I’m a self-described skin product junkie. And to add to the fact, I’m also a fashion and beauty magazine addict. So whenever the magazine’s “best anti aging masks and moisturizers list” comes out, I circle the new-to-me products, and run diligently out to the store to get them into my hot little hands (which will then be slathered on to my face).
I’ve done this for close to 20 years (no joke…I’ve been addicted since my 20s) and I’ve kept a beauty bible filled with all the winners and losers, as well as products that consistently make the best of list. And from this bible, I’ve learned a couple of things…
- New doesn’t always mean better. Some of the best products have been around since my Grandmother started using moisturizer.
- You don’t have to spend a fortune. Amazing products exist in big box stores and drugstores.
- The biggest key isn’t the product, but remembering to put it on every morning/night. It doesn’t work if it is sitting in the drawer.
If you are looking to keep wrinkles at bay, get rid of brown spots, keep your skin looking soft and fresh, or for the best sunscreen – here is my list for the best anti aging masks and moisturizers you can purchase at the drugstore.
Best Anti Aging Masks & Moisturizers from the Drugstore
Overall Moisturizer: Derma-e Anti Wrinkle Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Creme.
This moisturizer is truly liquid gold in a bottle for a killer price. This all purpose moisturizer has a high-potency vitamin A formulated with vitamins E, D and allantoin for an extra-rich moisturizing treatment. Which is is high-tech speak for it rocks. It is a thicker creme, so I would advise only wearing it at night or when you don’t plan on wearing makeup, but for the price, it produces the best bang for the buck.
Fade Sunspots: Physicians Formula Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener.
Similar to fading uneven skin, you want to pick a product with retinol, soy or acid. Sometimes retinol can bother my skin (especially in the summer), so I also like to have products without it. Physicians Formula has alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin c to help skin regenerate and eliminate the dark spots that are caused by the sun. But for the best line of defense, make sure you are putting on your sunscreen (see below).
Sunscreen + Moisturizer: Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
It’s time to go big or go home. And that means a sunscreen moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher every.single.day. I love Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. First, it doesn’t smell like sunscreen. Second, it absorbs into my skin almost instantly, so there is no residue. And finally, I love the active ingredients that also make my skin look dewey after I put it on.
Even Out Patchiness (Brown/Uneven Skin Tone): Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream.
Look for products that contain kojic acid, glycolic acid, soy or retinol to reduce uneven coloring. These products help shed the speckled skin and bring new, healthy cells to the surface. Aveeno Positively Radiant contains soy, smells amazing, and also does a great job of moisturizing the rest of your face, neck, and chest area.
Wrinkles Around The Eye: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream.
This product is a multi-level winner and has been on several “best of lists” for over five years. Personally, I think it is magic in a bottle. It has high-potency retinol paired with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Again, the retinol helps bring new, healthy cells to the surface. This cream goes on super smooth and results happen almost instantly (really, that means one-week.)
Serum: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum.
Think of a serum like a multi-vitamin. They are SUPER packed with lots of active ingredients (like Vitamin A, antioxidants, peptides, acids, retinol, etc.) to help you skin regenerate and look younger. I love this serum because it has all the right ingredients and isn’t too heavy. It soaks into my skin almost immediately, leaves no residue and can easily be worn under moisturizers or makeup.
Moisturizer When You Are On A Budget: St. Ives Facial Moisturizer, Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin.
Just because you are on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t have great skin. St. Ives Facial Moisturizer is made from natural ingredients and formulated with collagen and elastin proteins, which help hydrate for visibly softer, smoother skin. And you can purchase it for less than $4.00. It is my go-to moisturizer in the winter time because I can buy so much of it for so little, that it allows me to slather it on everywhere with abandonment.
Granted, this is a mini guide. But it is a collection of what works for me each and every day and hopefully it will help you the next time you are at the drugstore. Remember, having good skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune, it just takes the right products, used regularly, with the right diet. Who knows? Maybe we can all turn back the hand of time.
