13 best anti-aging creams, serums, moisturizers & masks under $35, according to a 47-year-old skincare addict

This ophthalmologist-tested hydrating eye cream really delivers. As long as I'm consistent with daily use, dark circles and tired eyes are no more. 

As I detail here, this eye cream, with its essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, is one item I never travel without. You don't need much—just a few light dabs under your eyes, and you are good to go. 

However, with twice-daily applications, the small 14.2g tube doesn't last long, so it's a good idea to stock up when it's on sale. 

Vitamin C serum is a newer addition to my skincare routine. I had tried another brand, and it irritated my skin, so I've been hesitant to reintroduce it. However, this pH-balanced formula made with all-natural and organic ingredients feels amazing on my sensitive skin.

My sun and age spots are fading, and the formula, which also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, absorbs quickly, leaving my skin so soft. It even comes with a spray nozzle, which I appreciate for easy application. 

Lightly citrus-scented, I have been limiting my application to evenings, but the suggested use is twice daily. With over 17,000 five-star reviews, I am not the only one in love with this product, which one reviewer dubbed a "game changer for skin care." 

I bought this popular retinol eye stick a few months ago and couldn't wait to try it. While the applicator is super easy to use, I prefer to put some on my finger and apply it that way. I found it tugged a bit on my delicate eye area when I put the stick directly onto my face, and that freaked me out. 

The retinol, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid formula definitely moisturizes, and my fine lines are improved, but there was an adjustment period. The first few times I used it my under eyes appeared puffier and irritated, most likely my skin getting used to the retinol. 

Would I buy it again? Totally. It is hands down one of the most convenient eye products I have ever used. 

It's no secret ice baths are having a moment, with many celebrities swearing by them to improve circulation and overall health. There's no way I'm getting into a tub of ice water, but a facial ice roller is something I can get behind, especially when celebs like Hailey Bieber swear by them. 

This one is relatively easy to use. You just fill it with water, and in four hours or so, you have what my four-year-old calls "mama's face popsicle." 

I've been using it first thing in the morning and it's better than caffeine at waking me up. My pores look smaller and my skin feels tighter. You can even customize it by adding essential oils or filling it with green tea or cucumber water for additional anti-inflammatory benefits. 

One caveat: Be sure to let it sit for about five minutes before trying to open it. The first time I tried to use it, the ice block broke in half, which was super annoying. Next time, I ran it underwater for ten seconds to loosen it a bit, and it opened easily. 

At less than $10 dollars, I'm getting this tool for everyone in my family (including my dad). 

These Jessica Alba-approved eye masks were a must-try for this tired mama of two. After a sleepless night with my youngest, I needed something to help revive me and these little wonders did the trick. 

Infused with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, plant-based collagen and amino acids, the gentle masks took my under-eyes from exhausted to energized in less than 20 minutes. 

They also stay in place under my eye and don't slide around, a problem I have had with other brands. With over 14,000 five-star reviews, customers are calling these "absolutely amazing" masks "magic" — and I totally agree.  

During the summer months, I rely daily on a toner to give my skin that extra refresh. 

When I ran out of my go-to from Sephora, I decided to give this one geared toward more mature skin a try. 

The energizing vitamin C and vitamin B5 brighten my skin after each use. It feels great and doesn't dry out or irritate my sensitive skin. 

Just keep in mind it does have a light fragrance, which I love, but it can be a turn-off to anyone preferring fragrance-free products.     

Since entering medical menopause as part of my treatment for breast cancer, the skin on my arms and legs has become super dry and crepey. This heavy overnight cream from Aveeno is great at helping to restore some hydration and elasticity to my rapidly aging skin. 

I love applying it at night and waking up to smoother skin. It doesn't smell great and definitely has an Elmer's glue-like consistency, but it works, so I can overlook its drawbacks. 

I used to use this product years ago but had to stop as I couldn't stand the smell and it turned my arms orange. 

Luckily, Jergens has improved the formula. The new scent reminds me of a day at the beach, and my arms look toned and tan (not orange). I'm pretty fair, so I opted for the fair-to-medium formula, but I could see myself going up a shade for those days I wanted a deeper-looking tan. 

Just remember that the product doesn't contain sunscreen, so be sure to apply some SPF before going outside. I also swim a lot in the summer and the product doesn't rub off on my clothes like the previous blend did, which is an added bonus. 

One thing: If you're like me and have a few sunspots and freckles on your arms, keep in mind the moisturizer will make them appear darker. It's not a big deal, but it can be a bit alarming when you inspect your arms and notice the spots standing out more. 

I can honestly say that this is one product I never leave the house without applying. Broad spectrum SPF? Check. Hydrating hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide? Check. Non-comedogenic? Check. It also works well under makeup and keeps my skin moisturized all day long. It's great on all skin types and is such a perfect size for travel. 

I'm always on the hunt for makeup-removing solutions that leave skin hydrated, and I recently added this Amazon's Choice product to my cart. 

I'm for anything that has hyaluronic acid and peptides and appreciate how just a small thumbnail-sized amount, scooped out with the included spatula, is all it normally takes to remove even my dark black mascara. 

It truly does "melt" the makeup away but doesn't strip the skin. An added bonus: all e.l.f. products are vegan and cruelty-free. I will say that sometimes the balm does irritate my eyes but that's often true for me with other make-up removers as well. You just need to be very gentle around that delicate area and keep your eyes closed while using it. No peeking! 

After reading about this viral anti-aging cream, of course, I had to give it a try. 

This retinol and collagen formula is all that and a bag of chips (do people still say that?). My skin can be sensitive to retinol, so I started off by just using it at night, and wow, did the lines around my mouth look better when I woke up. 

The super light and non-greasy cream also absorbs quickly and I swear I can feel it working. The best part is that it comes in this self-dispensing container. You just push down, and the perfect amount is provided so you don't waste the product or over-apply. 

Be sure to also use it on your neck and chest, as it can really help improve skin texture. Remember to be vigilant with applying your SPF as retinol can make your skin more sun sensitive. 

If a product says that it's made for women over the age of 35, I will always be tempted to give it a try. 

This daily moisturizer contains collagen, which this 47-year-old needs to help regain some elasticity and firmness. Like all the L'Oreal products I have used, it feels great on and absorbs nicely into my skin. 

When I'm rushing around in the morning dealing with school drop-offs, I only have time for a few products, and I often find myself reaching for this one. It's hydrating, smells good and doesn't clog my pores. I put it all over my face and neck and it leaves my skin feeling soft. 

Is it a wrinkle expert? I don't know, but I love it and will keep using it. 

I use this hand mask from Aveeno at least once a week on my very dry hands and they immediately look and feel better. Every. Single. Time. 

The enriched prebiotic oat and shea butter formula helps restore some of the moisture all the daily hand-washing takes away. It says to wear the gloves for 10 minutes, but I like to keep them on for much longer. Suffer from calloused hands? These magic moisturizing mitts are a must. 

One reviewer said that she gave a pair to her husband who works warehouse jobs and the gloves made his hands so soft. Another customer said that the masks even "lightened" their age spots.