I’m a huge beauty fanatic, so luckily, I’m in the right profession. Fancy beauty products with even fancier price tags bring a certain thrill, but time and time again, more affordable brands have proven that they, too, have what it takes.
Contrary to popular belief, a hefty price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a high-quality product. Of course, there are some exceptions. There’s a reason why Chanel products cost what they do and why a lot of people will pay a a three-digit price for scientifically driven skincare. But for a lot of people, that lifestyle isn’t sustainable. Affordable beauty brands are really coming through with products that are on par—if not better—than a lot of more expensive products.
A large number of my holy-grail products that I use daily are super affordable, and my bank account thanks me every day for that. These products may not cost me an arm and leg, but there’s certainly no scrimping on the formulation or packaging.
If you’re searching for affordable skincare and makeup options, look no further. Below, I’ve put together some of the best affordable beauty products on the market.
Quite possibly the only moisturiser you’ll ever need, Skin Food does everything. It’s the perfect daily moisturiser and works beautifully under makeup as a dewy primer while being efficient on dry patches on both your face and body. Made with organic sunflower-seed oil and extracts of wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and rosemary extract, its hydrating properties work extra hard. And if you’re on the oily side, there is a lighter version available.
Admittedly, £5 for a one-use product isn’t exactly the most cost-effective approach to skincare, but this is seriously cheap compared to some of the more luxurious sheet masks out there. I’ve tried so many, but I always return to these affordable Garnier masks as they provide impressively brightening results.
This cleanser has stood the test of time and is a favourite amongst many. It’s a simple yet effective formula that does exactly what promises. It cleanses the skin without irritating or stripping its natural oils, and it’s an affordable cleanser that I always find myself gravitating towards.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates through oil and blocked pores, making it one of the most effective treatments for congested and blemish-prone skin. It works to reveal brighter and clearer-looking skin. As long The Ordinary’s salicylic acid is on the market, I will always go back to it for its purse-friendly cost.
There’s a reason why everyone on TikTok is raving about this product. It’s like an espresso shot for your eyes. This high-performing, caffeine-rich serum works to reduce puffiness, minimise dark circles and prevent damage caused by free radicals. If you calculate the cost per use, it’s definitely cheaper than your daily coffee.
These are some of the best razors that I’ve tried. They leave skin feeling silky smooth, so much so that you’ll find yourself stroking your own legs—they’re that good. They’re infused with shea butter to hydrate the skin and to take away the fuss of having to use shaving gel or cream. It’s an all-in-one product, and that’s the way of the future.
Dove’s body washes are incredible for the price tag. Not only do they gently cleanse, they leave skin incredibly soft, and double up as a great shaving foam too.
Price shown is members price. Created in Italy by biochemists, the incredible Beauty Pie Nourishing Body Polish works to not only smooth the skin but also hydrate. That’s hard to find at a drugstore price. It’s enriched with nourishing omega 3 and omega 6 oils and exfoliating mango and papaya enzymes for a scrub that doesn’t leave your skin dry.
Drugstore bronzers are notoriously known for being too orange or too muddy. So let me introduce you to the exception, the E.l.f Putty Bronzer. If you’ve tried anything from the Putty range, you’ll know they’re amazing products. The shades are a great tone and the formula is creamy, making it incredibly easy to blend in, yet it sets like a powder for a long-lasting finish. A seamless, sun-kissed glow is what you’re left with (and for as little as £6).
This foundation has only very recently come into my life, and I’ve reached for nothing else. It’s truly a filter in a bottle, always making my skin look flawless without making it look made-up or heavy. It has a buildable medium coverage with a clever soft-focus matte finish. For days when I want a little less coverage, I go in with the tiniest amount and buff it out to cover my whole face, and it leaves me with the most gorgeous, flawless, natural finish.
And because drugstore foundations are just so good, I have two on the list. This is one for anyone after a super-glowy finish. Trust me—this one hits the mark. It leaves your skin with the most radiant, healthy and dewy finish, and the lasting power is pretty decent. It’s a definite thumbs up.
I’ve tried a lot of lip liners in my time, and the NYX Suede Matte lip liners remain some of my firm favourites. They’re just creamy enough to glide over your lips without tugging, and the matte finish means that it pretty much lasts all day.
When it comes to affordable haircare products, you can’t go wrong with Garnier. Its iconic Hair Food range is an absolute hit. I always have the Banana shampoo in my bathroom, and the 98% natural and 100% vegan formula is created with nourishing bananas and hydrating coconut to add much needed nourishment to dry hair without leaving it greasy.
From laying down edges to smoothing flyaways, this hair wand is a must for creating so many looks—I can’t believe it’s less than £5.
I have super-dry and thick hair, so I find that it needs heavy-duty moisturising conditioners, and I have always found the Cantu deep conditioners work a treat. The Cantu Grapeseed Deep Treatment Masque is an intensive conditioning treatment created with grape seed oil, almond oil and mango butter to repair, hydrate and seal in moisture for healthier, hydrated hair.
I’ve used Barry M nail polishes for as long as I can remember, and they’re a staple in my collection. The Barry M Gelly Hi Shine nail polishes are as good as they come, and for under £4, you can’t go wrong. The colour range is incredible, so there’s a shade for every occasion, every mood and every season. They last so long it will have you questioning the price tag.
For the price tag, Essie’s nail polishes are seriously good. Ballet Slippers is a suits-all neutral that makes your nails look healthy and glossy.
You can count on Mavala to experiment with on-trend shades on a budget, and the small size means they’re ideal for travelling too.
