If you’re in need of further inspiration, I asked a handful of my beauty editor peers to share the affordable skincare brands that are so good, they could pass for luxury. Refinery29’s deputy beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita speaks highly of The Ordinary. “Most products are under $15 but don’t underestimate them,” she says. “The ingredients and formulas are as powerful as luxury products in my opinion, and they make an incredible difference to my skin.” Kilikita is currently using the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser. “My partner actually shares this with me and I have no qualms about it because you only need a pea-sized amount to create a rich lather, so it feels like it goes further. Besides this cleanser (which we buy on repeat), I love the Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% Serum, which is a gentler version of vitamin C and works wonders on skin staining left behind by breakouts.” When it comes to SPF, Kilikita says you can’t beat The Inkey List’s Polyglutamic Acid Sunscreen SPF 50 and Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Daily Invisible Face Serum with SPF 50+. “It’s proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find great, effective skincare — especially if you don’t want to share.” Charisse Kenion, beauty podcast host and writer, is equally enamored of The Inkey List, namely its Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer. “It’s a third of the price of most high quality, ceramide-packed moisturizers, and it’s perfect for the warmer months because of its lightweight consistency.”
