Because beautiful skin shouldn’t mean you have to break the bank.

When it comes to quality skincare, most of us don’t have a bottomless budget. Developing a consistent skincare routine is essential to the health and wellbeing of your skin, and you want to make sure you’re using quality products that work well with your skin.

Moisturizers in particular add a layer of protection to your skin, It’s important to moisturize your skin immediately after washing your face or taking a shower - by not using moisturizers regularly, your skin is at risk for extra dryness and irritation.

According to a Simmons National Consumer Survey, 24 million Americans use some form of moisturizer twice per day. This aligns with my personal theory that moisturizer is, arguably, the most important part of your skincare routine!

Think about everything your skin goes through between varying weather conditions year-round and washing/cleansing your face and body. Our skin can become dehydrated and easily dried out - this is where moisturizer comes in to save the day.

Moisturizers fall in a variety of categories. Look for any of these ingredients when shopping for moisturizers:

• Water-based Look at the ingredient list in most moisturizers, and you'll see that water is often the first one listed. Some of the water evaporates when you apply the moisturizer, but some also soaks in.

• Occlusives Petrolatum and the other oily substances in moisturizers are sometimes referred to as occlusives because they block the evaporation of water. Despite all the variations in moisturizers, petrolatum is still a mainstay and is often named third or fourth in the ingredient list. Many fatty or waxy substances can serve as occlusives. The commonly used ones include cetyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol), lanolin, lecithin, mineral oil, paraffin, and stearic acid.

• Humectants Humectants pull water into the stratum corneum both from the air and from deeper layers of the skin. However, when the humidity is low, there's so little water in the air that almost all of the water comes from the inside out. Some of the commonly used humectants include glycerin, honey, panthenol, sorbitol, and urea.

• Emollients Emollients make your skin feel smooth. Many ingredients that serve as occlusives and humectants do double duty as emollients.

• Vitamins Vitamin A reduces fine lines and wrinkles in the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and is the main ingredient in prescription anti-wrinkle creams.

With so many high-end moisturizers and serums available today, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with options. You may think the more expensive a product is, the better it is. While a little sporadic skincare splurge never hurt anyone, the truth is you don’t have to break the bank to find the perfect product for your skin. You just have to factor in your skin type and narrow down your need, and you’re all set.

Here are some of my favorite moisturizers that fit your perfect price point.

Budget-Friendly Moisturizers

Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer - $42

This is a great fit for a variety of skin types, especially dry, combination, or sensitive skin. It delivers hydrating, anti-aging, and rejuvenating results! This formula is a wonderful option for those with rosacea, eczema, and sensitive skin, and is artificial fragrance and paraben free.

BioElements Crucial Moisture - $25.88

Bioelements Crucial Moisture is a powerful treatment moisturizer that not only provides the skin with nourishing moisture, but it also enhances cellular activity to reduce the size and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to provide a more youthful complexion. As it smoothes and softens the surface of the skin, Bioelements Crucial Moisture optimizes the skin environment to prevent the formation of new age-signs while also firming loose areas for a more contoured complexion. This moisturizer is recommended for all skin types and conditions. It is particularly suited for dry, dehydrated skin and to treat aging skin by reducing the size and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

GloTherapeutics Oil Free Moisturizer - $45

Blended with botanicals and essential hydrators to lightly moisturize and balance skin. A lightweight, noncomedogenic hydrator that leaves a silky smooth finish. This moisturizer works best with oily or combination skin.

Skin Script Açai Berry Antioxidant Moisturizer - $30

Açai is great for the skin. The Amazonian berry is loaded with antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental age damage and brighten the skin tone. In addition, it is rich in nutrients to improve the health of the skin from the inside out, making Skin Script Rx Açai Berry Moisturizer incredibly nourishing for your skin while toning, tightening, and firming the skin for a more youthful and vibrant complexion.

Eminence Organics Apricot Whip Moisturizer - $56

Revitalize and replenish your complexion with Eminence Organics Apricot Whip Moisturizer. Immerse your skin in nourishing hydration with this vitamin rich moisturizer. Antioxidants go to work protecting the skin from free radical damage, while apricot juice feeds the skin essential vitamins and restores radiance and hydration. Fine lines and wrinkles are gently diminished as elasticity and suppleness are restored.

Epicuren After Bath Moisturizer French Lavender - $14

A unique blend of Epicuren skin treat emulsion and aromatherapy oil. This blend makes the perfect moisturizer for after shower and after bath – so relaxing! This product is the personal use version of Epicuren's 50/50 Professional Massage Oil/Lotion Formulation.

Coola Body SPF30 Unscented Moisturizer - $32

Coola SPF 30 Moisturizing Body sunscreen features a multifunctional vitamin and antioxidant-rich formula that delivers hydrating and nourishing agents to the entire body. The special liposome delivery system repairs and rejuvenates sun sensitive skin with 70%+ certified organic extracts, while cetyl phosphate (a plant derived emulsifier) works to prevent sunscreen actives from migrating into the skin by mimicking skin lipids. Natural phyto-protectors, including plankton and beeswax, act as natural sunscreen boosters for healthy head-to-toe sun protection. Ultra light, sheer, and perfect for every skin type!

Splurge-Friendly Moisturizers

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore (call for pricing)

Restore luminous skin with SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. The skin is reawakened with renewed evenness and elasticity. A glowing complexion emerges and appears more youthful and lifted, with decreased wrinkling and dryness. The lightweight formula dries quickly and is immediately absorbed by the skin. Moisture balance is restored in just 24 hours with the use of this cream. Fresh new skin is debuted, rescued and restored with lipid levels replenished; ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are brought into balance.

GM Collin Diamond Cream - $230

This luxurious cream provides intense and immediate hydration that lasts. It also visibly improves your skin’s elasticity and firmness while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin’s texture will be smooth and supple, thanks to the rich and velvety texture of the cream. Thanks to cutting-edge technology,this cream is formulated with precious and effective ingredients to provide a remarkable sensory experience.

Dermaquest Stem Cell 3D Complex - $248

Get younger skin that you can see in the mirror and feel with your fingertips! DermaQuest Stem Cell 3D Complex is a powerful anti-aging facial treatment cream that uses Biotech Marine and botanical stem cells to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, peptides brighten the tone of the skin and firm it for a more youthful appearance.

What is your favorite moisturizer? What skincare items do you save and splurge on? Let us know in the comments!