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Your simple 4-step morning skincare routine:

The 4-Step Affordable Morning Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

Forget those ridiculous 10-step routines all over the internet. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or have a bathroom counter full of products to get healthy, radiant skin. Honestly, Keeping things minimal is usually the best thing you can do for your skin.

This quick, four-step routine removes unnecessary steps and focuses on essentials: washing, hydrating, moisturizing, and protecting. I’ve tested these budget-friendly staples, and they prove you don’t need to pay more, to see results.

Step 1: Cleanse

Start with fresh skin. Washing your face in the morning removes oils and leftover night creams without making your skin feel tight or dry.

Cetaphil Oil to foam cleanser: This is my go-to when I want a quick, effortless wash. It starts as an oil and transforms into a pillowy light foam that leaves your skin feeling soft, not dry.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser:. Easy to use, and gentle on sensitive skin, this dermatologist staple provides gentle moisturizing without irritation.

Step 2: Toner

Think of toner as a primer for the rest of your routine. It dumps a layer of moisture into the skin so your next layers are able to absorb. 

APRILSKIN TXA+Niacinamide 99 Pink Milky Toner: For dark spots or uneven skin tone, use this milky formula to brighten your skin.

MAREE Hydrating Milky Toner: When you need a soothing,hydrating toner that last all day, this is the toner you reach for.

TONYMOLY Wonder Ceramide Mochi Milky Toner- This soothing plumping toner makes skin feel bouncy and hydrated all day.

Step 3: Moisturizer

Moisturizer locks everything in. Make sure to apply some down your neck, too—it needs the hydration just as much as your face.

Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream: The jelly texture of this cream gives you a bouncy, youthful glow that lasts throughout the day.

Elf Holy hydration Daily Moisturizer: This lightweight drugstore classic cream sinks into the skin without feeling greasy, and sits well under makeup.

Step 4: Sunscreen

If you skip everything else, do not skip SPF. It is a non-negotiable step for guarding against premature aging. Put on a generous amount (aim for about a half-teaspoon) to cover your face, neck, and ears.

SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence: This fluid feels like a high end moisturizer. Fast absorbing and weightless, it sits under makeup without pilling  and leaves a hydrated finish to my skin.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen: This sunscreen's velvety finish works like a primer under makeup leaving no white cast, while still protecting your skin.