How Much Does My Nighttime Skincare Routine Cost?

Tiktok made me do it.

I have a Tiktok account, but I don’t use it to post videos.

Are the kids still calling that a “lurk” account?

Regardless, I guess that’s what it is.

Only, I’m not “lurking,” as in, being creepy.

I’m just nosy like the rest of the internet.

Anyways, I popped on the social media platform last week and came across a myriad of videos, in which beauty lovers break down their skincare routines (either their morning or nighttime regimen) and add up how much their regimen costs in total.

And damn.

Skincare can get expensive, y’all.

Granted, this isn’t exactly news to me; I’ve worked in the beauty sphere for almost a decade. However, unless I’m reviewing an entire collection, I’m usually focusing on one product at a time.

I can honestly say that, up until now, I’ve never considered how expensive my complete routine is.

So, we’re about to find out together.

***Disclaimer: Most if not all of the products listed ahead were generously gifted to me in PR.***

***This post is also not sponsored, nor am I being paid to write about the products mentioned.***

These are the skincare products I genuinely use on a regular basis and would recommend others try, too.

So, here’s how it works: Ahead, I’m breaking down all of the products that, on nights when I have my ish together and I’m not too sleepy to go through all of the steps, complete my routine.

Note: These are the products I currently use. My regimen is subject to change as I find new products I love or that work best for my skin at a given time. If you like this post, click the heart button, and maybe I can do another one come summertime!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Merle Norman Aqua Bliss Cleansing Lotion - $22

I recently started noticing how hard I have to scrub to get my eye makeup off with a wipe some nights, and ultimately decided I want to keep remover towelettes as a second in command to a makeup-removing cleanser.

I’m a few pumps away from finishing my first bottle of Merle Norman’s Aqua Bliss Cleansing Lotion. It’s a gentle formula that does a solid job melting away my face product and eyeshadow, but it’s not as effective when removing mascara. Though, that may be because I’m a mascara feign and layer it on.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - $8.99

Photo courtesy of Ulta.

As long as I’m wearing makeup, I will probably always have a package of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in my bathroom. Even if I find a makeup-removing cleanser that is without flaw, they’re great for when you’re too tired to go through a full routine. Since I have not found my all-in-one removing cleanser, grabbing a wipe to wash off any remaining makeup (namely mascara) is the second step of my “getting undone” regimen.

Kylie Skin Makeup Melting Cleanser - $29

I love a double cleanse, but I don’t *love* Kylie Skin’s cleanser. It was on hand when I ran out of my last face wash, so I decided to pick it up and test it out. Here’s the thing: I do like it - I wouldn’t use it if I didn’t - it just hasn’t *wowed* me. I like that it makes my skin feel soft and my husband says it smells good. I’ll finish the tube, but I won’t buy it myself.

r.e.m. Beauty Mist Thing Calming Face Mist - $24

Say what you want about celebrity-founded makeup and skincare brands. I’ve tried my fair share and I can admit that most of the lot live up to their “meh” reputation. However, r.e.m. beauty by Ariana Grande has not disappointed me yet, and when the Thank You, Next singer added skincare to her brand offerings, I was pumped to get my hands on them.

This mist is one of my favorite products from the collection. It looks like Listerine, but it smells like a lavender field, and it chills me out with a few spritzes and one very deep breath. It also seems to calm my skin, so I feel like it sets the tone for the rest of my routine.

Tatcha The Essence Skincare Boosting Treatment - $110

There’s a debate across the beauty realm over whether or not toner is necessary. Personally, I don’t care either way. Gently patting what feels like spa water into my face and neck feels luxurious, so I’m going to keep doing it.

But on to the benefits: The Essence by Tatcha is formulated from a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods (Akita Rice, Okinawa Algae, and Uji Green Tea) that, together, hydrate, balance, and soften the skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients and makes my complexion feel fresh.

Futurewise Slug Boost - $22

You can ask my friend Stephanie over at

Pitch, Please

- I was super skeptical of slugging when I first heard about the technique. I have combination skin and it's particularly acne-prone, so the idea of slathering something like Vaseline all over my face and letting it seep into my pours sounded like a nightmare. It turns out, in my experience at least, slugging is lovely and I’ve actually seen my skin clear up when I do it.

Futurewise is the brand that converted me into a believer. The Slug Boost is a hydrating spray that essentially sets the skin up for slugging success. It’s packed with humectants that “allow for deeper penetration in the skin.” In other words, it preps the skin so that the products you apply next can absorb better.

Futurewise Slug Cream - $24

If your skin is in dire need of hydration, this is the overnight salve you need. It’s a vegan formula made with a triple lipid complex that strengthens your skin barrier and keeps your complexion moisturized. It also softens the skin and I noticed a difference the first time I used it. This would be especially beneficial for anyone who experiences super dry skin in the winter.

Futurewise Slug Balm - $24

I don’t always use the Slug Balm, but when my skin needs a little extra TLC, I apply it after the Slug Cream to complete the system Futurewise put into place for its customers. It’s not sticky, but it is slick and will leave your complexion feeling, well, balmy. (If you’re trying to achieve the glazed donut look, let’s just say Hailey Bieber’s brand has met her match with this one.) It strengthens your skin barrier plus aids in optimal hydration.

The Outset Smoothing Vitamin C Eye Cream - $42

After years of testing eye creams, I’m still not sure if they work or not. In case they do, though, I’m going to keep using them (and if they have good ingredients that, at the very least, nurture the skin, it can’t hurt, right?).

The Outset is another celebrity-founded brand that I love. It’s Scarlett Johansson’s brainchild, and for what it’s worth, all of the other products I’ve tried from The Outset worked wonders. So, here’s hoping this one reduces my crow’s feet.

r.e.m. beauty Full Night's Sleep Undereye Balm - $22

Another brava moment for Ariana’s beauty brand. I have very dark circles under my eyes, but this balm brightens them up a bit. I also adore its cooling effect. It’s marketed as a morning skincare product to make you look more awake, but I like using it in my nighttime routine so that I wake up looking as ready to take on the day as I feel.

Mario Badescu Lip Balm - $8

I cannot go to sleep without applying a lip balm, and this is the one currently by my bedside. Described as a lip product formulated with “nutrient-dense butters, moisturizing oils, and soothing botanicals,” the rich cream definitely gets the job done.

So, how much does my nighttime skincare routine cost?

Hold on…

Let me pull up the calculator on my phone…

OK!

According to my calculations, the grand total is…

$335.99!

---

Ok friends, now it’s your turn! What products are in your skincare routine? Do you have a guestimate for how much your routine costs? Leave your guesses in the comments below, and give this post a *like* if you want me to do an updated calculation in the summer!

---

In case you missed my byline:

Here's How the Brand Khaite Became a Hollywood Staple

We Asked Stylists What to Wear to the Office in 2023

What to Wear to a Cocktail Attire Wedding, According to Stylists