by Andrea Norris-McKnight

It seems the older you get, the more expensive beauty products get. There’s no need to allow a radiant complexion to bust your budget if you incorporate these habits when choosing skincare products.

Graceful aging isn’t always cheap. Beauty experts claim you need an entirely new suite of pricey serums, moisturizers, and other skin care potions once you turn a certain age—day, night, neck, and eye creams, serums, toners and moisturizers. These many products might help you look your best, but not your budget, and you want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth from your purchases. So, how and where can you find savings on anti-aging beauty products?

These budget-conscious tips are tailored for the After 50 woman and can help you maintain a radiant complexion for less.

11 Tips for Saving on Anti-Aging Beauty Products

1. Understand your skin’s needs.

Start by thoroughly understanding your skin type and its specific needs. This helps ensure you invest in beneficial products, avoiding unnecessary expenses on items that don’t work for you. It can be worth consulting a dermatologist for insights into what ingredients and product types will be most effective for your skin concerns. A dermatologist can also advise you on which products might serve double duty, which can help you with this next step.

2. Limit the number of products you use.

Once you determine what your skin needs, see what you can eliminate from your skincare regime, what you can scrimp on and where to splurge a little. Maybe you don’t need a serum and an eye cream or a different moisturizer for your face than your neck.

Good Housekeeping offers some great tips for saving money on specific products so you can spend a little more on others. It recommends not investing in a pricey cleanser since it isn’t on your skin long enough to do anything but clean, so go for a non-soap, budget-friendly option. Furthermore, if you choose a gentle cleanser, you can also forgo a toner — a toner’s job is to restore the skin’s pH balance after using harsh skin cleansers, which isn’t necessary with gentle ones.

3. Embrace multi-functional products.

A simple way to reduce the number of products you need to buy is to seek out multi-functional products that offer more than one benefit. For example, many daytime moisturizers contain SPF protection and some foundations contain anti-aging ingredients.

4. Choose quality over quantity.

Investing in a few high-quality products rather than several lesser items can save you money in the long run. For instance, you might choose one potent serum with active ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C that can significantly improve your skin’s appearance. Sometimes, cheaper skincare lines are only effective if you use multiple products together.

Research and select products with a strong reputation for effectiveness, even if they might be slightly more expensive upfront. Their impact can justify the cost over time. Once again, a dermatologist might suggest some effective brands to try.

5. Use products as directed.

To ensure that products work effectively, follow any directions, such as applying to clean or damp skin. If you use multiple products in your A.M. or P.M. routine, know which order to apply them so you get the best results for your beauty bucks.

6. Don’t use more product than necessary.

Also read product directions to determine how much to use to ensure you stretch your beauty dollars as far as they should go. You may find that your skin doesn’t need each product daily at this point on your anti-aging journey. Some products may specify to only be used a few times per week rather than daily.

7. Subscribe and save.

Many companies offer subscription services or loyalty programs that can lead to significant savings. By subscribing to receive your staple products at regular intervals, you can often enjoy a lower price and the convenience of never running out. Additionally, you may earn loyalty points you can redeem for discounts or free products over time.

8. Sample before splurging.

Whenever possible, obtain samples of expensive products before committing to a full-size purchase. This strategy allows you to test how your skin reacts to a product and assess its effectiveness without a significant financial outlay. Many beauty counters, boutiques and even online stores offer samples or trial sizes.

Related: Frugal Beauty Tips for the Boomer Babe

9. Carefully compare prices to get the best per-ounce buy.

Once you’re ready to buy, compare the cost per ounce of your desired products in different sizes (if they have varying sizes). Typically, a larger size will be the better buy.
Also, compare prices between stores. If you choose products unavailable at grocery and drug stores, find out how prices compare at department stores, such as Ulta and Sephora. Sign up for stores’ emails to receive coupons and notices of sales and discounts.

10. DIY some products.

For certain aspects of skin care, homemade recipes can be surprisingly effective and cost-efficient. You can use ingredients like coconut oil, honey, and avocado to create moisturizing masks or gentle exfoliants. While not a substitute for specialized treatments, these natural solutions can complement your skin care regimen and extend the life of purchased products.

Try these DIY anti-aging beauty recipes from other readers.

11. Don’t fall for the marketing hype.

It seems a new anti-aging product hits the shelves every week. Resist impulse buys and marketing hype by focusing on your established skin care needs and routine. Sales and promotions can offer excellent savings opportunities only if they align with your needs. Occasionally, reassess your beauty needs and see if new products can better benefit your skin and wallet.

How Much Can You Save on Your Anti-Aging Efforts?

By adopting these strategies, you can maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance without overspending on anti-aging beauty products. Remember, true beauty radiates from a place of self-care, wisdom and financial savvy.

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Reviewed March 2024