5 Affordable Beauty Buys To Have On Your Radar
Milani Screen Queen Natural Finish Foundation, £11
Why It’s Cult: With a whopping 45 shades on offer, this clever foundation made waves in the US when it first launched, and now it’s finally arrived over here. A must-try for anyone on a budget but looking for full-coverage, this unique formula also protects your skin from the blue light emitted from your phone or thanks to a special technology that beats dullness and discoloration, too. It’s so popular, in fact,100% of testers agreed their skin looked more luminous, while 94% said their complexion looked more awake. What’s more, it’s vegan and brimming with nasturtium flower extract to soothe redness and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
How To use It: Delivering a lightweight finish with medium coverage, a little goes a long way. If you prefer your look to be sheered out, apply it using a dampened BeautyBlender. For a more velvet-y effect, use a buffing foundation brush to work the product into the skin, focusing on the areas that need it most – think around the eyes, nose and chin. It sinks in fast, too, with zero creasing or flaking.
Available At Boots.com
Glossier Exfoliating Body Bar, £12
Why It’s Cult: Ergonomically designed, this no-mess body scrub has been designed to fit comfortably in your hand for a gentle, but effective exfoliation. Packed with finely milled biodegradable bamboo powder to buff dead skin cells with ease, it leaves behind a softer surface area immediately. Keep one in the shower and by the bath so you’re never without. We simply can’t get enough of the aesthetically pleasing pink bar and the cult ‘Glossier’ embossing – brilliant for those seeking eco-friendly body care alternatives, too.
How To use It: Use this buffing bar on wet skin in large sweeping motions. At first, you won’t see the tiny granular beads engrained in the soap, but as you begin to move it around, you’ll certainly experience a decent exfoliation. It’s so kind to the skin – sunflower seed oil and aloe leaf juice lock in moisture – you can use it daily (or every other if you don’t want to run out too quick) without fear of irritation. You’ll love the subtle scent it leaves behind, too.
Available At Glossier.com
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, £14
Why It’s Cult: This popular Korean brand is loved by the likes of Alexa Chung and other industry insiders. Why? The brand focuses on well-formulated products over aesthetics and hefty price tags, while spotlighting key ingredients in each of the products to make everything easier to navigate. Our favourite from the range is this spot-busting salicylic acid cleanser. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, it helps dissolve dirt, grime and the build-up of make-up that can clog your pores. The addition of tea tree oil and willow bark counteracts the drying effects of salicylic, while hydrating and nourishing, too. Use a little over your body if you’re suffering from angry, under-the-skin bumps.
How To use It: Just like you would a regular cleanser, slather this on morning and night for the best results – it’s gentle enough to apply it twice daily. Massage it in with your hands in circular motions and simply rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel instantly clean without any tightness.
Available At LookFantastic.com
Revlon Photoready Make-Up & Skincare Primer, £10.99
Why It’s Cult: Revlon hasn’t dropped a new make-up launch for a while, but when it does, the formulas never disappoint. Cue these primers which are all skincare inspired. Each one targets a difference concern – from dullness to enlarged pores and fine lines – with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and salicylic acid. Despite their potency, they still deliver a creamy finish with an airbrushed effect and a healthy-looking glow. Plus, they’re incredibly smooth and melt into the skin fast, so you never need to worry about pilling.
How To Use It: By providing your complexion with such a smooth canvas, you can either wear this solo, or underneath your base to extend its longevity and wear. If you’re doing the latter, make sure to work the primer in before applying your foundation, giving both layers time to settle for a seamless blend. Apply it with your fingers, as you would a moisturiser, for the best results.
Available At LookFantastic.com
Lacura Facial Serum With CBD, £4.99
Why It’s Cult: Hemp-based beauty continues to soar in popularity, which is why Aldi’s best-selling Lacura skincare line has expanded their range. Already receiving rave reviews, this silky serum energises dull, lacklustre skin while soothing it, too. Delivering a blend of cannabis sativa seed and oregano oil, it helps your complexion stay strong and plump. It’s incredibly lightweight too, with a soft scent designed to perk up your senses. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory ingredients, it’s ideal for those who suffer from sensitivity, redness and blemishes.
How To use It: This isn’t just for your face – it can be used all over your body as well. Before applying it, massage it into your hands, warming up the consistency so it absorbs properly into the skin. Try mixing a small amount with your foundation or go-to base product for sheer luminosity that’s never cakey and won’t start pilling. A true high-street hero.
Available at Aldi.co.uk
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