11 Beauty Products That Don't Break The Bank
Botanics All Bright Radiance Balm
Remember Clarins’ Beauty Flash Balm? A strong contender for the top spot in many a make-up routine and still an all-time favourite multi-tasking product, think of this Radiance Balm as its more affordable counterpart. It’s got all the same radiance boosting properties, albeit different ingredients. If presented with an opportunity to buy both, we’d still recommend you buy Clarins – but purchase Botanics as an emergency backup for when your Clarins ran out.
Bourjois Delice de Poudre
If there wasn’t one of these in your make-up bag at school were you really even a teenage girl? Self-proclaimed bronzer snobs still sing Bourjois’ praises. Maybe it’s the enticing chocolate smell, or more likely, the fact that it’s a really good bronzing powder with considerable pigment. Either way, if by some nightmare Chanel’s Soleil Tan De was discontinued, this would cushion the blow.
Elf Soothing Primer
There was some scepticism when it was announced that Elf was coming to the UK. An American drugstore beauty brand with ridiculously cheap prices? People had their reservations. However, any concerns were quickly put to rest once this primer arrived – enriched with aloe vera and vitamins E and B5, it’s a lightweight gel that hydrates, smooths and plumps, leaving a seamless canvas for make-up in its wake. You’ll find your foundation glides on top and looks fresher for longer.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
A quick Google search will undoubtedly present you with cheaper iterations, but, in our opinion, this is the best of the thrifty options. The multi-length brush catches and coats each lash without any fallout. It is also coveted by an array of beauty junkies and industry insiders who will unquestionably vouch for the formula. If it’s good enough for them…
Models Own Concealer
Once in a while a product comes along that blows everything else out the water – this is that product. Initially it was received with little-to-no excitement. But time has revealed it to be one of the best budget beauty buys. Why? Because it does everything you want a concealer to do: it’s incredibly high-coverage even when used sparingly, does not become cakey and, most importantly, it lasts. And not just for an hour, but for the whole day. It is the twin of It Cosmetics’ Bye Bye Under Eye; no better, no worse, but exactly the same, which is impressive when you consider the vast difference in price.
Morphe 15N Night Master Eyeshadow Palette
The cult brand behind some of the most sought-after eyeshadows and brushes, if you’re yet to come across Morphe’s palettes, let us introduce you to a new staple. The Night Master is made up of intensely-pigmented but effortlessly blendable powders in the most coveted shimmer and matte colours that are perfect for both daytime and evening looks. Plus, it works out at a pound a pan – we challenge you to find one better.
NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
Not all setting sprays were made equal and this one is a testament to that. Simply spray on post-make-up application and you’ll save face for the next 12 hours, come rain, shine or a few to many G&Ts. The matte finish helps control shine, but if dewy skin is your thing, try their Dewy Finish spray instead.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
There’s a reason this has been touted a beauty blogger’s favourite. Available in a vast range of shades from blue to nude, this liquid lipstick was one of the spearheads for the matte lip movement. The cream formula dries into a matte shade that simply will not budge. They come in various colours, but if you’re only in the market for one, we’d suggest the suits-all nude, KYTO.
Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
This base has carried many through their youth, faultlessly. It might be cheap, but it has provided a solution to a myriad of skin concerns – all ones that the majority of us struggle with. Formulated to fight dullness and signs of fatigue (the hint is in the name), it contains vitamin C to brighten and leaves an ever-so-slight luminescent sheen.
Sleek MakeUP Highlighting Palette in Solstice
One of the first highlighter kits, this palette has stood the test of time, remaining in plenty of top-10 round-ups to this very day. Whether you’re a novice or a strobe aficionado, you’ll find your highlighting needs are met. Comprised of one cream and three gilded powders, the colour payoff rivals even the most high-end highlighters. Encased in a handy compact with a mirror and brush, mix and match the shades for a truly tailored glow.
Soap & Glory Archery Brow Pencil
When it comes to shopping brow pencils, it’s often difficult to locate one with the correct undertones and the right shade. Once you’ve managed to cross that hurdle, you’re looking at the formula: is it long wear, does it create a defined line, is there a brush? Thankfully, this one manages to do everything and isn’t too costly. The slim, twist-up pencil allows for precise, hair like strokes and removes the stress of sharpening. It’s taken permanent residency in our beauty editor’s make-up bag and it will remain there for the foreseeable future.
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