If you like The Ordinary...

Sometimes you need a Zara-like shopping spree for your skin.

When I discovered the joy that is The Ordinary, I couldn’t believe that there were so many ingredient-driven formulas at such insanely affordable prices. It was almost overwhelming, but I discovered several gems, and I still use the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution to this day.

Although I will never give up my SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, I’m always on the hunt for fun, exciting wallet-friendly brands to shop. My high-low approach to beauty has served me well thus far, and I’m happy to share that I recently found a new way to play.

It’s called Facetheory, and in addition to clinical Ordinary-like vibes, you get clean formulas with lots of acids and retinol. (Music to my ears!) This brand covers a lot of face, body and makeup ground, and you can shop by concern to help narrow down the options. I started with “Anti-Ageing” and there was no shortage of choices.

That’s when I hit up the handy-dandy “Build Routine” link. I ignored the fact that I was in the uppermost age category and then answered the usual questions about my skin. I liked that they asked if I prefer a simple or more complex routine (you know the answer to that one) and if I prefer lightly-scented or unscented products.

Here’s what was recommended:

Vitamin C, ceramics, retinol, encapsulated retinoid, peptides, polyhydroxy acids, Q10, hyaluronic acid—oh my! (And they even tell you when to use each product.) The kicker: My entire regimen (including the “optional” products) came to $116—which is significantly less than a bottle of C E Ferulic.

With spring approaching, a few changes to your skincare routine are likely in order. You might want to check out Facetheory, and get a whole new routine while you’re at it!