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Put Your Best Face Forward

Drugstore skin care that works like the pricey stuff

With so many choices on the shelves, it can be difficult to decide which skin care product is best for you and how much to spend. Blend Images/Alamy Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 2. Try a brand or ingredient that is new for you with one item. Unlike prestige brands, sampling isn't possible when economizing. You can select a posh but frugal product with a key new ingredient like hyaluronic acid — the new-this-minute hottie. It acts like a supersponge , attracting water to the skin to plump up lines. So for a great introduction, consider Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb: The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer at $13, L'Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Glowing Water Cream for Extra Dry Skin at $14, or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid at $18. 3. Add in your problem-solving extras. You may use these in your basic routine as needed. Try an eye gel that deswells and brightens or a disposable sheet mask that freshens a tired face quickly on special mornings. as the final step in your regimen. This inexpensive item (after all, who buys expensive sunscreen?) will protect you from new wrinkles, lines, brown spots and even skin cancer — but only if it's a daily morning habit and you reapply when outdoors. By now you know whether your skin prefers a physical block (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) such as CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 or a chemical one (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone) such as Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70. Filip Warulik/Getty Images 5. Intrigued by organics? No need to splurge. The focus on wellness has pushed organic and natural skin care lines — once carried only in hippie health food stores — to luxury status with brands like Rodin Olio Lusso and Tata Harper. If you prefer no silicones, GMOs, petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors and parabens, or are vegan, then look for ethically sourced and cruelty-free products in several drugstore lines. SheaMoisture, Alba Botanica, Avalon Organics and Pacifica combine botanicals and modern technology at reasonable price points. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > For more beauty and style tips for women age 50+, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson and . More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS