I'm almost 50 but I look a decade younger — 12 drugstore anti-aging products that *actually* work

Retinol is the holy grail of anti-aging. This serum contains encapsulated retinol for fine lines and wrinkles as well as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and fresh. 

Just remember when using this fragrance-free formula to always apply sunscreen as retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun. 

This lightweight moisturizer with 30 SPF is great alone or under makeup. Its three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid protect and nourish your skin all day long. 

When it comes to anti-aging, it's important to never neglect the neck. The delicate skin in the neck and chest area can often show the earliest signs of aging. 

This firming cream contains a unique blend of retinol, jojoba oil, avocado oil and hyaluronic acid to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to keep you looking fresh. The convenient dispenser jar also ensures that you use the right amount every time. 

Even as I write this, I'm wearing a pair of these revitalizing eye masks. After a long night up with a sick kiddo, these cool masks are giving this tired mama a much-needed refresh. 

It may not be the same as a good night's sleep, but the mask's vegan formula of orange juice and hyaluronic acid is helping to keep my dark circles and under-eye bags at bay. And at under $4, I don't travel anywhere without them! 

I've been a fan of Bethenny Frankel since her Skinnygirl Margarita days on The Real Housewives, so when I read that she uses this Loreal lotion to give her skin a radiant glow, I was sold. 

I'm all about getting a healthy sun-kissed look sans sun and this product delivers just that. Plus it comes in four different shades for a more customized look.  

As I've said before, there is nothing ordinary about The Ordinary products. They are the perfect blend of awesomeness and affordability and this serum is no exception. 

A few drops of this hyaluronic and B5 hydrating serum and your skin appears immediately plumper and more hydrated. Hands- down, it's my absolute favourite hyaluronic blend ever. 

Made with clean, vegan ingredients, this easy-to-use retinol eye stick is perfect for travel and on-the-go application. 

After a few weeks of continual use morning and night, fine lines and dark circles are visibly improved. Just be sure to apply gently and avoid tugging at the delicate skin area around the eye during application.  

The anti-aging products I stick with the most are the ones that feel great on my skin. After a long day, this vegan toner from Sephora adds moisture and hydration to my tired skin. The fragrance-free formula gives my face a hydrating spa treatment right at home.  

There's a reason why this product is a number one bestseller on Amazon — it actually works! This ophthalmologist-tested cream is ideal for even the most sensitive eyes. It absorbs quickly into the skin and with just a little bit twice a day, the fine lines around your eyes will improve. Trust me, I know. 

Everyone I know over 45 uses or has used this "Amazon's Choice" product and loves it. With its powerful formula of pro-retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this cream leaves my skin looking and feeling firmer. 

If you would have told my acne-prone 16-year-old self that one day I would be applying oil to my skin, I would have never believed you. 

Made with essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, this facial oil is exactly what my over-40 skin needs to rejuvenate and revive my dull complexion. 

Nothing gives away your age more than the skin on your hands. This lightweight and fragrance-free hand cream is ideal for dry and damaged hands like mine. The ceramides and hyaluronic acid help keep my hands feeling soft and smooth all day long.