Skin Care on the Cheap: 5 Tips (and a Giveaway!)

Tue, 01/6/2009 by Karen | Posted in: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Just For Fun, Skin Care

Update: The contest is closed! I’ll be contacting the winner shortly. Thanks for entering.

Ballin’ on a budget? Yup, I hear ya. If you’re trying to think of ways to save money on your beauty and skin care routine, skin experts like Erin Welch, dermatologist at Denver Dermatology Consultants in Denver, Colorado, suggest hitting up the local drugstore.

“There is definitely a misconception that drugstore products can’t get the job done,” says Dr. Welch, “but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only are you saving lots of money by avoiding the department store for similar products, but you’ll find that some of the items are actually very impressive.”

Here are five drugstore skin care tips (and a giveaway) to keep that purty face lookin’ great!

1. Look for a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh soaps.

Skin produces a layer of natural protectant called the acid mantle, which contains a mixture of oils and other secretions that help it retain moisture and prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

“If you wash your skin with a very harsh soap and strip off the mantle, it takes over 24 hours for the skin to regenerate it,” says Dr. Welch. And if you’re stripping off the acid mantle faster than your body can repair it, you’re leaving your skin vulnerable to drying and more prone to infection.

For sensitive skin, Dr. Welch recommends gentle pH balanced cleansers like pHisoderm Cream Cleanser ($5), pHisoderm Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser ($5) and pHisoderm Unscented Facial Bar ($5). “All these cleansers will help maintain the skin’s protective acid mantle in order to retain the skin’s natural moisture and healthy balance.”

2. Opt for salicylic acid treatments if you have adult acne.

“Adult women’s skin is very different than teenage skin,” says Dr. Welch. “With time and with age our skin becomes drier, so if you’re experiencing acne, you want to be sure you’re using products that aren’t going to dry your adult skin.

“I tend to steer my adult patients to products that contain salicylic acid only and to use benzoyl peroxide in moderation (or to skip it altogether).” She likes Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash ($6), the Clean & Clear cleansers ($6) and pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Cleansing Pads ($5).

3. Incorporate an effective anti-aging product into your skin care routine.

With so many overpriced and overhyped anti-aging products on the market, how do you choose one that actually works? “I recommend Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum ($20) to my patients,” explains Dr. Welch. “Ranked number one in effectiveness for mass market anti-aging serums by Consumer Reports, this anti-aging serum contains pentapeptides shown to boost colagen prodution and stimulate cell row, helping to smooth out lines.”

4. Remember to apply sunscreen on your lips!

Yes, your face and neck need protection from the skin’s rays, but don’t forget to also protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF. Dr. Welch recommends Softlips lip balm ($4). It contains SPF 20 and feels smooth upon application — perfect for layering beneath your favorite lipstick or lipgloss.

5. Find a nightime anti-aging treatment.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($22) is an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment that works while you sleep to reduce expression lines and deep wrinkles. “This exclusive combination of pure Retinol and an essential mineral complex is a great alternative for people who find prescription strength Retin-A too irritating,” she says.

New Year, New Skin: The pHisoderm and Softlips Giveaway!

I think it’s time for a giveaway. Win $60 in skin care products from pHisoderm and Softlips!

Enter today’s Phisoderm and Softlips giveaway by signing up to receive my updates by email or by leaving a comment on this post (or both!). If you’re already signed up for the updates, you don’t have to do anything else to be entered to win — you’re already entered — but you can double your chances by also leaving a comment on this post (a comment about anything at all).

The Prize

One lucky winner will receive 13 items from the pHisoderm skin care and Softlips lip care lines ($60 value).

pHisoderm Cream Cleanser for Sensitive Skin ($5)
pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Cleansing Pads ($5)
pHisoderm Unscented Facial Cleansing Bar ($5)
pHisoderm Deep Cleansing Cream Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin ($5)
pHisoderm Foaming Facial Wash ($7)
pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash ($5)
pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash ($6)
Softlips Raspberry with Green Tea Extract ($4)
Softlips Cherry ($4)
Softlips Strawberry ($4)
Softlips Vanilla ($4)
Softlips Tint in Rose ($3)
Softlips Tint in Bronze ($3)

How to Enter

Again, there are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them to double your chances.

If you haven’t already signed up to receive Makeup and Beauty Blog daily email updates, then enter your email in the pink box below (or click this link).
If you have already subscribed to the email updates but want to double your chances, add a brief comment at the bottom of this post (be sure to use a valid email address).

I’ll choose the winners at random from among the people who enter by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 8. The contest is open to all US and international readers. Good luck, my budget-loving beauties!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Share this Entry | 136 Comments

« Dior Lady Dior Spring 2009 Makeup Collection: What Would You Get? | 9 Blue Posts: A Homage to Blue Eyeshadow »

So far, 136 people have commented on this post. How cool is that?

1. sarahPUFFY! said, on January 6th, 2009:

awesome contest. I’m in dire need of skincare products…all I have is a shitty face wash that dries out my skin. :\

sarahPUFFY!´s last blog post..A Neat Eyeshadow Trick And Vagina Inspired Beverages (FOR REAL)
2. ParisB said, on January 6th, 2009:

Oh yay! International readers too! I’d love to try Phisoderm - we don’t get it here and I love drugstore stuff - sometimes you find hidden (cheap) gems!
3. Maggie said, on January 6th, 2009:

i love softlips! i have really bad acne :[
4. jen said, on January 6th, 2009:

awesome giveaway! Hope I win. =)
5. Arina said, on January 6th, 2009:

Oh, I just love the pHisoderm skin care line!
I really hope luck will be with me this time and I win the goodies!
Yay! Awesome giveaway
6. Kim said, on January 6th, 2009:

Yey…I wanna join =)

Kim´s last blog post..Banana Diet
7. LIz said, on January 6th, 2009:

I wanna win so I can have an overflowing supply of softlips, one of my favorite lip products ever.
8. Kelly Hensley said, on January 6th, 2009:

Me please! I’m already subscribed to your feed! Thanks!
9. Chas said, on January 6th, 2009:

Wow that is a great load to win! Wonderful products!
10. Tahn said, on January 6th, 2009:

whoa, i didn’t know softlips made tints too! i’ll have to look into that : ) thanks for sharing!
11. Arianne said, on January 6th, 2009:

Looks like a fantastic giveaway! I love me some drugstore products!

Arianne´s last blog post..Scrub-a-dub-dub.
12. Leah said, on January 6th, 2009:

What an awesome giveaway! My skin’s a mess, so I could use the help…
13. kathemc said, on January 6th, 2009:

OMG, would love this!!!!
14. Daya said, on January 6th, 2009:

Yay for a new giveaway!! Thanks Karen!!
15. Jenn said, on January 6th, 2009:

ooooh another giveaway! so awesome
16. Toma said, on January 6th, 2009:

I’d love to win! Thank you!

Toma´s last blog post..Shrinkle Love
17. Rachel said, on January 6th, 2009:

ugh, i’d wanna win this if only it was for the softlips! gimme gimme!
18. Carol said, on January 6th, 2009:

ive always wanted to try this brand!
19. Jinnzor said, on January 6th, 2009:

That looks great! Count me in
Jinnzor´s last blog post..The Lemming Has Landed: Nfu-Oh Cuticle Oils
20. Brittni said, on January 6th, 2009:

Awesome!!! Goodluck everyone!!
21. lily said, on January 6th, 2009:

cool! I want to try this
22. jojoba said, on January 6th, 2009:

fantastic post!!! Thanks for the tips.

jojoba´s last blog post..Review/Swatch: Chanel Spring Collection 2009
23. Dao said, on January 6th, 2009:

awesome! I love Softlips!

Dao´s last blog post..Gifts from the Aloha State!
24. YL said, on January 6th, 2009:

great article love that the budget items are highlighted for us.
25. Michelle said, on January 7th, 2009:

ooh, I’ve always wished Softlips would be available in Malaysia.
26. emilyN said, on January 7th, 2009:

yay, new contest
I love it thanks
27. vic said, on January 7th, 2009:

i want some soft lips..
28. odelle said, on January 7th, 2009:

Whee, another giveaway!

Hopefully I win this time, thanks again!
29. judy said, on January 7th, 2009:

oooh! c’mon baby! mama needs new skincare!
30. Monica said, on January 7th, 2009:

I wanna win!!!!! we dont have that kind of products here in Spain so I hope I get lucky!!!
31. Pquanda said, on January 7th, 2009:

Cheers to new skin!
32. Pquanda said, on January 7th, 2009:

Cheers to new skin!
33. Rachel L said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’d love to try some of these products, thanks for the giveaway!
34. Crystal said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’ve been wanting to try out pHisoderm for a while now
35. Candace C said, on January 7th, 2009:

Hello,

I would be greatful if I won these great goodies. This is an awesome line of skincare that I have’nt tried yet. Thanks.

Candace C´s last blog post..Sale: 25% Off Mac Online
36. Carlie said, on January 7th, 2009:

Nice giveaway.. although, some should be wary of salicylic acid, because some people are sensitive to it.
37. Carolina Morais said, on January 7th, 2009:

I would love to try all those wonderfull things!
38. Melia said, on January 7th, 2009:

Thanks so much for the advice and the giveaway!
39. Steph K said, on January 7th, 2009:

whoo! I would love to win!
40. Joanne said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love softlips!

I haven’t used phisoderm since my high school days, but I would like to see how they work now.
41. Luciana said, on January 7th, 2009:

I need those softlips!
42. Danielle said, on January 7th, 2009:

Karen, thanks for the giveaway!

I love your website!!
43. Kat C. said, on January 7th, 2009:

This is awesome!

Happy New Year!
44. Andrea said, on January 7th, 2009:

Been watching your blog for quite long, when ever I read it I feel refreshed and crazy to try something new. I which I werent so lazy to buy stuff and find them in Iceland. ANYWAYS cheers, and I hope I win too.

Happy New Year
45. Debbie said, on January 7th, 2009:

Karen as always great tips and finds. Happy New Year!
46. Julia said, on January 7th, 2009:

Sounds fantastic! I’ve never tried Phisoderm but would love to!
47. YadiQ said, on January 7th, 2009:

cool contest

i am always game to try new drugstore stuff
48. Lindsay said, on January 7th, 2009:

Wow, what a way to start the year off!!!
49. Vanessa H said, on January 7th, 2009:

Good Morning Karen!
Good tips, I didn’t even think about sunscreen for my lips, I’ll have to get some new chapstick
Happy Wednesday, closer to the weekend!
50. Susan said, on January 7th, 2009:

I used to use Phisoderm in high school and college, but switched to Clinique after getting my first “real” job. Our drugstores don’t seem to carry it anymore, and I was wondering if it was even still around! Good to know it’s available–it was great back in the day! Hope to win and try it again
51. Jaime said, on January 7th, 2009:

Ohh! I used to use pHisoderm a long time ago - I had forgotten about them! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
52. Bethany said, on January 7th, 2009:

Love this idea - so true! Drugstore products aren’t what they used to be!
53. Iliana said, on January 7th, 2009:

Ohhh I hope I get randomly picked!
54. pepper said, on January 7th, 2009:

Thanks for the contest!
55. Charan said, on January 7th, 2009:

pick me… pick me… lol

i have never seen this brand in this side of the world.. but i love soft lips.. best ever..

Charan´s last blog post..French Manicure
56. jessica said, on January 7th, 2009:

My skin is so dull right now, I definitely need a change in my skincare routine. =)
57. Meghan O. said, on January 7th, 2009:

Yay Karen! Thank for the awesome giveaway!
58. mustardsauce said, on January 7th, 2009:

awwww we don’t have phisoderm in my part of canada. my face feels like an aligator at the moment sooo dry
59. maryjoyce said, on January 7th, 2009:

Thanks for the giveaway!
60. Jen said, on January 7th, 2009:

Oh Oh Oh! Me likey!
61. Anina said, on January 7th, 2009:

It’s strange that in a tropical country, it’s cold enough to be dry. and moisturizers definitely have to be extra creamy!
62. fauxflush said, on January 7th, 2009:

Keep up the kudos for Regenerist serum!
63. Pat said, on January 7th, 2009:

Thanks for another opportunity to throw our names in! I’ve just discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and am really enjoying it - catching up w/your old posts at lunch!
64. Brittany said, on January 7th, 2009:

Awesome giveaway, Karen
65. KyaLyn said, on January 7th, 2009:

yay! Thanks for the giveaway!
66. Karen K said, on January 7th, 2009:

I never trusted drugstore skincare until I worked at a drugstore and realized there are actually great products available. Love your blog!
67. Christina said, on January 7th, 2009:

Awesome giveaway but I do have to say that I’ve heard that Softlips are some of the worst lipbalms you can use chemically.
68. Maur said, on January 7th, 2009:

Ooo baby I love me some softlips. Except I always leave them in the pockets of my jeans and then.. you know it… they go through the washer and dryer and I’m crying over another empty tube of softlips.
69. Tatiana said, on January 7th, 2009:

wowza
70. shanice said, on January 7th, 2009:

hurray ~
71. Lena said, on January 7th, 2009:

Oh, this is an awsome giveaway and I would love to win!
72. p. potter said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’ve been using the Clean & Clear in shower Facial and Cetaphyl cleanser, both drugstore brands. I love them!

I also just bought the Mini-Peel pads from Philosophy, which cost more than my cleansers combined. But what can I say, I love trying new things.

Now if I could only find a moisturizer that really worked on my dry, flaky skin!

p. potter´s last blog post..Modern Inconvenience
73. Janet said, on January 7th, 2009:

I looove SoftLips
74. Gail said, on January 7th, 2009:

Thanks for the contest. I’ve been looking for some new skincare!
75. Sophia said, on January 7th, 2009:

Great contest!!! Thanks for this giveaway!!!
76. Karen too said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love contests! Even if I neeeever win. Ever.
77. Tuhina said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love these giveaways… I never win, but I try anyways!
78. TPan said, on January 7th, 2009:

OO!! I hope I can get this! It’s my birthday the 8th!
79. Raha said, on January 7th, 2009:

Recession beauty..yay
80. Emma said, on January 7th, 2009:

Never heard of either brand, but I’m in!
81. Nessa said, on January 7th, 2009:

I would <3 to win again!

But I understand if I don’t
82. bria said, on January 7th, 2009:

very exciting!
83. Eileen said, on January 7th, 2009:

ooooo!! pHisoderms <333 I’m already a subscriber and I can’t think of any catchy/cute/sarcastic comment to make you pick me. So I’ll be generic and say “pick me!”

=)

Eileen´s last blog post..Masha Novoselova in Vogue Russia January 2009
84. Kam said, on January 7th, 2009:

Great giveaway and post! Always on the search for the perfect skin care products!
85. Sofia said, on January 7th, 2009:

Awesome giveaway! I’d really love to try the pHisoderm body wash, I have tons of pimples in my back, ick! Love the blog Karen, keep up the great work!
86. Kathy said, on January 7th, 2009:

ohh i never tried pHisoderm before
87. Gail said, on January 7th, 2009:

Me Please
88. Megan said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’m in. So sorry I’ve been MIA lately…I feel like I have been travelling for the past month…you know how that goes. My family is driving me nuts too. Too many problems for sure.

How is your mom (IL) doing? I know you, el hub and tabs are getting the year off to a happy start.
89. charlene said, on January 7th, 2009:

oh WOW! its like u heard my heart’s cry for some new skincare products in my life Karen!! great post too!!
90. Briana said, on January 7th, 2009:

Ooh, love all the drugstore skincare tips! Will definitely have to look for something with salicylic acid next time I’m there.
Love all your contests!
91. Josephine said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love me some Phisoderm!
92. veedee said, on January 7th, 2009:

Great New Year’s giveaway, aloooohaaaaaa!!!!!
93. lea said, on January 7th, 2009:

My skin could really benefit from this giveaway! *crosses fingers*
94. jenn said, on January 7th, 2009:

Me! Me! Me! I’m sooooooo dry!
95. Olivia said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’m so ready for some new skincare….my chin has gotten uber flaky and gross, HELP!
96. cloudburst said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’ve been meaning to try Olay Regenerist. Thanks for the contest Karen!
97. Shiny said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love your giveaways!
98. La La said, on January 7th, 2009:

I would love to try this line…Its difficult for me to find a good cleanser because of my combo skin…. An d plus i get a couple pimples that pop up once in a while…
99. Louisa said, on January 7th, 2009:

This would be such a wonderful way to start the new year.
100. Kiana said, on January 7th, 2009:

I hate to admit but I’m a drugstore beauty junkie ;]
101. jessica said, on January 7th, 2009:

sweet giveaway! I want to win!
102. Carolyn G said, on January 7th, 2009:

What a great giveaway. I love beauty supplies!!!
103. Michele P. said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love cosmetics from the drugstore…usually when on vacation, I will head to an all night Walgreens or CVS to get a new lipstick or eyeliner (because I have usually forgotten to put it in my makeup bag!)I have found lots of neat shades, and I blend them with the high end products I also purchase from time to time.
104. Sue C said, on January 7th, 2009:

Nice giveaway. It’s amazing how some of the most basic products do such a great job. I’d love to win.
105. Mansie said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’d love this!!

Mansie´s last blog post..Another Eye Look
106. Lillian said, on January 7th, 2009:

wow! the prize pack looks great! and so affordable! =D
107. amy rosen said, on January 7th, 2009:

I love certain drugstore skincare products, cetaphil cleanser, alpha hydrox souffle moisturizer, burt’s bees products, would love to win this prixze!!
108. Becky said, on January 7th, 2009:

Thanks! I hope to win.

Becky´s last blog post..CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain Swatches
109. Susan said, on January 7th, 2009:

pick me please!
110. Elaine R said, on January 7th, 2009:

I have just subscribed and I would love to try some new skincare products!
111. Hana said, on January 7th, 2009:

Want. <3 I used to use a Phisoderm cleanser that was really nice. And I still use and love the Phisoderm body wash. I think it’s a lot better than the Neutrogena anti-acne one.
112. Wendy said, on January 7th, 2009:

Whow! awesome giveaway!
113. Courtney L said, on January 7th, 2009:

I want this really bad for my mom. She really wants pretty skin and maybe this’d finally work. But the softlips? All of them? I’m taking them. Especially the tinted one. Oh. Okay. I guess she can have one. Even if I don’t win, I may buy her this stuff. Thanks for the suggestions.
114. Ashley K said, on January 7th, 2009:

I’d love to win, my skin is awful this summer!

Ashley K´s last blog post..Style vs. Comfort: What to wear when you’re traveling
115. Nikki said, on January 8th, 2009:

I’ve never tried Softlips so I hope I win!

Nikki´s last blog post..Askmewhats For A Cause
116. Angela said, on January 8th, 2009:

Great contest! Thanks for the chance to win a great prize Love the blog!

Angela´s last blog post..Freebie Break: Mary Kay Signature Ultimate Mascara
117. shukumei said, on January 8th, 2009:

I’d like to win! I never win anything.
118. Henri said, on January 8th, 2009:

Yay for contests open for us international gals, too!
119. Adina said, on January 8th, 2009:

Awesome giveaway K! I always had the notion that drugstore won’t get the job done, I could be wrong
120. Erin said, on January 8th, 2009:

Thanks for these tips. I’m having some weird acne, plus dry skin…. not hot!
121. Karen said, on January 8th, 2009:

YAY!! Hope I win
122. Lindsay said, on January 8th, 2009:

Awesome giveaway! I love almost anything “on the cheap!”
123. auroragyps said, on January 8th, 2009:

I’ve been wanting to start with the anti-aging stuff, but there’s so many products out there, it makes my head spin. Plus, not many (not me at least) can afford to keep buying different things to try. This a great way to try out some stuff without breaking the bank. This contest is full of win!
124. Jennifer said, on January 8th, 2009:

i love giveaways, and this stuff looks great.
125. Mel said, on January 8th, 2009:

I would really like to try those products and am so glad the contest is open for international people too!
126. Tina M said, on January 8th, 2009:

I would love to win this since I am now a recessionista!
127. Heather said, on January 8th, 2009:

I’m always down for drugstore skincare products! In my experience, the topical meds my doctors have prescribed for acne are way too harsh for my skin - I’ve had better results with OTC products (from Walgreens, natch!).
128. Kelly said, on January 8th, 2009:

Thanks Karen!!
129. Cindy Lartigue said, on January 8th, 2009:

OMG - I just came upon this website by accident - how lucky am I?! I used to constantly check Sephora.com for updates on new makeup, etc but I am now sold on the Makeup and Beauty Blog!!!!
130. Allison said, on January 8th, 2009:

OOO i want in! I need a skin care regimen–i have to admit that i usually don’t even wash my face before bed :-O
131. Belinda Yaxley said, on January 8th, 2009:

Thanks for the info, very interesting that cheaper brands can be effective too. Please enter me!
132. Lindsay said, on January 8th, 2009:

i am def going to try some of these products out!
133. Flae said, on January 8th, 2009:

I’ve always had these wrinkles on the bottom of my eyes…since I was 15! I’d love to find a way to get rid of them, and I think I might have to start some anti wrinkle cream
134. Eva said, on January 8th, 2009:

Hi there, Im ur website reader from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hope Im one of the lucky winner
135. Liz said, on January 8th, 2009:

What a lovely giveaway! I’m going to give the Olay serum a whirl. Why not? For $20, it’s a small investment.
136. Lyn said, on January 8th, 2009:

I just found your blog today, and was totally hypnotized by all the pretty eye shadow makeup tips! Good thing I scrolled to the bottom. Please enter me in the contest too!

< Older | Newer >

Skin Care on the Cheap: 5 Tips (and a Giveaway!)

1. Look for a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh soaps.

2. Opt for salicylic acid treatments if you have adult acne.

3. Incorporate an effective anti-aging product into your skin care routine.