I used to spend a boatload on Sephora skincare – my swaps are better for my skin and wallet, it’s all $25 or less

GETTING rid of frown lines is even better when it can be done frugally.

A woman said goodbye to her big beauty bills in favor of some money – and skin-saving steals.

Getty

Rewinding the clock requires just a few affordable skincare swaps (stock image)[/caption]

Redditor Jewel1044 made it clear that she didn’t want to go down with the skincare price-gouging ship.

“I used to spend a boatload on Sephora skincare,” she said.

Now, she sticks to her more “affordable” and “effective” methods.

“My skin looks so much better and so does my wallet,” she said.

She realized that she could get tretinoin as well as azelaic acid, both of which are available through the pharmacy and covered by her benefits.

Classified as a retinoid, tretinoin is commonly available in a gel or cream, according to Web MD.

Azelaic acid, also a strong skincare ingredient, can be found in some grains such as rye, wheat, and barley.

It’s naturally produced by Malassezia furfur, a yeast found on healthy skin.

All she knew was that they were a glow-up game changer.

“They helped to brighten my skin tone and texture reduction and to get rid of acne,” she said.

And those weren’t the only swaps that made her skin feel luxe for less.

“I love Euro and Asian beauty for their jumbo sizes. Everything in my list is $25 and under,” she said.

“I switched to La Roche Posay and Asian skincare. So much more affordable and just as good!” she said.

She also substituted Sephora brands for Kose Speedy Mo Cleansing Oil, Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm, and La Roche-Posay Cream Cleanser.

If you want to try some budget-friendly buys for yourself, Kose Speedy Cleansing Oil is available on Amazon for $9.99.

She also raved about her results from La Roche Cicaplast, Avene Zinc Cream, Hadalabo Gokujyun Moisturizer, and Vaseline.

And that wasn’t all that was in her skin-saving arsenal as she swore by the mini-sized Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Toner that helped with texture and zits “due to that time of the month.”

Now that she has upgraded her beauty routine by spending less, she wasn’t about to go back to breaking the bank.

She also noted that she has spotted some of her favorite finds on sale from time to time.

Her whole skincare routine cost less than $150.

Amazon

She traded in Sephora finds for a more affordable Kose Speedy Cleansing Oil, pictured above, for $9.99[/caption]

Others also shared their own cheap beauty buys.

“I’ll add Pond’s cold cream to that – finally listened to my grandma and now I use it whenever I have makeup on,” said a user.

“Yes. I switched my daily lotion to a vanishing cream (vanicream) and my daily cleanser/overnight mask to a cold cream (albolene) and have never been happier,” said another.

“Both come in a giant tub for $10-15,” they added.