The beauty industry is built on convincing you that you need more-more steps, more serums, more specialized products for every inch of your skin. But most of what's sitting on bathroom counters and Sephora wish lists isn't doing anything that a $10 drugstore product couldn't.
Once you strip back the marketing and look at what actually works, you'll realize you've been paying for packaging and promises, not performance. Here's what you can skip without sacrificing results-or your skin.
Makeup primer
Most primers are glorified moisturizers or silicones that temporarily smooth the surface of your skin. They can actually make foundation slide around or cling to dry spots instead of helping it last.
If your skin is hydrated and your moisturizer has time to absorb, your makeup will apply just as smoothly. Save the money for skincare that actually improves your base long-term.
Expensive facial cleansers
Cleansers don't stay on your skin long enough to make a difference. Whether you spend $6 or $60, they all perform the same basic job-lifting oil and dirt.
Go for a gentle, fragrance-free formula that doesn't strip your skin. Anything claiming anti-aging or brightening benefits is marketing fluff; those ingredients need longer contact time to work.
Toners with alcohol
Many toners are harsh, outdated, and unnecessary. Alcohol-based formulas strip your skin barrier, making you more prone to dryness, irritation, and breakouts.
If you like that refreshed feeling, switch to a hydrating mist or use a mild exfoliating toner with glycolic or lactic acid. Otherwise, you can skip toner completely-your skin won't miss it.
Lip scrubs
You don't need a $20 pot of sugar to exfoliate your lips. Lip scrubs are often too abrasive and can create micro-tears that make chapping worse.
Use a damp washcloth or a toothbrush instead-it does the same job without damaging your skin or drying it out with unnecessary oils and fragrances.
Cellulite creams
No topical cream can permanently reduce cellulite. Those "firming" formulas rely on caffeine or temporary tightening agents that make skin feel smoother for a few hours, not weeks.
If you want real improvement, hydration and consistent strength training do far more. Otherwise, save your money and embrace that cellulite is normal.
Makeup setting sprays
Most setting sprays are overpriced water with alcohol and a bit of glycerin. They can dry out your skin and make foundation crack faster throughout the day.
A light dusting of translucent powder or a damp beauty sponge pressed over your makeup will give you the same lasting finish-without the $30 bottle.
High-end mascara
Mascara formulas are nearly identical across price points. The brush shape matters more than the brand name. Drugstore options perform just as well and usually last longer before drying out.
If you're replacing it every three months (as you should), there's no reason to spend $25 a tube. Stick with affordable formulas and swap often for hygiene and performance.
Specialized eye creams
Most eye creams are moisturizers in smaller, more expensive jars. Unless they contain prescription-strength ingredients, they don't do more than your regular face cream.
Apply your normal moisturizer under your eyes instead-it'll hydrate the area just as well. The key is consistency, not a separate $60 product.
Expensive hair masks
Hair masks can help with moisture, but you don't need salon-brand versions. Most contain silicones and softening agents that temporarily coat your hair without repairing it.
A little conditioner left on for ten minutes can give you the same effect. Focus on regular trims and heat protection instead of chasing miracle masks.
Makeup brush cleansers
You don't need a dedicated cleanser to wash your brushes. Gentle shampoo or dish soap cuts through makeup residue and bacteria perfectly well.
Rinse thoroughly, reshape the bristles, and let them dry flat. Spending $20 on a branded "brush cleanser" is one of the easiest costs to eliminate-your tools will look and feel just as clean.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
Leave a Reply