Creating a Skincare Routine for Under $50 (Oily/Acne-Prone)

Contrary to what the skincare industry wants us to believe, you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on luxury skincare products to see glowing results.

Just because a skincare routine is complicated or expensive does not mean it is effective. I am here to spread the good word about beautiful, effective skincare that does not break the bank.

Below, I have curated four different routines for oily/acne-prone skin. I created two 5-step routines, a 4-step routine, and a simple 3-step routine all for under $50. I know, under $50! Wild!

As a person who used to have oily skin and has struggled with acne all through my 20's, some things I have found helpful are staying away from fragranced, heavy, pore-clogging products and focusing on gentle chemical exfoliators, and healing/treating acne instead of picking at it.

Some of you oily skin folks might see the moisturizers in these routines and think to yourself "Moisturizer?! I am already oily enough!" I used to be one of you! Turns out my skin was overproducing oil because it was thirsty! If your skin is over-producing oil, it is practically BEGGING you for moisture. Applying a simple, lightweight moisture will send signals to your skin that it does not need to produce as much oil.

These routines feature products from effective, affordable brands I believe in like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, Naturium, COSRX, Paula's Choice, Some By Mi, and Pipette.

Remember everyone's skin is different, and skincare is about patience and finding what works best for you. After all, one person's trash is another person's HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT.

I am not a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician. I am merely a skincare nerd who struggled with painful, inflamed cystic acne for 6 years. I have a passion for skincare and sharing tips and tricks I have learned along my journey. If you are struggling with your skin, go see a dermatologist and get the help you and your beautiful skin deserve.

Let's get started!

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5-STEP ROUTINE

1. CLEANSER: THE INKEY LIST - Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser ($9.99)

This cleanser dives deep and clears pores, fights acne/blemishes, soothes, and brightens.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Glycerin, Salicylic Acid & Allantoin

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2. ACNE PATCH: NEOGEN - A-Clear Soothing Clear Spot Patch ($5.99)

These waterproof patches absorb excess oil while protecting the spot from dirt and bacteria.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Hydrocolloid

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3. SERUM: THE ORDINARY - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum ($5.90)

This potent vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free serum reduces the appearance of blemishes, unclogs congestion, brightens and regulates oil production.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Niacinamide (10%) & Zinc (1%)

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4. MOISTURIZER: THE PLANT BASE - AC Clear Magic Cica Cream ($14.80)

This cruelty-free formula reduces inflammation, repairs acne-affected skin, soothes, revitalizes, moisturizes, and fights acne.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (55%), Murumuru Seed Butter, Squalane, Niacinamide, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Green Tea Leaf Powder, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Licorice Root Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Aloe & Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

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5. SPF: PUBLIC GOODS - SPF 50 Spray Sunscreen ($9.50)

This broad-spectrum, 100% reef-safe SPF nourishes and protects your skin, without leaving a white cast.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 8%, Aloe & Avocado Oil.

GRAND TOTAL = $46.18!

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5- STEP ROUTINE

1. CLEANSER: COSRX - Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($14)

This gentle face wash is deeply pore-purifying, restores skin's pH levels, controls oil, and softens skin texture.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Tea Tree Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lotus Leaf Extract, Evening Primrose Flower Extract & Allantoin

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2. PIMPLE PATCH: COSRX - Clear Fit Master Patch ($5)

This patch protects blemishes contaminants, helps reduce redness, absorbs excess oil, and you can wear it under makeup.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Hydrocolloid

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BELOW ARE TWO OPTIONS FOR STEP 3 IN THIS ROUTINE! A SERUM OPTION OR A TONER OPTION because these products are very similar in ingredients, effects & price points.

3. SERUM OPTION: THE INKEY LIST - Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum ($10.99)

This vegan, cruelty-free serum unclogs pores, targets blackheads and acne, and reduces excess oil.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Salicylic Acid 2%, Zinc Compound 1% & Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid 1%

OR

3. TONER OPTION: PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($10)

This daily leave-on liquid exfoliant sweeps away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and visibly smooth wrinkles.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Salicylic Acid 2%, Green Tea & Methylpropanediol

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4. MOISTURIZER: THE ORDINARY - Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream ($7.90)

This vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free moisturizer brightens, smooths texture, and targets acne and blemishes.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Azelaic Acid

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5. SPF: PIPETTE - Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($12)

This lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula protects against UVA/UVB rays and moisturizes.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 20%, Squalane (100% sugarcane-derived), Glycerin, Bisabolol & Wild Gooseberry Extract

GRAND TOTAL = $49.89!

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4- STEP ROUTINE

1. CLEANSER: GOOD (SKIN) DAYS - A New Leaf Cream Cleanser ($16)

This cruelty-free, vegan, antioxidant and mineral-rich, creamy cleanser reduces inflammation, calms redness, moisturizes, gently exfoliates, and rinses away impurities.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Mugwort Extract, Celery Extract, Broccoli Extract, Green Tea Extract & Glycerin

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2. TONER: SOME BY MI - AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner ($16)

This multi-tasking AHA, BHA, PHA toner exfoliates, increases cell turnover, smooths, clarifies, brightens, and is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin

STAR INGREDIENTS: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tea Tree Leaf Water, Papaya Fruit Extract, Lentil Seed Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Allantoin & Salicylic Acid

**I highly recommend this product! It changed my skin!**

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3. MOISTURIZER: THE INKEY LIST - Vitamin B, C, and E Moisturizer ($4.99)

This cruelty-free, vitamin-rich moisturizer clarifies, hydrates, brightens, soothes, and moisturizes.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E & Sunflower Seed Oil

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4. SPF: PUBLIC GOODS - SPF 50 Spray Sunscreen ($9.50)

This broad-spectrum, 100% reef-safe SPF nourishes and protects your skin, without leaving a white cast.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 8%, Aloe & Avocado Oil.

GRAND TOTAL = $46.49

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3- STEP ROUTINE

1. CLEANSER: NATURIUM - Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% ($18)

This all-in-one hydrating, gel cleanser dissolves makeup and impurities, brightens dark spots, smooths texture, balances, and softens.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid & Camu Camu Fruit Extract

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2. MOISTURIZER: A'PIEU - Glycolic Acid Cream ($18)

This AHA & BHA cream brightens, clarifies, exfoliates, hydrates, and smooths.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Birch Juice, Glycolic Acid (AHA 3%), Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid (ABA .45%), Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Pineapple Fruit Extract, Kiwi Fruit Extract & Apple Fruit Extract,

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3. SPF: PIPETTE - Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($12)

This lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula protects against UVA/UVB rays and moisturizes.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 20%, Squalane (100% sugarcane-derived), Glycerin, Bisabolol & Wild Gooseberry Extract

GRAND TOTAL = $48!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for taking the time to read this article! My wish for you is healthy, happy, glowing skin.

If you liked what you read, please give this a '<3', become part of my Vocal family by subscribing, and please check out my other works.

Similar works of mine include: "My Current Skincare Routine + Life-Changing Tips!" & "You Have a Skincare Routine for Your Face, but What About Your Body?" & "Creating a Skincare Routine for Under $50 (Dry/Sensitive Skin)" & "11 Fragrances To Cure Your Winter Blues"

What is your skincare routine? Favorite products? Questions? I would love to hear from you. Tweet me @BiancaAnneShaw

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