The Celebrity-Inspired Glow Trick That Costs Under $20
If you’ve ever wondered how certain celebrities keep their skin luminous between long days, there’s a low-cost, high-payoff step that’s been quietly used by makeup artists for years. While we can’t confirm every detail of Jennifer Aniston’s routine, the budget-friendly technique rumored across sets and vanities is simple: lock in hydration with an occlusive balm or ointment at the very end of your nighttime routine. Think petrolatum-based formulas that seal moisture, smooth texture, and help skin look fresh and radiant by morning.
In short: it’s not flashy, but it works. And yes, it can be done with products under $20.
What Is the $20 Secret?
The secret is a thin layer of an occlusive balm—often a petrolatum-based ointment—applied as the final step in your evening routine. You may have seen this called “slugging.” Products like Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Advanced Therapy) or classic Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly are widely used because they’re inexpensive, gentle, and extremely effective at reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The result: skin that stays hydrated longer, looks bouncier, and reflects light better—aka glow.
Prefer a lighter, plant-based option? A few drops of squalane oil (such as The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane) can provide a similar cushiony seal with a less balmy finish. But for maximum overnight barrier support on dry or mature skin, petrolatum-based ointments are the MVP.
Why It Works: Barrier Repair, Simplified
Your skin barrier is the thin, protective layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s compromised—think dryness, flaking, tightness—fine lines look deeper and makeup grabs onto texture. An occlusive balm creates a breathable seal on top of your skincare. That seal:
- Prevents water loss overnight so hydration actually stays put.
- Boosts the payoff of your serums by keeping humectants (like hyaluronic acid) in contact with the skin longer.
- Softens texture so foundation and concealer glide instead of catching.
It’s the simplest way to punch above your skincare’s weight—especially in dry climates, winter months, or whenever your routine includes actives like retinoids.
Who It’s For (And Who Should Skip It)
- Best for: Normal to dry, dehydrated, mature, and sensitive skin types. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, or your makeup looks cakey by noon, you’re a great candidate.
- Proceed with caution: Acne-prone or very oily skin. Occlusives aren’t pore-clogging on their own, but layering them over heavier creams or comedogenic products can trap oil. Try a micro-layer (pea-size for the whole face) or focus only on dry zones like under-eyes, around the mouth, or cheeks.
- Avoid: Applying over active breakouts or open blemishes. Keep it to calm, intact skin.
How to Use It: A 5-Step Night Routine
Think of the occlusive as the finale—your glow insurance policy.
- Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
- Step 2: Hydrate with a mist or essence, then a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin. Pat, don’t rub.
- Step 3: Treat with your targeted serum (retinol on alternate nights, peptides, or antioxidants).
- Step 4: Moisturize with a cream that suits your skin type.
- Step 5: Seal with a pea-size amount of an occlusive balm. Warm it between fingers, then press over high-movement, dryness-prone areas (under-eyes, nasolabial folds, chin) and expand as needed. You’re aiming for a thin veil—not a thick layer.
Pro tips:
- Use a micro-layer if you’re new to it. You should not feel greasy—just cushioned.
- Alternate nights if you’re oily or live in a humid climate.
- Don’t use as a daytime step under makeup; reserve it for night. In the morning, cleanse lightly and follow with a no-white-cast SPF.
Luxury Pairings That Elevate the $20 Secret
Where the magic happens: pairing high-performance actives with an affordable occlusive to lock in results. If you love a luxury moment, layer your treatment step with one of these editor-loved options—then seal with your under-$20 balm.
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum: A silky, multi-weight hyaluronic that pulls water into the skin for immediate plumpness. Follow with your moisturizer and then your occlusive to reduce water loss overnight.
- Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: A cult-favorite for dry or mature skin. Its TFC8 complex supports the skin’s environment; sealing it with a thin balm layer helps maintain that dewy, cushioned feel till morning.
- La Mer Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream: If you prefer a luxe occlusive-leaning cream, this is the splurge. Use it alone, or add the tiniest veil of balm just on dry patches for extra insurance in cold weather.
Budget-luxury balance: keep your serum or cream as your splurge, and let the under-$20 occlusive do the heavy lifting to preserve hydration. It’s the smartest way to get a “red carpet” finish without overhauling your entire routine.
Does It Really Make a Difference?
Yes—especially if your skin looks dull by morning or your makeup clings to dry spots. Many people expect a glow serum to fix everything; the truth is, if water is evaporating from your skin overnight, even the best actives can underperform. An occlusive step keeps what you’ve already applied working longer, which is why the payoff feels disproportional to the price.
Realistic expectations: it won’t replace retinol, vitamin C, or sunscreen. It’s a support act—an elegant finishing move that makes the rest of your routine look and feel better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much. A pea-size amount is enough for the whole face; add a rice-grain more for neck and under-eyes.
- Layering over comedogenic products. Keep what’s underneath non-comedogenic, especially if you’re breakout-prone.
- Skipping SPF the next day. Always wear broad-spectrum SPF in the morning; glow looks best when skin is protected.
- Expecting it to fix active acne. This is about hydration and barrier support, not a blemish treatment.
Quick Routine Recipes
For dull, dry, 35+ skin (winter):
- Cleanser → Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum → Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream → thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment to seal.
For combo skin (targeted zones):
- Cleanser → lightweight gel moisturizer → micro-layer of Vaseline on under-eyes and smile lines only.
For sensitive skin:
- Cleanser → soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer → squalane oil finish or a whisper of ointment on cheeks only.
The Glow Curated Verdict
If you want timeless, camera-ready skin without a complete routine overhaul, the under-$20 occlusive step is absolutely worth it. It’s one of those rare “worth the hype” techniques: low effort, instant cushion, and a visible morning-after payoff. Pair it with a stellar serum or cream you love, and you’ll get luxury results—minus the luxury price for every single step.
Want our favorite pairings and pro-level layering maps for your skin type? Tap through the pin to see more routines and shop editor-approved picks.
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