BEAUTY ON A BUDGET

You don’t have to spend a lot to look a million bucks. These high achievers are all under $25 and each deserve a space on your shelf and a place in your routine.

The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ does not universally apply to beauty products. While the science involved with skincare advances, textural superiority of certain makeup products and beautiful packaging befitting precious objets d’art invariably nudge prices up, it doesn’t mean there aren’t equally worthy options with far lower price points.

Great beauty items should do what they say they will with little effort or expertise required.

Yet beyond that, being enjoyable to use and designed to look good on your bathroom shelf are characteristics that vary in importance depending on who you talk to. If you’ve ever detoured from an affordable, reliable go-to in favour of a one-off splurge only to discover the newcomer delivers a depressingly average result, you’ll know how disappointing it can be. However, trying numerous cheaper products without getting the result you’re after can be equally wasteful.

The products on these pages are all priced under $25, with many half of that; each are excellent performers deserving a spot on your shelf and in your routines.

NIVEA NATURALLY GOOD ANTI AGE NIGHT CREAM

A gentle, straightforward moisturiser with the density and hydration thanks to plant-based oils that make it useful in the evening, particularly at this time of year. Try the day cream, too.

MAVALA NAIL COLOUR

When was the last time you finished a bottle of polish? It makes sense to pick up these mini bottles that come in trend-led collections and wear well on nails.

GARNIER MICELLAR REUSABLE ECO PADS

Eliminate single-use cotton pads and apply your makeup remover, acid exfoliant or toner with these incredibly soft pads, which can be washed up to 1000 times in the washing machine.

WHERE TO SAVE

Lips

Overwhelming variety in texture, finish, colour selection and payoff means you’ll find plenty to love in supermarket and pharmacy aisles. Mascara

It’s a divisive area in the luxe vs less debate, but the shelf life of a mascara is three months and there are a wider number of great options at the lower end.

Cleanser

Effectively cleaning your face is key to maintaining the health of your skin, as well as improving the performance of anything you apply afterwards. Yet for something that is quickly washed down the drain, it’s okay to save a little money here.

E.L.F. HYDRATING CAMO CONCEALER

A Kmart visit often means you come home with more than you went for. Next time, add one of e.l.f’s famous long-wear, full coverage concealers to your cart.

SOAP & GLORY SUGAR CRUSH BODY LOTION

Tackle keratosis pilaris (‘chicken skin’) and dry any ashy areas with the fruit-based AHAs in this rich and deliciously scented body lotion.

GLOW LAB GEL CLEANSER

This brand has significantly improved supermarket skincare options with its natural, clinically proven range. This daily use cleanser – which is great for oily skin – is a favourite.

ZARA EYE SHADOWS DUO

Pigment packed but wearable, these easily blendable powders come in a duo compact that can be refilled once empty. They are part of fashion retailer Zara’s excellent new affordable makeup line.

MECCA MAX WINK INK SUPER MASCARA

Superstore Mecca’s house brand is sorely underrated, with some great makeup that’s easy to use … including this all-rounder mascara perfect for everyday wear.

LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST BAUME B5

This do-it-all multi repairing cream is ideal to have in the cabinet to heal dry, rough and chapped areas and quickly soothe sensitive, irritated or sunburned skin.

MAYBELLINE HYPER EASY BRUSH TIP LIQUID LINER

Getting a smooth, black line across lashes can take practice, but this fine brush-tip version makes things a bit easier with a hexagonal grip and inky pigment that doesn’t drag or skip.

MCOBEAUTY MAGIC BROWS FIBRE GEL

Brush upwards through brows to add a touch of believable tint, thickness and volume and set in place all day. Good to fill out sparse patches or greys.

THE ORDINARY SERUM FOUNDATION

Water-thin and weightless, this medium coverage foundation buffs into skin beautifully with a dense-bristle foundation brush giving a natural finish. It comes in 21 shades with different undertones.

LANOLIPS 101 OINTMENT MULTIPURPOSE SUPERBALM

A nourishing lip balm that quickly soothes dry lips and won’t require repetitive reapplication, it also sorts small cuts, hard cuticles, cracked heels and more.

COLOUR BY TBN LIPSTICK

Smooth and moist, with a good range of on-trend colours and a vegan formula that feels comfortable on, these creamy lipsticks might be the steal of the lot.