Is Expensive Skincare Worth It, Where I Spend More and Where I Don’t

Over the years, I’ve tried both affordable and premium skincare, sometimes out of curiosity and sometimes because my skin needed something different. What I’ve learned is that price alone does not determine whether a product works. Some categories are worth spending more on because of formulation and long term results, while others perform just as well at a lower price point.

This guide shares where I personally save, where I splurge, and how I decide. Prices listed are approximate at the time of posting and can fluctuate. My goal is not to push expensive products, but to help you make thoughtful choices that fit your skin, your routine, and your budget.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

Quick Comparison, Where I Save and Where I Splurge

Face Wash:
Affordable, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, approximately $15.97
Premium, ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, approximately $42.75
🌿 Where I save

Face Serum:
Affordable, TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, approximately $19.99
Premium, Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Face Serum Capsules, approximately $44.80
🌿 Where I save

Eye Cream:
Affordable, Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, approximately $5.97
Premium, RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream, approximately $21.97
⭐️ Where I splurge

Day Moisturizer:
Affordable, L’Oreal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer, approximately $9.99
Premium, Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream with SPF 30, approximately $20.32
⭐️ Where I splurge

Night Moisturizer:
Affordable, Olay Niacinamide Firming Face Moisturizer, approximately $22.52
Premium, Three Ships Dream Bio Retinol plus Shorea Butter Rejuvenating Cream, approximately $40.00
⭐️ Where I splurge

Night Lip Moisturizer:
Affordable, Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment, approximately $4.79
Premium, Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask, approximately $17.00
⭐️ Where I splurge

Sunscreen:
Affordable, Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, approximately $19.98 for two
Premium, Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion, approximately $18.49
🌿 Where I save

Face Wash 🌿 Where I Save

I use the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Daily Face Wash twice a day, morning and night. This cleanser has been a consistent favorite because it works every time without irritating my skin.

I love the way it foams and how one pump fully covers my face, making it easy and efficient to use. The formula is fragrance free and free of harsh ingredients that can disrupt the skin barrier. It contains ceramides and niacinamide, which help support the skin’s natural moisture barrier rather than stripping it away.

My skin always feels clean and balanced, never tight or dry. For a product that is only on the skin briefly, I have not found a reason to spend more in this category.

For those who enjoy a more exfoliating or spa like experience, ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash is a popular premium option. I personally do not find that level of exfoliation necessary for daily cleansing, which is why I save here.

Face Serum 🌿 Where I Save

My nightly serum is the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face. The price point continues to attract me, but it is the formula that keeps it in my routine.

This serum combines vitamin C with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe to support hydration and overall skin tone without feeling heavy or irritating. It absorbs easily and layers well before bed, which makes it easy to use consistently.

I have used the Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Face Serum Capsules in the past, and they truly feel like a special treat for the skin. They leave my face exceptionally soft and smooth and feel luxurious to use. For everyday use, however, I prefer to save in this category and reserve those capsules for occasional use.

Eye Cream ⭐️ Where I Splurge

I have been using the RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness for over five years, and it has proven itself over time.

I have minimal wrinkles around my eyes, and this product has been a consistent part of my nighttime routine. The retinol based formula supports skin renewal and helps smooth the appearance of fine lines, which is especially important as the skin around the eyes is delicate and tends to show aging more quickly.

The Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel is a very popular and affordable option, especially for daytime use. It is often chosen for its lightweight, cooling gel texture. While I haven’t personally used it, I prefer a more targeted retinol based treatment at night, which is why I splurge in this category.

Day Moisturizer ⭐️ Where I Splurge

My daytime moisturizer is the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream with SPF 30, and it has been my go to for over ten years.

Having a daily moisturizer with built in sun protection is non negotiable for me. This formula includes niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, which help support hydration, barrier strength, and a smoother appearance over time. I like that it provides moisture and SPF in one step and wears beautifully under makeup without pilling or feeling heavy.

Because sun exposure plays such a large role in visible aging, this is one category where I am comfortable spending more for a product I trust and use every single day.

The L’Oreal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer is a popular and affordable option that many people enjoy for basic hydration. I personally choose the Olay Regenerist cream because of the added SPF and the more comprehensive ingredient blend, which makes it better suited for my daytime routine.

Night Moisturizer ⭐️ Where I Splurge

My current night cream is the Three Ships Dream Bio Retinol plus Shorea Butter Rejuvenating Cream. I started using Three Ships products after seeing the brand on Shark Tank and was drawn to their clean, thoughtfully formulated approach.

This cream uses a plant based bio retinol alternative along with nourishing ingredients like shorea butter to support skin renewal overnight. I appreciate that the brand is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which has become more important to me as my skin has grown more sensitive over time. The texture feels rich and comforting without being heavy, and my skin feels calm and hydrated by morning.

I used the Olay Niacinamide Firming Face Moisturizer for over ten years, and it treated my skin very well. It provided consistent hydration and support, and I would still recommend it as a dependable and effective night cream. As I have gotten older, I’ve started paying closer attention to ingredient lists and have become more interested in cleaner formulations, which is what ultimately led me to try Three Ships.

Night Lip Moisturizer ⭐️ Where I Splurge

For overnight lip care, I use the Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask every single night at bedtime.

This is one of those where have you been all my life products for me. It is the only overnight lip treatment I have found that is truly still on my lips when I wake up in the morning. My lips feel soft, comfortable, and actually repaired, not just temporarily coated.

I love it so much that I’ve given it to friends as gifts, and they rave about it afterward. That alone tells me everything I need to know. It’s rich without being sticky, deeply nourishing, and consistently delivers results, which is why I am more than happy to splurge in this category.

The Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment is still a product I use and absolutely keep around. It is affordable, effective, and easy to reapply during the day when you just need quick moisture on the go. For overnight, though, I prefer the longer lasting comfort and staying power of Lanolips.

Sunscreen 🌿 Where I Save

When I need sun protection, I reach for the Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.

This sunscreen truly lives up to its name. Once you apply it and it dries, you honestly don’t feel it on your skin at all. It absorbs quickly, dries fast, and leaves no greasy residue, which is exactly what I look for in a sunscreen I’ll actually use consistently. There’s no heavy sunscreen feel, no white cast, and no sticky finish, just lightweight protection.

With my sensitive skin, I also need a lotion rather than a spray, and I look for SPF 50 or higher. I’ve used this on both my body and my face without irritation or eye stinging, which is something I’m very cautious about.

At under $10 per bottle when purchased as a two pack, this is one category where I feel confident saving. It performs beautifully, feels comfortable all day, and makes daily sun protection feel effortless rather than like a chore.

The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion is a popular premium option with a loyal following, but I personally prefer the lighter, quicker drying feel of the Banana Boat formula for everyday wear.

Shop the Products I Use

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Daily Face Wash

• TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face

• RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness

• Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream with SPF 30

• Three Ships Dream Bio Retinol plus Shorea Butter Rejuvenating Cream

• Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask

• Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

What I've Learned

Over the years, I’ve learned that skincare doesn’t have to be all expensive or all affordable to be effective. Some products earn their place in my routine because they work consistently and quietly in the background. Others are worth the splurge because they deliver something extra and make me feel good every time I use them.

What matters most to me now is paying attention to how my skin responds and choosing products that fit where I am in life. Mixing dependable, budget friendly staples with a few thoughtful splurges has made my routine feel both practical and enjoyable. It’s also helped me become more intentional about ingredients and long term skin health.

If you’re building or refining your own routine, I hope this encourages you to trust what works for you. It’s okay to save in some areas, splurge in others, and change things up as your skin changes. There’s no single right approach, just the one that feels right for you.

If you're looking for more recommendations that fit this simple, feel-good life, browse my Amazon Storefront ~ I only share things I truly enjoy and use! https://www.amazon.com/shop/lifewellbloomed 🌿As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).

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