A celebrity makeup artist shares 4 skincare products she swears by — all under $25

• Molly R. Stern is a celebrity makeup artist with over 25 years of experience.
• She works with A-list clients like Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, and Maya Rudolph.

Unsurprisingly, the beauty products and treatments preferred by celebrities tend to be on the expensive side.

Molly R. Stern, who's done the makeup for clients like Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, Cara Delevingne, Nicole Kidman, and Maya Rudolph over the past 25 years, loves using everything from intensive face masks to facial sculpting tools.

Skincare items can get especially pricey, leaving us non-celebs looking for budget-friendly alternatives that'll still give us that Pedro Pascal glow.

Luckily, Stern has a few under-$25 favorites, from a makeup-friendly moisturizer to an affordable vitamin C serum.

1. A soothing facial spritz

Thayers Natural Remedies Natural Remedies Rose Petal Facial Mist, $6.69

With all of her clients, Stern always starts by spritzing a facial mist to add hydration to the face and give the skin a little refresh. "This is a wonderful and affordable product," Stern told Insider, noting that the rose water offers healing benefits to the skin barrier.

2. A creamy moisturizer that doesn't get too heavy

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Face Cream & Makeup Primer, $14.40

Stern, who's always been a "big fan" of this moisturizer, said she liked this cream "because it's emollient but not heavy," making it a great option for wearing under makeup.

It contains ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and beeswax, and can be used as a primer, face cream, and face mask.

3. A vitamin C serum that doesn't break the bank

Native Brightening Vitamin C and Niacinamide Facial Serum, $19.99

Vitamin C serum has multiple anti-aging benefits and is considered by dermatologists to be an important part of your daily skincare routine.

Stern, who believes vitamin C's "brightening qualities really work," suggested Native's version as a grea drugstore product that still works.

4. A ceramide serum to protect your skin barrier

cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum, $21.99

Ceramides are fatty acids that help protect and hydrate the skin barrier. They can have anti-aging effects as well as reduce symptoms in conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Stern recommended this version as a "nice, lightweight serum" that "layers beautifully and really quenches the skin."