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Be mindful about your everyday products without breaking the bank.
By Elisa Palumbo — Written on Feb 14, 2020
I strive to be clean, both with the food I eat and with the products on use on my body, but sometimes the products I want to buy are way above my price range. Since I'm still a student, I’ve had to accept the fact that I can’t spend above my means, and I’ve had to get smart with what I use.
To help others in their efforts towards learning how to save money and living within their means, these natural products are essential for any home.
I use everything from the facial cleansers to laundry detergent, and everything in between, all of which are affordable and free from most parabens, sulfates or other nasty dyes. Keep in mind that some of these products are not 100 percent clean, in my opinion.
At first it was a little hard to use some less natural products, but after using them for a significant amount of time, they have helped me rather than harmed me. All of these products have lasted me for a significant amount of time, which makes them even more worth it to me!
Cleansers
1. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser
How I use it: When I need to wash my skin at night and I don’t want to use anything too strong, I use this. It’s a clean cleanser (free of parabens) that really does the job of removing makeup and leaving your skin clean.
What I’ve noticed: Clean skin that doesn’t get irritated. You can't argue with that, right?
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
2. Noxzema Anti-Blemish Pads
How I use it: After I’ve washed my face, I will clean off extra dirt and grime with these nice medicated pads. I like how they feel like they have a little bit more of a kick to them since they are anti-blemish.
If you aren’t acne prone, you probably don’t need these, but I like to use them when I get a break-out. Otherwise, I would just stick with a toner.
What I’ve noticed: It helps zap the annoying pimples and dries them up. Using this too much can make your skin peel, so be wary!
(Target, $3.99)
Toners
3. Thayer’s Witch Hazel Rose Petal
When I first tried this product, I thought it was stupid to spend money on what appeared to be water because clearly it wouldn’t do anything. But after having used this product for over a year, I'm hooked. I swear it keeps my skin clean and helps close my pores after I wash my face.
How I use it: I like to put a few drops on a cotton ball and then I spread it all over a clean face. I use it to close my pores after washing my face. It helps to take off all the extra dirt, oil, and makeup that my cleanser missed.
What I’ve noticed: Clearer, smoother skin. This product hydrates my skin and helps protect it against possible breakouts. I’ve noticed clearer pores from using it. Since it’s infused with aloe vera, it keeps your skin moisturized and can really fight against the flakiness that tends to pop up during the winter.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
4. Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner
I received this product as a gift and was a little hesitant since I'm impartial to Witch Hazel. But I decided to give this a whirl and I was not disappointed. The Rose Water does the pretty much same thing as the Witch Hazel and for half the price. While it may have a few more ingredients in it than the Witch Hazel, I was pleasantly surprised with the results from using it.
How I use it: Same as the Witch Hazel. I also have started to spray this one on my face even when I have makeup on because it feels really nice.
What I’ve noticed: Smooth skin, less redness. Who doesn't want that for their skin?
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Acne Products
5. Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub
How I use it: I use this scrub only in the shower, once the water has warmed up a bit. My dermatologist taught me to use a scrub in the shower to help clear out my pores. This scrub has just the right amount of “roughness” to feel like I’m getting a good cleanse out of it, and it has medication that fights acne and breakouts (win-win, am I right?).
What I’ve noticed: The scrub makes my skin feel soft and smooth, and I notice my blackheads feeling more cleared out when I use this scrub on a regular basis. I suggest you let the bathroom warm up for a bit and let your pores open before you use this scrub. I use it more towards the end of my shower, once I feel like there is enough steam to really clear out my pores.
(Target, $6.29)
6. Differin Adepalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
My friend who works at a dermatologist’s office told me about this product last summer. She said that only recently it was put on store shelves as it used to only be available by prescription. I tested out a smaller tube at first and, once I liked the results, I decided to go with the larger tube.
How I use it: After I clean my face,I put the gel all over my face every other night. I use it to help stave off any annoying pimples and blackheads.
What I’ve noticed: If I use it too much, it will dry out my skin, but it does do the trick of keeping acne at bay.
(Target, $28.99)
7. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
After using the Differin cream for a while, I decided to try this medicated moisturizer. While I don’t use it every day, I do like how it has sunscreen in it and that it’s oil absorbing, since I have oily skin. This product is especially helpful in the summer since it doesn’t irritate the skin but it also provides sunscreen.
How I use it: I apply it to my skin 2-3 times a week. If I feel like my skin needs more moisturizing but not the Differin cream, I opt for this product.
What I’ve noticed: Medicated moisturizing! It doesn’t clog my pores but it does keep my skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
(Target, $10.49)
8. Trader Joe's Nourish Antioxidant Serum
I started using this product after my sister’s boyfriend showed it to me (he’s a model, so he needs to keep his face young, you know?). Well, I decided to buy it this last month, and I fell in love immediately.
How I use it: I started using this as a toner after my toners. Sounds weird, but it felt nice to put it on my skin right after I cleaned it.
What I’ve noticed: I’m telling you, this product leaves my skin so smooth! I don’t know how I lived without it for so long. It’s relatively cheap and clean, too. If you don’t struggle with acne and you want to try a new kind of moisturizer, give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Moisturizing Oils
9. Kate Blanc Jojoba Oil
How I use it: If I ever feel like cleaning my skin and hydrating it at the same time, I will use this as a cleanser. It helps remove my eye makeup well. I also use this as a moisturizer instead of a night cream. I like to especially lather it underneath my eyes. If I ever run out of lotion, I also use Jojoba oil as an all-around moisturizer for my whole body before I go to bed.
What I’ve noticed: It really hydrates my skin and leaves it feeling extra smooth and soft. Since I’m not going to buy a lot of expensive eye creams and facial moisturizers at this time of my life, I'm perfectly content with this oil.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
10. Trader Joe's Vitamin E Oil Blend
How I use it: I put vitamin E on at night, after I’ve cleaned my skin. I like to lather my whole face with it. At first I was hesitant to put oil on my acne since I’ve always had combination skin. But after using every other night for roughly 4 months (yes, 1 bottle has lasted me over 4 months!), I can't put it down.
What I’ve noticed: I've seen a huge difference in the redness of all kinds of scars. It’s like magic! Vitamin E is known to help heal scars, which is why I bought this product in the first place, but I wasn’t expecting it to help me as much as it has.
I've seen a significant decrease in the red acne scars on my face and even some stretch marks on my legs. The product I use is not 100 percent Vitamin E, but I've seen astounding changes in my skin.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Soaps, Lotions, & Deodorant
11. Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap
I bought this product for the first time three years ago, and after that I haven't stopped using it. It really is an 18-in-1 product, so you can use it as a body wash or as a shampoo, but also as a cleaner or even detergent.
How I use it: I use this as a body cleanser, and sometimes, if I run out of shampoo, as a shampoo. I haven't tried to use it as any sort of cleaner just yet!
What I’ve noticed: This product is really clean and it’s made with essential oils. I don’t feel like I’m putting anything harmful on my body when I use it, and the smell is so refreshing. I feel refreshed when I use the peppermint scented soap since it provides a really strong cooling effect all over the body, which I find to both soothe and relax.
While it is a bit pricey for a soap, it has multiple uses and it will last you at least 8 months. I shower almost every day after a workout, and after 4 months of use I'm a little over halfway done with the bottle. Believe me, a little goes a long way with this stuff.
(Target, $15.99)
12. Everyone 3-in-1 Lavender & Aloe Lotion
This product smells wonderful and hydrates really well. It’s one of the cleaner lotions that I’ve found and I love how the lavender just calms me after I put it on.
How I use it: After the shower, I like to lather my body with this to keep my skin moisturized. At night, I put the lotion on my hands and feet.
What I’ve noticed: This lotion keeps my hands really soft, even in the winter! It’s also a thinner lotion that doesn’t feel too creamy, so it sinks into your skin right away. The scent is strong and soothing as well, but it’s not too overpowering like some Bath & Body Works products.
This lotion lasts me a very long time, possibly a year. Since it is such a clean product, it’s worth the price. Also, the smell is just terrific.
(Walgreens, $11.99)
13. Native Lavender & Rose Deodorant
Native is the first natural deodorant I’ve ever tried that really works for me. It smells amazing and it doesn’t irritate my skin (and believe me, I’ve been using natural deodorants since before they were “cool,” but I always switched off with antiperspirant deodorants when I played sports). I personally love the lavender scent (in case you didn’t notice already), but Native has a lot of great scents out there.
How I use it: I notice the best results if I reapply this product multiple times a day, and sometimes I still smell a little sweaty, but it’s not too bad. I would rather smell a little sweaty sometimes and have clean armpits, not filling myself with any of that aluminum junk.
What I’ve noticed: After only using only this natural deodorant and never compromising to use an antiperspirant while working out, I actually sweat less.
I decided to use Native and totally ditch the conventional deodorants that I’d started to use; however, I didn’t realize that your body actually needs to detox from antiperspirant deodorants. Believe me, I sweat a lot so this was a big jump to stop using antiperspirant when working out or running. After detoxing to only using Native, I've noticed that I don’t sweat nearly as much as I used to.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Makeup
14. Neutrogena Prep & Correct Primer Redness Correcting
How I use it: I don’t put it all over my face; I only use it on affected areas. Using too much of this primer, which is a light green color, can make your face look really matte and pale. I like to only use it on the reddest parts of my skin. Since I use such a small amount of this product, I can see it lasting me for a year.
What I’ve noticed: Since I’ve always struggled with acne, I was excited to test this primer out to see how it would work with my redness and scars. Well, when I first tried it, I noticed that it made my skin extremely smooth. It never irritated my skin either, but it seems to protect it and prevent future breakouts.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
15. Tarte Babassu Foundcealer Foundation SPF 20
I bought this product on a whim when I ran out of my old CC cream and needed something new. Tarte is known for being both clean and vegan (cruelty-free). I was skeptical at first, but after I color-matched, I was hooked.
How I use it: This is one of the first foundations that I put all over my face. It feels so clean to me that I don’t feel like it’s affecting my pores when I put it everywhere. I actually feel like it is helping smooth them out.
I’ve been using this product (one pump a day, sometimes two) for 4 months and I'm half-way through it. I would predict that it will last me roughly 7 months! And the price is definitely worth it if you want a comfortable, light, and non-irritating foundation that still covers really well.
What I’ve noticed: I’ve never had a foundation that matches my skin so well or one that makes my skin feel so smooth. This product includes babassu, a moisturizer; it has sunflower seed, which has vitamins A and E in it; and, it has hyaluronic acid which helps lock in the moisture on your skin and thereby prevent wrinkles. This foundation also has active ingredients like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which serve as sunscreen.
The creamy liquid foundation feels really clean. It blends so well and makes my skin look and feel flawless.
(Sephora, $39)
16. BareMinerals All-Over Face Color
I've been using this powder for so long, literally years. I don’t usually buy blush — I just use this product.
How I use it: I put the warmth powder on my cheek bones, my jaw line, my chin, and on the sides of my forehead. Sometimes, when I’m too lazy to use eyeshadow, I also use it right underneath my eyebrows to add a little bit of a tone and contrast.
What I’ve noticed: The powder is pretty strong, so only use small amounts, and it blends really well, giving my face a natural tan look. I love this particular BareMinerals product because it never irritates my skin. It has been my trusty companion for a long time, and while it is a bit more expensive at the outset, it lasts me 10+ months.
(Sephora, $22)
17. Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara
I’ve used a few other Milk products, but I’m really attached to their mascara. They are a cruelty-free, paraben-free brand.
How I use it: After applying some eyeliner and curling my eyelashes, I put KUSH on. I use it at least once a day, sometimes twice if I need a touch-up.
What I’ve noticed: KUSH keeps my straight lashes, curled and thick almost all day. The bottle also lasts me forever. While I haven’t calculated exactly, I think one will last me almost a year.
(Sephora, $24)
Misc. Essential Items
18. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Detergent
How I use it: While I would prefer a more expensive brand, I haven't been disappointed with Arm & Hammer’s Sensitive Skin Detergent. It has served me well.
What I’ve noticed: I find that my skin reacts negatively to conventional brands with a lot of scent, and I've seen good results from this detergent. Arm & Hammer’s product is cheaper than the other “clean” or organic detergents, and it doesn’t affect my skin. It doesn't have much of a scent, but it still cleans my clothes, which is all I need.
(Target, $7.99)
19. Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover
How I use it: This product is great if you have some annoying peach fuzz on your face but you can’t afford monthly waxing, or your skin doesn’t react well to it. I bought my first Flawless three years ago, and I've been using it ever since.
What I’ve noticed: It’s not a razor, but it does shave the hair off in a non-irritating way. So while it doesn’t pluck your hairs either, it does keep your chin and upper lip fuzz-free. It really makes my skin look flawless, and it doesn’t matter if I use it when I have makeup on or after I’ve washed my skin for the night. This product will last forever and is worth the cost.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
20. Trader Joe’s Grapefruit & Lemon Hand Sanitizer Spray
How I use it: I keep this little refreshing bottle in my car and spray some on my hands after every time I fill up my gas or go grocery shopping. I’m not a germaphobe, but I do like to clean my hands when I find necessary.
What I’ve noticed: This product smells great as it is a grapefruit and lemon mixture. I like using it just to get the refreshing citrus smell in my car. Also, unlike most hand sanitizers, it doesn't dry my hands out.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
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Elisa Palumbo is a blogger who writes about fitness, exercise, health, and nutrition.
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