Name: Meghan (aka Beauty Thrifter)

Skin Type: dry, sensitive

As much as I wish I had $150 to blow on a face cream, I don’t. I’d much rather pinch pennies discovering drugstore gems (there’s no shortage!), and then splurge on an occasional facial or pricy product that really delivers. Here’s how I mix and match in my weekly routine:

Morning: I wash my face in the shower, alternating between Boots Expert Anti-Blemish Cleansing Foam ($5) and Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing & Makeup Remover ($7), depending mostly on whether or not I removed all my eye makeup the night before. A few times a week I turn to my favorite CVS scrub, which I can usually find on sale for less than $2. After hopping outta the show’, I spritz on Boots Botanics Organic Rosewater Toner ($8). I hate swabbing toner on with a pad, so I transferred this rose-y scented wonder to an old spray bottle. After that, I apply Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($14). I’ve tested out tons of other drugstore day creams, but I always find my way back to this one.

Evening: I’m usually too tired for the whole cleanse, tone, moisturize routine at night so I always keep some cleansing cloths on hand. Right now, I’m giving some Spanish-made towelettes I picked up during my most recent Trader Joe’s trip a whirl. (Initial impression: Not too bad!) But my all-time favorites are the Say Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes ($8)—they rock. After cleansing, I smooth on Nip + Fab Night Fix Intensive Anti-Ageing Gel ($18). This stuff is wonderfully nourishing and when I do make time to put it on at night, I’m so grateful come morning.

Once a week: On Sunday, after cleansing, I put on a thin layer of REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55). The radiant, healthy glow it imparts is worth every penny and one tube lasts me around four months. After that, I turn to an old standby: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($10). They’re effective, satisfying and super affordable!

Every few months: I splurge on a sanity-saving facial. I love going to the Aveda Institute for $50 facials, but I also keep my eyes out for Groupons or monthly specials at my favorite spas. I figure with all the money I save using drugstore products, I can treat myself.