Skincare Gems Under $20: My Mature Skin Secrets Revealed!

One of the best makeup removers, especially for stubborn waterproof makeup, is the Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water (waterproof version). Notice that little layer of oil at the top? That's the magic! Shake it up, pour some into your hand, and smooth it all over your face. It effortlessly melts away even the most tenacious mascara. I absolutely adore this stuff!

Here's my secret weapon for maximizing the effectiveness of the micellar water: Hairs Extra microfiber towels. Seriously, these are the best microfiber towels I've ever encountered. They remain incredibly soft and fluffy, even after countless washes, unlike other microfiber towels that lose their plushness over time. These towels gently wipe away every last trace of makeup, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

After removing my makeup with the micellar water and the Hairs Extra towel, I follow up with a second cleanse using La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. This cleanser is a godsend for normal to dry skin. It’s incredibly hydrating and gentle, removing any remaining oil or residue left behind by the makeup remover. My skin feels squeaky clean and perfectly prepped for the rest of my skincare routine. I rinse the Hairs Extra towel between the two cleansers and use it again with the La Roche-Posay, ensuring a thorough cleanse.

Now, if you’re looking for a more disposable option, especially for travel, these large biodegradable disposable face towels are a fantastic alternative. They’re incredibly convenient, and I love that they’re large enough to effectively cleanse my entire face. Even at home, I sometimes prefer these because I can just grab a fresh one every time. Plus, they're surprisingly durable, allowing me to rinse and reuse them a couple of times before discarding them. I know some people prefer reusable washcloths, but these biodegradable towels are a great option for those who prioritize a disposable, hygienic approach.

One of my favorite exfoliators is the Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder. Just mix a small amount with a little water, and it transforms into a beautiful, gentle lather that effectively sloughs away dead skin cells. It's so gentle that I can use it daily without any irritation. Sometimes, I even use it as a second cleanser after the micellar water, skipping the La Roche-Posay. The pineapple enzymes provide a gentle yet effective exfoliation, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth.

Another exfoliating option I love is the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask. This mask contains finely milled rice particles that gently polish the skin, while honey provides intense hydration and a luminous glow. While it does have some grit, the rice particles are so finely milled that they don't feel harsh or abrasive at all. My skin feels incredibly smooth and radiant after using this mask. The combination of gentle exfoliation and deep hydration makes this mask a true winner.

If you struggle with dehydrated under-eyes and crepey concealer, you absolutely need to try these Green Tangerine Vita C Eye Gel Patches. These are unlike any other eye patches I’ve tried. They’re incredibly thin and conform perfectly to the contours of my under-eyes, delivering intense hydration and smoothing out fine lines. The unique texture also helps them grip the skin, preventing them from slipping. While I haven’t noticed significant brightening effects, these patches make a huge difference in how my concealer looks. It applies so much smoother and doesn't crease, creating a flawless finish.

Moving on to serums, the Benton Deep Green Tea Toner is a game-changer. I've gone through countless bottles of this stuff! Here's the trick: apply it to your face, wait 20 minutes, and then use your LED mask. The green tea toner amplifies the effectiveness of the LED mask by up to ten times! It's worth the wait, trust me. LED masks are great for reducing wrinkles, puffiness, inflammation, and dark spots, and this toner takes those benefits to the next level. The green tea provides potent antioxidant protection, further enhancing the rejuvenating effects of the LED mask.

Another Benton product I adore is the Snail Bee Ultimate Toner. This toner is packed with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, including snail mucin, bee venom (which is surprisingly calming), and six different peptides, including copper peptides. It also contains saccharomyces, a fermented ingredient known for its brightening properties. This toner is a powerhouse of anti-aging benefits, addressing elasticity, wrinkles, brightness, and age spots. And the best part? It’s super watery and layers beautifully under other skincare products. Plus, you get a huge bottle, which is a fantastic value.

Next up is the Scinic First Treatment Essence. This essence is formulated with 90% galactomyces ferment filtrate, a byproduct of the fermentation process used in making sake. Galactomyces is renowned for its brightening and anti-aging properties. It’s said that sake brewers noticed their hands looked younger and brighter after working with the ferment, and that’s how this ingredient was discovered. This essence is a must-try for anyone looking to improve skin tone and texture. It leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth, and refined.

A recent discovery I’m incredibly excited about is the Yeouth Triple Repair Serum. This serum contains matrixyl 3000, argireline, and vitamin C. Matrixyl 3000 is known for targeting those pesky dynamic fold wrinkles, like nasolabial folds and forehead wrinkles. Argireline is a peptide that relaxes facial muscles, reducing the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet. And of course, vitamin C provides brightening and antioxidant benefits. I’ve seen a significant improvement in the wrinkles around my mouth and forehead since incorporating this serum into my routine.

For brightening, I love the Numbuzin No. 5 Brightening Serum. This serum has been a lifesaver for addressing redness and age spots. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in redness on my cheeks and some improvement in sun damage. It’s packed with ingredients that target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, revealing a more even and radiant complexion.

If you do microneedling, you know how painful it can be, especially on the forehead. I recently discovered Uber Numb numbing cream, which contains the highest strength of lidocaine available over the counter. I apply a thick layer to my forehead (and sometimes around my crow’s feet and upper lip) about 10-15 minutes before microneedling, and it makes the process so much more tolerable. It significantly reduces the discomfort associated with microneedling, allowing for a more comfortable experience.

For dry, calloused feet, a glass foot file is a must-have. I’ve been struggling with dry, calloused feet since menopause, and this file has been a game-changer. I use it right after showering, when my skin is softened, and it effortlessly removes dead skin. Just be careful, as it’s quite sharp. It leaves my feet feeling incredibly soft and smooth.

The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is a retinol eye cream that I use morning and night. Don’t be afraid of retinol around the eyes, as long as you’re using SPF. This serum has significantly improved the crepey skin on my eyelids. I apply a tiny amount all around my eye socket, including the inner corners, where I was starting to develop wrinkles. It has helped to smooth and firm the delicate skin around my eyes.

For a powerful vitamin C serum, I highly recommend the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum. This serum is stabilized with gold, which helps to maintain the potency of the vitamin C. It’s my absolute favorite vitamin C serum, providing brightening and antioxidant protection without any irritation. It leaves my skin looking brighter and more radiant.

The Numbuzin No. 4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Essence is a fantastic makeup primer. It hydrates and plumps the skin, creating a smooth, radiant base for makeup application. It also imparts a beautiful glow that peeks through foundation. I sometimes pat it on before makeup application, even if I’ve already done my skincare routine earlier in the day. It helps my makeup apply smoothly and last longer.

For a midday makeup refresh or a boost of hydration before makeup, the d’Alba Piedmont First Spray Serum is a beautiful option. It contains white truffle and provides a fine mist of hydration that revitalizes makeup and plumps the skin. It does have a light fragrance, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive to scents. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

For moisturizers, I love the Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Overnight Treatment (night) and the Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (day). Both are packed with hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. The night cream also contains urea, a super hydrator. They’re both lightweight yet incredibly moisturizing, leaving my skin feeling soft and supple.

Finally, for SPF, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ is a fantastic option. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and works beautifully under makeup. It’s a great choice for normal to oily skin. If you have dry skin, you might need a more hydrating SPF, but I’ve been impressed with how well this one performs under makeup. It provides essential protection from the sun's harmful rays without feeling heavy or greasy.

So there you have it! My favorite skincare products and accessories, all under $20. I hope you found this helpful! Take care, and I'll see you soon!