Skincare on a Budget? Score These Incredible Beauty Products at Trader Joe's.
I turned 30 about a year ago and ever since that milestone birthday, I spend more time researching, purchasing, and using skincare products than I do on all of the dating apps combined.
Even though skincare is now officially a line item in my budget, I will confess, I do not always have the financial means nor the wellness expertise to navigate the expanding world of skincare. I’ve found Trader Joe’s to be very helpful here, offering something for every skin type and step in your regimen, always at an affordable option. To help you on your next trip to the funky grocers, I’ve rounded up the best skincare products that Trader Joe’s offers.
SPA Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil
I’ve been using this face wash for years and it’s never done me dirty (no pun intended).
Tea tree oil is great for removing dirt, clearing up blemishes, and giving my skin a little tingle, which is a fun bonus. My skin feels so clean after using this face was, but not overly dry. It’s such a great value; you only need one squirt, making it last for months after most face washes do.
Natural Tea Tree Oil Cleansing Pads
All of the benefits of the Tea Tree Oil Face Wash in the convenience of disposable pads. These cuties are perfect to have in your gym bag, office, or next to your bed if you haven’t yet developed a religious nighttime skincare routine, or if you skip it every once in a while.
The pads are pre-moistened with a fairly concentrated Tea Tree oil, which can be drying, so be mindful to moisturize after using these.
Blueberry & Acai Facial Scrub
This fruity cleanser wears three different hats. It is a gentle exfoliator, an acidic mask, and smells like blueberries – yum!
How to use: Step 1: Apply to skin and leave it on your face for 10-15 minutes, allowing the acid from the blueberry and acai do the hard work.
Step 2: Wash away, using the blueberry seeds to gently scrub the dead skin cells off of your beautiful face.
Step 3: Graciously accept the dozens of compliments you will receive about how good you smell from people in your personal space.
Microdermabrasion Scrub Exfoliating Cream
If you’re not familiar with microdermabrasion, it’s a treatment meant to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, milia, acne scarring and other skin-related concerns.
Everyone’s skin can benefit from a little microdermabrasion and that’s exactly why Trader Joe’s created their own formula, which is very comparable to Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. I’ve used both, saw similar results, and at one-eighth of the price, I will take the Trader Joe’s version every time.
Because this an extra strength exfoliant, I recommend building up use of it. Start using it no more than 1-2 times a week, maxing out at 3-4 times per week.
Rose Water Facial Toner
When I first saw this on TJ’s shelves, I was confused why one would ever need rose water spritzed on their face. But at the same time, I liked the idea of having something so pretty and superfluous on my skincare shelf, so I had to buy it. And I am so glad I did.
The titular ingredient, rose water, has a lot of anti-inflammatory components, reducing redness on your skin. It also contains witch hazel (for cleansing) and glycerin (for moisture).
I use this as my toner in my skincare routine, after cleansing and before serums (our Editor-In-Chief and Founder, Mandy Ansari, also swears by this product). But this is also great for a post-workout refresh or anytime you want to cleanse your face but you don’t have access to a shower or sink. According to Trader Joe’s, it can even be used as makeup setting spray.
Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum
This serum is really light and watery, or aqueous as the beauty bloggers say, which leaves my skin feeling quenched, but not weighted down.
Hyaluronate is this cutie’s secret weapon, which aids our skin in retaining water to create plumper, softer, and smoother skin, and an absolute must in any skincare routine.
And while hyaluronate isn’t hard to find in beauty products these days, it can get pricey very quickly. Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum is a fraction of the price of big-name brands, without sacrificing quality.
Antioxidant Facial Serum
I love this serum because it leaves my skin with a velvety finish. True to its name, this facial serum is packed with antioxidants, one of which is CoQ10, which helps to counteract environmental damage to increase your cells’ energy level.
Another bonus of the Antioxidant Facial Serum, the first ingredient listed is cyclopentasiloxane, which is a lightweight silicone with a silky, slippery feel that functions as a skin/hair conditioning agent, making it a great make-up primer.
Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion
This is a light moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. The SPF 15 is an added bonus, especially for me because I am always looking to save a step to my ever-growing skincare routine.
Ultra-Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
Who doesn’t need a lightweight, aqueous moisturizer that locks in hydration? Trader Joe’s Ultra-Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is a friend to all skin-types. Without being oily or greasy, this is slightly thicker than most gel moisturizers, but only slightly, and it’s still perfect for the summertime. It also contains green tea extract and aloe to soothe and calm your skin.
