In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed

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