5 Old School Products That Work

I love exploring all the different facets of skincare, and often find myself drawn to the "fancy stuff." You know what I mean: the hard-to-get face oils, the latest trendy products, the expensive body care rituals at celeb-frequented spas.

But there is something to be said for the less sexy side of skincare — the products that have been around forever, don't cost a ton, and probably had a home inside your grandmother's medicine cabinet. I've collected products like this over the years, and they've been staples ever since; skincare workhorses that have been around forever and are often overlooked for cooler, newer products. But not today!

We're about to dig into some classics that deserve a spot on your bathroom counter, all while not pissing off your bank account.

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

I've tried just about every "cleansing balm" there is out there, and I struggle with cleansing balms irritating my sensitive eyes, but Pond's Cold Cream has recently edged out all of them as my number one. Using it is simple: smear it on your face, massage it around for about a minute, and then wipe or wash it off. You could include this as the first step in a double cleanse routine, and some people may want to rinse or wash it off completely as its first ingredient is mineral oil, which is known to clog pores. But because it's 50% moisturizer, and leaves skin feeling especially soft, many people like how their face feels after simply wiping it off with a cotton swab. If you have sensitive skin, I'd recommend the fragrance-free version.

To shop: $6; target.com

Nivea Original Daily Moisture Lotion

Growing up, my grandmother kept a tin of Nivea Creme in every room — this is not an exaggeration. The ease with which I could find a jar at her house is what got me hooked on it as a kid. Recently I grabbed a giant container of it at the drugstore, and have been reminded about why my grandmother was so attached to it. There's no getting around it: this stuff is thick and moisturizing. It may not be your go-to in the dead of summer, but if you're looking for something that goes on silky smooth and leaves your skin feeling amazingly supple, this is it. In my opinion it falls into the "whipped body butter" camp of today's lotions and creams. I tend to find many body creams unappealing because they just sit on top of my skin but this stuff soaks in like a sponge. I love the powder-y scent, though it may not be for everyone. Still, at this price, it's worth a try.

To shop: $5; walmart.com

VIDEO: What Is Pandemic Aging?