In a world full of consumer goods and ephemeral fashion trends, it’s easy to lose track of where you’re spending your money. You may think that small purchase is a drop in the bucket, but if you look at your expenses at the end of the month, you’ll notice that they added up to a lot of your miscellaneous costs. It’s not a big deal if you have a lot of disposable income, but if you’re on a tight budget, you’re toeing the line between rewarding yourself and accumulating debt.

When it comes to looking healthy and well-rested, you don’t have to blow your budget on expensive items. Here’s how to do it:

Use Face Masks Regularly

A skincare regime can have as many or as few steps, but that’s not what matters. You can have a simple daily and nightly routine as long as you are using the right products–those that offer maximum benefits for a fraction of the cost. This is one of the reasons a lot of people buy face mask online. It’s affordable and it can be bought in bulk. You even have a lot of essences to choose from. You can use one face mask for hydration, another for keeping fine lines at bay, and yet another to brighten your skin.

Be Consistent in Moisturizing

You can skip the foundation when you’re staying in. That will actually let your skin breathe a little. However, even when you’re at home, you should not skip the moisturizer day and night. Find a product that has elastin and collagen to make your skin supple and soft. Elastin and collagen are produced by your body naturally, but your body produces less of them the older you get. That’s where your moisturizer comes in, and because you age daily, you need moisturizer daily too.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen 

The worsening climate change is not good for your skin. UV rays are harmful, but you can’t escape them by just staying indoors all day. As you do your errands, go to work, or perhaps just take a leisurely stroll in the park, protect your skin by wearing sun protection. Sun exposure will age your skin faster, so if you’re using sun protection, you’ll look more well-rested than your peers. Make sure to choose the right product though, so that they don’t give you that weird tint on your face when you have your photos taken. Apply sun protection before your makeup–and use a lip balm with SPF as well.

Sleep

There is nothing more affordable than sleep when it comes to caring for the skin. It’s free, and it also helps your whole body recharge for the next day. After you’ve removed your makeup, washed your face, moisturized, and applied a sheet mask, let yourself sleep for a good 6-8 hours. With lower stress levels and plenty of rest, you’ll definitely wake up looking fresh and well-rested.

You don’t need a million dollars to look like you care for your skin. Sometimes, it’s the simplest and most basic steps that can give the best benefits.

Clare Louise