beauty · Skincare
my entire skincare routine costs less than one AP textbook
Four products. Under $50 total. My freckles are thriving and so am I.
By Skylar · August 21, 2026 · 3 min read
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I have red hair and freckles, which means my skin is basically a sensitive little sunburn waiting to happen. I also don’t want to spend a fortune on it. Here’s what actually works.
morning
Splash of water. Ceramide moisturizer (the tub). Sunscreen, non-negotiable, even in Ohio in February.
night
Gentle cleanser, the tub again, and if I remember, a gentle retinol I use twice a week. That’s it. That’s the routine.
Total: about $46. My AP Chem textbook was $180. I know which one improved my life more.
shop the post
the stuff from this post.
Amazon Basics
Big Claw Clip (3-pack)
For red hair that has opinions. One is always missing.
“the only skincare step i do every single day”
CeraVe
Ceramide Moisturizer
The tub. You know the tub. Repurchased four times.