I Followed a Beauty Influencer’s Routine—and My Bank Account Is Still Recovering

Introduction: The Scroll That Started It All

It all began with an innocent scroll. One minute I was watching a cat video, the next I was hypnotized by a flawless-skinned beauty influencer demonstrating her 27-step skincare routine, complete with glowing serums, whispery voiceovers, and a top-shelf collection of products that looked like they belonged in a luxury boutique.

“This changed my skin in just three weeks,” she claimed while dabbing some product with a golden spoon. I looked at my own reflection—dull, tired, a little flaky—and thought, I want that. What I didn’t know was how much my wallet would suffer in pursuit of that glow.

Spoiler: It suffered. A lot.

Chapter 1: The Haul Heard ‘Round the Wallet

The first thing I did was compile a list of everything this influencer used in her daily routine. Morning and night. I thought, If I’m going to do this, I’m going all in.

Here’s a breakdown of what I bought:

Cleanser: $38
Toner: $42
Essence: $65
Vitamin C serum: $98
Hyaluronic acid serum: $45
Moisturizer: $80
SPF 50 sunscreen: $54
Retinol night serum: $110
Eye cream: $72
Overnight mask: $56
Lip sleeping mask: $22
Silk pillowcase (because apparently cotton is the enemy): $85
Facial roller: $40
LED light therapy mask: $180

Total Damage: $987. That’s before tax and shipping.
My skin hadn’t even improved yet, but my checking account was already breaking out.

Chapter 2: The Morning Madness

The influencer’s “simple” morning routine was an eight-step process. First was the gel-based cleanser, followed by the toner (applied with a reusable bamboo pad), then the essence, the vitamin C serum, the hyaluronic acid, the moisturizer, and finally—SPF.

I was glowing alright. Mostly from the sheer effort of remembering what came next.

It took 30 minutes, and that was on a good day. I missed my bus twice that week, running late because I was “layering” like a dedicated skincare acolyte.

But I looked slightly dewier… or maybe that was sweat.

Chapter 3: Nighttime—The Neverending Ritual

I used to go to bed after brushing my teeth and slapping on some lotion. Now? I had to set aside 45 minutes for my nightly skincare journey.

That included:

Double cleansing (because apparently one cleanse is for amateurs),
Toner, essence (again),
Retinol serum (that made my skin tingle and question its life choices),
Eye cream, overnight mask,
Lip mask,
And five minutes under a LED light mask that made me look like a Marvel villain.

It was exhausting. By the end, I didn’t feel relaxed. I felt like I’d completed a college lab experiment—with my face as the test subject.

Chapter 4: The Treatments, Tools, and Trauma

As if the product haul wasn’t enough, my chosen influencer swore by monthly in-office treatments: chemical peels, microcurrent facials, dermaplaning, laser therapy… the list went on. I booked a “hydrating glow facial” for $145.

I left the spa feeling like a fancy glazed donut—and I loved it. But my bank account whimpered softly.

I then invested in a facial steaming device ($75), a gua sha stone ($30), and a subscription box for “monthly glow kits” ($49/month). Because heaven forbid I miss a trending peptide or fermented mushroom extract.

Chapter 5: Results… and Regrets

By week three, my skin genuinely looked better. My cheeks were plump, my forehead was smoother, and I had that elusive glass skin glow. Coworkers noticed. Strangers complimented me. One person even asked what foundation I used—when I wasn’t wearing any.

But was it worth the $1,500 I had now spent? (Yes, I tallied it up one night while crying over my bank app.)

If I had spaced it out over a year, maybe. But in one month? That was rent. Groceries. Several therapy sessions I now needed.

And here’s the kicker: my skin started breaking out from product overload in week four. Apparently, 11 different active ingredients aren’t always skin-friendly.

Chapter 6: The Psychology of the Pretty Trap

Beauty influencers are professionals. They have good lighting, camera filters, access to brand deals, dermatologists, and sometimes cosmetic procedures. But when you're a regular person watching them, it's easy to believe, If I just buy that serum, I’ll look like her.

It’s not just the products—they sell a lifestyle. One of effortless glow, mental wellness, self-care, and aesthetic bliss. And it’s seductive. Especially when you’re having a bad day or feeling insecure.

But that lifestyle comes with a price tag—one they rarely disclose in full. And it’s easy to ignore the fact that many of them get these products for free, or write them off as business expenses.

I, unfortunately, had no such tax deductions.

Chapter 7: What I Learned (And What I Won’t Be Doing Again)

Lesson #1: You Don’t Need 12 Products

Turns out, a dermatologist-approved routine can be as simple as:

Cleanser
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Retinol (if tolerated)

Your skin doesn’t need luxury. It needs consistency.

Lesson #2: Budget Before You Buy

Impulse-buying a $90 serum when you don’t have groceries in the fridge? Not ideal. I now use a “beauty budget” that limits how much I spend each month.

Lesson #3: Not All Influencer Advice is Created Equal

Some influencers work with dermatologists. Others promote whatever’s trending. Learn the difference. I now follow creators who are transparent about their routine, costs, and skin type.

Lesson #4: Skincare ≠ Self-Worth

Feeling good in your skin is important. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental health—or your financial stability.

Chapter 8: My New, Saner Routine

After a major reality check (and a conversation with my bank), I streamlined my entire routine down to 5 products. I ditched the overnight masks, the pricey eye cream, and the endless layering.

Now, my entire routine costs around $120 every 3 months. That’s less than half of what I spent in my first week trying to be an influencer clone.

Do I still get the occasional breakout? Yes. But I also sleep better, save money, and get to work on time.

And honestly? My skin still looks great.

Conclusion: Glow Responsibly

Influencer skincare routines are aspirational. They can introduce you to cool new products, techniques, and even healthy habits. But following them to the letter—without considering your skin type, lifestyle, or financial reality—is a fast track to buyer’s remorse.

Let’s be honest: some of the most beautiful people you’ll ever see online didn’t get there with just toner and moisturizer. There’s lighting, filters, money, genetics, and more.

Take what works. Leave what doesn’t. And always remember: glowing skin is great. But a healthy bank balance and a good night’s sleep? That’s real beauty.