Quality skin care products can yield fantastic results when used consistently and as directed … but (let’s be real) they can also be tough on the wallet. It’s no secret that a number of products in high-end lines can run anywhere from $100 to $300 a bottle, meaning that buying multiple products in these lines will run up a not-so-insignificant bill.

The good news is there are a few places you can cut corners in order to get the most bang for your buck. Our on-staff aestheticians note that if you’re shopping on a budget, you can generally economize on cleansers, moisturizers, and even sunscreens (though luxury brands admittedly tend to feel better and go-on smoother). That being said, they strongly recommend investing in a high quality serum.

Serums absorb into the skin more fully than other products, meaning you’re doing your skin a huge favor — both short and long-term — when you invest in one packed with the highest quality and most clinically-proven ingredients.

Because of this, Holly Byerly, our head aesthetician, provided her top “splurge picks” for when you can only invest in one or two pricier items:

SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum ($295) – Targets sagging/aging skin  

SkinMedica HA5 Serum ($120) – Targets Dryness

Lytera 2.0 ($154) OR SkinBetter Even Tone Correcting Serum ($140) – Targets hyperpigmentation

Dermaquest Dermaclear Serum ($67) OR SkinBetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum ($125)– Targets acne

Holly also threw in a few additional, non-serum based recs that she believes are 100% worth the investment:

SkinBetter AlphaRet ($125) OR AlphaRet Peel Pads ($95) – Target fine lines/improves skin texture

SkinMedica Eye Bright Cream ($88) OR SkinBetter Interfuse Eye ($105) – Brightens and smooths eye area

All of the above products are available for sale — either in-store or by-mail — at MedBeautyLA. Give us a call or text if you have questions at 213-640-4008.

Authored by Toria Sheffield