How Much Should You Really Spend on Skincare? A Budget-Friendly Guide
It's easy to get swept away by promises of glowing skin and miracle Korean products. But how much should you spend on skincare? Is investing hundreds of dollars monthly necessary, or does a more affordable K-beauty routine deliver the same results?
Let's discover ways to invest in your skin wisely without overspending.
Understand your skin's needs.
Before you buy new beauty products, understand your skin type and needs. Do you have acne, dryness, ageing, or sensitive skin?
Every skin type requires a different approach. For instance, if you have oily skin, loading up on heavy creams and oils could make things worse. Meanwhile, dry skin types may need to invest more in moisturising products, such as SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Cream.
Stay away from the hype.
It's easy to get tempted by the latest trending K-beauty products, especially when influencers and celebrities show off their skincare routines. But remember, more expensive doesn't always mean better. Many affordable Korean brands, such as COSRX and INNISFREE, with proven formulas, work just as well, if not better, than luxury brands.
Take hyaluronic acid serums, for example. You could spend $100 on a luxury version or get TORRIDEN Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum for $32, which does the same thing even better.
This Korean serum has a unique blend of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and a 5D complex that penetrates deeply to provide lasting hydration. Enriched with D-Panthenol, it calms and strengthens the skin's barrier.
Start small and build up.
You don't need to start with a 7-step or 10-step K-beauty routine; a simple cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen are good places to begin. Add a toner, serum, or eye cream as you get more comfortable with your skin. This prevents purchasing too many products that may not even be compatible with your skin.
Keoji tip: Introduce new products gradually to ensure they don't irritate your skin, especially if you're trying out strong ingredients like retinoids or acids. This helps you make better spending decisions in the long run because you only buy what works for you.
Allocate your budget wisely.
Generally, it is best to invest more of your budget in products that stay on your skin for longer, such as moisturisers, serums, or treatments. You can often find great options at lower price points for cleansers and toners which are rinsed off.
Here's a rough guide to how you might allocate your budget:
1. Cleanser: $10–$20. The LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser 120ml is an excellent option for only $15.
2. Moisturiser: $20–$50. J-beauty brand ROHTO MENTHOLATUM offers Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion for $33, a miracle worker for the skin.
3. Serum: $25–$80. K-beauty brand BE THE SKIN offers Pore Zero BHA+ Serum for only $19, an excellent product for oily skin.
4. Sunscreen: $15–$30. For $18, you can shield your skin from harmful UV rays by using JIGOTT UV Sun Block.
5. Profound treatments (retinol, acids): $25–$100. For instance, K-beauty GOODAL offer Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum for only $50.
This breakdown ensures you're investing in the essentials but not overspending on every step. Remember, it's about balancing high-quality essentials with more affordable options.
Factor in longevity
Another critical factor in deciding how much to invest is how long a product lasts. Skincare products, such as serums or moisturisers, may only need a small amount per application, meaning one bottle could last for months. Others, like cleansers and sunscreen, must be used daily and generously so you'll go through them faster.
When calculating your skincare budget, consider how long each product lasts to see how much you're actually spending over time. For example, a $50 serum that lasts three months is only about $16 per month—not so bad when you break it down!
How much should you invest?
The amount of money you should invest in skincare varies based on your skin's needs and financial situation. A good rule of thumb is to focus on the essentials and invest in products with active ingredients that suit your skin type.
Don't fall for the hype around luxury products if they aren't necessary. A basic skincare routine with a few effective products can cost you around $50 to $150 every few months, depending on what you're using.
Ultimately, the key is to treat your skin well and avoid overspending. By understanding your skin's needs and making smart choices, you can invest in effective skincare without breaking the bank.
