As much as I love my luxury brands, I get just as excited finding a beauty bargain. In fact, with so much available to us now, those more affordable beauty products very easily rival the expensive high-end options, and in some cases are way better. Many a time I’ve amassed quite the collection of high-end mascaras, only to go back to my trusted drugstore version or realised that the perfect peachy pink lipstick doesn’t have to break the bank.
So from mascara to blushers and eyeshadow to dry shampoo, I’m sharing some of my affordable beauty favourites.
A few eye products…
If you love the super fine eyebrow pencils that allow for plenty of definition like the cult fave the Anastasia Brow Wiz but without the £££’s, then the NYX Micro Brow Pencil at a very affordable £9 is a winner in my opinion. It comes in an impressive 8 shades and even has a spooley. I use the shade brunette and you are bound to find one to suit you.
I’ve been using the Eyebrow Definer by the Beauty Collective, Matalan’s makeup range quite a bit recently. It’s not my usual place to shop for makeup, but I’ve found a few gems, this being one of them. However, their shade range is limited and their wider collection is available in-store (so maybe one to check out after lockdown). Dark which is the one I have sure does pack a punch; I go in extremely lightly and then use a spooley to get rid of any excess for a fuller brow. It’s a waxy formula, a lot like the Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil, but a lot creamier in texture. Whilst the two might not necessarily compare, at just £3, it really is another bargain and as long as I don’t go in with a heavy hand, I’m not complaining.
The Eye Brightener from Beauty Collective at £2 was a no brainer. This is that perfect golden creamy shade that works under the water line, on the brow bone or as an inner corner highlight without looking too stark against my skin tone. Sometimes the more cheaper options can be a bit scratchy but this formula glides on well. I’ve had more expensive products dry out on me after a while – not the case with this one so far but even if it did, at least given the price I don’t have to worry too much.
The perfect nudes…
The Milani Rose Powder Blush in Romantic Rose, £12.75, is that perfect rosy pink shade. It’s hard to overdo it with this formula and the result is a healthy flush of colour on the cheeks.
I love a neutral nail and the Beauty Collective also have a vast range of nail varnishes in just that for around £3 each. Unexpected on the left is a dusty pink and Vanilla Bear on the right is a warm-toned beige.
Finding a nude lipstick that doesn’t wash me out is really hard. But the L’oreal Paris Colour Riche Nudes in Eva’s Nude (left) and Julianne’s Nude (right), £7.99 are just perfect. They are warm-toned peachy pinks and brighten my complexion.
And lastly some staples…
The L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes, £10.99 has been a long term favourite in the mascara department. No matter how many high-end mascaras I have tried I always come back to this. Like its name suggests, it builds volume and length and I’ve been through tubes of the stuff over the years.
For an everyday staple, I am absolutely loving the Maxfactor Smokey Eye Drama Kit Matte in Alluring Nude, £8.99. This dinky palette of complimentary matte eyeshadows is a great affordable option and probably not really a brand I lean towards most often. The eyeshadows are a buttery soft texture and proof that good things come in small packages!
Lastly, lockdown has me lazy in washing my hair so a dry shampoo is much needed. The Co Lab Dry Shampoo is therefore a must for in between washes and an old fave I’ve been revisiting. They’ve gone through a rebrand since I last used this stuff and I must admit I do miss the old scents. The formula is still the same though; no white residue and no gritty feel so as far as dry shampoos go I would always stick at this since it’s under £5.
I’m certainly using these products a lot lately. They really have become staples and I woud purchase them again and again. But what about you, have you got any affordable beauty recommendations? I’d love to know.
