Affordable skincare that makes you glow as if you’ve had 8 hours uninterrupted sleep

Let’s be honest — life as a parent can take its toll on your skin. Late nights, early mornings, and approximately zero time for yourself. I know I’m not alone when I say some days I put myself at the bottom of the list — everyone else gets fed, dressed, and cared for, and then I catch sight of my disheveled, curly-haired mop in the mirror and think, wow, I really need to sort my life out.

The eye bags are real.

But I’ve finally found a simple, affordable skincare routine that actually works. It leaves my skin glowing and—although my hair might still look like I’ve been wild camping in gale-force winds, and my outfit screams “three-day festival survivor”—my face stays fresh. Minimal breakouts, fewer fine lines, and the eye bags? They’ve downgraded from “bags for life” to mini clutch bags (clutching on for dear life 🤣).

My go-to routine

Morning & night

🧴 Cleanser:
CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin

I rarely get breakouts, but this keeps my skin balanced and stops any surprise spots from showing up. Bonus: it lasts ages!

💧 Serums:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Brightening & Smoothing Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
I apply this first — it helps to brighten, smooth, and control any blemish-prone areas.

Then I layer it with:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), Multi-Depth Hydration Serum for Plumper, Smoother Skin

These two together are magic. They make my skin feel tighter, more hydrated, and far less tired — like I’ve actually had a full night’s sleep (a wild fantasy, I know).

🧴 Moisturiser:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan, Lightweight Gel Moisturizer for All-Day Hydration

This one’s light, fresh, and perfect as a makeup base. No greasy shine, no cakey residue — just happy skin.

That’s my stripped-back routine for when I’m short on both time and patience.

When I have a few extra minutes (aka a minor miracle)

Little slices of skincare luxury that won’t break the bank or end up gathering dust in a drawer.

👀 For the eyes

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Depuffs, brightens, and honestly feels like it wakes you up. Whoever invented this — I love you.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

A bit pricier but totally worth it, especially before bed. This one got me through the newborn stage — and yes, I’m ordering more because we’re in the middle of a sleep regression (if you know, you know).

🌙 For the face

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

My absolute nighttime saviour. Rosehip oil has rescued my skin from stress, sleeplessness, and dullness more times than I can count. After using it, I feel like a freshly birthed Greek goddess ready to drift into a fluffy cloud of sleep.

Final thoughts

I see so many skincare routines online that are either unaffordable or far too much faff. For everyday mums, simple is best — quick, effective, and consistent. If your face feels good, it doesn’t matter what your hair or clothes are saying (though if you’ve got curls like mine, that’s a whole other story).

Stay tuned for The Curly Girl’s Guide to Taming the Beast Upon Your Noggin!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest reviews and recommendations. Thank you for your support!