper” link=”B019SVHLEY”]

Every dermatologist will tell you to never pop your pimples. However, that doesn’t stop most people from doing it anyway. So if you’re going to squeeze blackheads or pimples anyway, at least do it right. These blackhead removing tools help to give an even pressing around the area, which helps to expel the puss. When you use your fingers, you’ll be squeezing, breaking blood vessels, and potentially scarring your skin. So if acne is a big issue for you, get one of these kits ASAP.

Buy it here: [amazon link=”B019SVHLEY” ] [amazon fields=”B019SVHLEY” value=”price” format=”linked”]

This product smells very clean, and can be used for multiple purposes. Credit: Philosophy

10. [amazon title=”Philosophy Pure Grade Is 3 Products in One” link=”B00GGWZ5DI”]

Many of you might recognize the Philosophy brand body wash, since it’s sold in stores like Ulta, Sephora, and Marshall’s. Each bottle costs between $10 to $20 depending on where you find it. So this isn’t considered a “luxury” product by any means, but it might seem expensive compared to similar products that you’d find in the $5 range. But the truth is that the Philosophy Purity is formulated so that it can be used as a shampoo, body wash, facial wash, and bubble bath. This won’t dry out your skin, and leaves you feeling very clean. It has a very clean scent, like freshly washed cotton. If you chose to use this one product, you could potentially save money by skipping the other products using this as an all-in-one.

Tea tree oil helps hydrate your scalp. Credit: OGX

9. [amazon title=”Tea Tree and Mint Scalp Treatment” link=”B076RY54J9″]

A lot of people never stop to consider that their scalp is just as much a part of their skin as anywhere else on their body. In the winter time, it’s especially common for people to experience a dry scalp. And 1 out of every 5 people suffer from dandruff. I personally found this tea tree and mint serum to work really well. They recommend it leave it on overnight before showering in the morning. In a pinch, the tea tree oil also helps with itchy skin. This was an item that I found so helpful, I quickly ran out of two bottles, and plan to re-order it soon.

Tire of shaving? Try this little machine hair removal. Credit: Flawless

8. [amazon title=”Flawless Legs Electric Hair Remover” link=”B076FYCXMQ”]

Don’t you hate missing a spot when you shave your legs? This electronic hair remover from Flawless might be the solution to your problems. They have rotating blades that you can rub against dry skin, and it painlessly removes the hair. If you combine this with shaving normally, you can have smooth legs all the time without worrying about patches. The same company sells a smaller version specifically made for facial hair, which also works very well. I love the fact that you can use this hair removal tool while doing other parts of your self-care routine. I usually put on a good movie and really take my time to get into all of the nooks and crannies that I normally can’t reach while standing in the shower.

This blend of essential oils has been helping people for over 100 years. Credit: Kiehls

7. [amazon title=”Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate Oil” link=”B079HHS1JK”]

Since the 1800’s women have been using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Oil. It’s a blend of several different essential oils that are designed to make your skin the softest it’s ever felt. I recently got a sample of this from Sephora, and I was blown away how soft my skin felt even after using it just once. You are meant to put it on at night before you go to sleep. The next morning, your skin feels much softer, makeup goes on smoother, and you look younger. This product is expensive, but I feel like it’s one of those rare cases where it’s well worth the money.

Lip scrub can take away flaky dry skin. Credit: Burt’s Bees

6. [amazon title=”Burt’s Bees Lip Scrub” link=”B078J5BRGX”]

In the winter time, it’s common for a lot of people to get dry, chapped lips. Using chapstick alone isn’t going to get rid of the dead skin flakes, so you need to use some sort of exfoliator. Follow up with oil or chapstick after exfoliating to make your lips extra soft. If you’re on a tight budget, you could make your own lip scrub using coconut oil and sugar. But if you’d rather buy a premade product, Burt’s Bees has an affordable option that’s easy to find in CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and Amazon.

If you want a face mask to hydrate your skin, look no further. Credit: Fresh

5. [amazon title=”Fresh Rose Face Mask” link=”B076HZ6NLB”]

Sometimes, you want to pamper yourself with a facial mask while taking a bath or watching your favorite TV show. I’ve tried all kinds of sheet and mud masks over the years at a variety of different price points, and one of the best I’ve ever used was the Fresh Rose Face Mask. It’s a jelly-like consistency that feels cool on your skin. And when you’re ready to wash it off, your skin will feel incredibly soft, and smell like roses.

The TLC Sukari Babyfacial helps to resurface the skin. Credit: Drunk Elephant

4. [amazon title=”Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial AHA/BHA Face Mask” link=”B06VXH3QM2″]

One of the “Holy Grail” products that everyone raved about for a long time is the Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial AHA/BHA clay face mask. This is a mask you put on your skin for 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. I’ve purchased two of these bottles over the past couple years, and I can attest to the fact that it gives you a slow exfoliation, and it doesn’t strip your face in a painful way like retinol. Over time, this will help you smooth out your skin and look younger by reducing the look of fine lines.

This marula face oil helps to soothe your skin after using peels. Credit: Drunk Elephant

3. [amazon title=”Drunk Elephant Marula Face Oil” link=”B0764N3QN1″]

I’ve chosen two Drunk Elephant products back-to-back, because this Marula Face Oil is designed to help sooth your skin after you’ve used the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial as well as the Retinol that I mentioned earlier on the list. There have been some moments where my face was in a lot of pain from harsh peels, and the only thing that even remotely soothed it was this marula face oil. This can also be used as a general way to bring back moisture to overly dry skin.

Looking for an eye repair cream? This one is great, especially for the price. Credit: CeraVe

2. [amazon title=”CeraVe Eye Repair Cream” link=”B00JJPMXDO”]

For a while, I was testing out eye creams from a variety of companies to see what works. One of the best eye repair creams I ever used just so happened to be very affordable, called Cerave. It’s available at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens for under $10, or you can buy it on Amazon. In all honesty, I think this works just as well as some of the other more expensive products you can find on the market.

This wonder balm helps to heal all sorts of skin issues. Credit: Puriya

1. [amazon title=”Puriya Wonder Balm” link=”B00YI2S0P8″]

Sometimes, skin issues spring up that are out of the ordinary. Sometimes, you might get a rash, dry skin, or a fungal infection that has never happened before. The Wonder Balm is made of natural ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender that naturally heals your skin. According to the reviews, it has completely eliminated a lot of people’s rashes, eliminating their need to go to a dermatologist. Of course, there are still certain issues where you’ll need prescription strength steroid cream from a doctor.

 

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