Brittany Mahomes' Affordable Skincare Routine Is Peak Relatability

While we might not be sitting next to Taylor Swift at a Kansas City Chiefs game anytime soon, there's one thing we can do to be more like Brittany Mahomes, and that's take advantage of her super-affordable skincare routine. In a recent Instagram story, Mahomes revealed that she suffers from perioral dermatitis, which manifests as a red rash with tiny bumps around the mouth. So, how does the 28-year-old former soccer player combat the pesky skin condition? "I've learned that simple is best," Mahomes said of her skincare routine in her Instagram story post. In fact, her regimen is so simple that it costs less than $125 altogether. 

While we're all for a simple routine with affordable products, we thought it best to confer with an expert to see if Mahomes' routine is up to snuff, so we spoke to Dr. Mariano Busso, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based out of Miami and Beverly Hills. In our exclusive chat, Dr. Busso was quick to point out that Mahomes' routine is somewhat specific to those suffering from perioral dermatitis. "[This condition] typically affects women between 25 [and] 45 and is often caused by topical steroid use. It is relatively easy to treat by stopping the use of steroid creams and taking a daily dose of tetracycline," he tells us. He went on to say that without proper treatment, the condition can "develop into rosacea." 

So, whether you're hoping to stop your perioral dermatitis in its tracks like Mahomes or you simply want to revamp your skincare routine, you'll want to check out Dr. Busso's top tips and skincare picks.

If you've ever stepped foot in a Sephora, you know it's easy to get carried away by all the fantastic products. But sometimes, the bare minimum is all you need for the perfect skincare routine. As for Brittany Mahomes, her vanity is stocked with products that address her specific skin concerns: Osmia's Black Clay Facial Soap, La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (for daytime), a thicker Vanicream's Moisturizing Cream (for nighttime), SkinFix's Eczema+ Dermatitis Relief Balm, and De La Cruz's Acne Treatment.

Pretty simple, no? We'll give Mahomes the benefit of the doubt, but there's one critical product missing from her routine. "For those in their mid-late 20s, the most important step is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily and make sure to reapply it throughout the day," Dr. Mariano Busso exclusively tells us. "Not doing so will dramatically increase your odds of developing skin cancer, not to mention cause your skin to sag and wrinkle." 

As for the beginning and end of each day, Dr. Busso highlights the importance of using a facial cleanser suited for your skin. "It's important to use a mild cleanser — one that removes oil for acne-prone skin and a hydrating cleanser for dry skin," he says. And don't forget your moisturizer — day and night. The dermatologist recommends La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm B5, Weleda's Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, and e.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! with SPF 30 – all under $20. "If you have acne or are already experiencing premature wrinkling or dark spots," he adds, "a topical retinoid can improve your skin." Beyond these basic products, Dr. Busso advocates for a healthy lifestyle: staying hydrated, eating a mostly plant-based diet, and getting plenty of exercise.

When shopping for skincare products, do you really have to sacrifice quality for price? "It's a common misconception that high prices equate with superior quality," Dr. Mariano Busso exclusively tells us. "There are plenty of good, effective, and affordable products to choose from in all skincare categories." Without exceeding $50 for a single product — and an average price of around $20 — it seems that Brittany Mahomes is well aware that expensive creams and serums aren't necessarily all they're cracked up to be. 

So, how do you make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck? "First, avoid counterfeit products by making sure your purchase is made through a trusted retailer, then check the label to see if the primary ingredient(s) you're looking for (e.g., glycolic acid? retinol?) is contained within," says Dr. Busso. "A good rule of thumb — the ingredients listed first on the label offer higher concentrations of that ingredient while those found further down offer lower concentrations". 

Naturally, Dr. Busso has a few recommendations. For SPF, Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is available for $9, while Differin's Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 is an easy drugstore find for around $11. CeraVe is a good facial cleansing option for both acne-prone and dry skin, and if you're looking to add retinol to your routine, Dr. Busso recommends LilyAna Naturals' Retinol Cream, which costs less than $20. If you're not sure what to buy, the dermatologist points toward "top picks" lists by media outlets that actually test the products before recommending them. "But beware of 'best of' lists that are sponsored by product manufacturers as the results may very well be skewed," he warns. 

For tried-and-true skincare picks, check out the 2024 Glam Beauty Awards.