The chemist beauty buys under $12 that make me look 'expensive' and radiant: POLISHED with Elise Wilson

Daily Mail​

29-06-2025

Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.
If there's one thing I've learned in the age of skyrocketing rent, $9 lettuce, and energy bills that make me genuinely consider living by candlelight, it's that I refuse to sacrifice my beauty routine.
Just because the cost of living is testing every one of my financial boundaries doesn't mean I'm about to give up glowing skin, great brows, or clean hair days.
I love a luxe moment as much as the next person. As you're probably aware by now too, I've dabbled in the $150 (plus) serums and been seduced by the glass bottles, gold lids and marketing promises of miracles in a jar.
But do I think you have to spend half your pay check to look and feel amazing? Absolutely not. And I would never preach that either.
Over the years, through trial, error, and more spontaneous half-price pharmacy hauls than I care to admit, I've discovered a bunch of budget beauty buys that seriously punch above their price tag.
They're not just affordable for the sake of it, they genuinely deliver. Some are so good, I've been quietly gatekeeping them for selfish reasons… like avoiding the heartbreak of them selling out or, even worse, being discontinued entirely.
However, in the spirit of sisterhood (and because I know we're all in our 'recession-core' era), I'm finally sharing the list. And the best part? They're all $12 or under.
This list isn't just about saving money, it's about getting clever with it. Seriously, these are the affordable gems I reach for every day, and I know you're going to love them too.
Don't worry, I've discovered a bunch of the best budget beauty buys that seriously punch above their price tag - and I'm no longer gatekeeping them!
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder – translucent, $9.57
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder – translucent, $9.57
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked how I keep my face shine-free without looking cakey, I'd… well, I'd still be buying this powder.
It is light, breathable and somehow magically mattifying without flattening the skin.
It's been around for decades, and for good reason. When I asked around the office if other makeup lovers agreed, I was keenly reaffirmed, with one saying that it's better than Charlotte Tilbury's. She's not wrong.
I've even used the tinted versions too, which even skin tone, set makeup, and give an airbrushed finish.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $8.49
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $8.49
The original beauty multitasker and an absolute cult for a reason. Who's tried this and not loved it?
A micellar water removes makeup, grime and the general fatigue of a long day without stripping your skin or requiring a full skincare thesis.
I've used high-end versions and always find myself coming back to this one. Sensitive skin? They've got one for that. Feeling dull? Yep, there's a Garnier slippery formula to sort that too.
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Instant Volume Powder, $12
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Instant Volume Powder, $12
I first discovered the transformative powers of a volume powder when I was an 18-year-old hairdressing apprentice, and I haven't been without it since.
The $30 alternatives always left me underwhelmed, which eventually led me to this gem - originally purchased for one very scientific reason: Heidi Klum was on the packaging. You would've too, she's a babe.
I'd say this is like dry shampoo's grungy, edgier cousin. A tiny tap of the bottle, a quick tousle at the roots, and boom, instant lift.
It's perfect for flat, day-two hair, and the grip it gives is also amazing for styling ponytails or messy buns that won't budge.
Hada Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask, $4.76
This face mask is cheaper than your morning coffee! But I know what you're thinking, 'it's simply too cold to apply a sheet mask at the moment'.
I promise I won't harp on about putting this one in the fridge first. Instead, apply it directly after a nice, warm shower to freshly exfoliated skin, then bask in it with your dressing gown on and a cup of tea in hand, preferably on the couch.
Hada Labo is Japan's No.1 skincare brand, but it's only been available on our shores for a few years, if you hadn't heard of it.
This particular budget-friendly mask is drenched in hyaluronic acid, which is exactly what the brand is famous for.
Their popularity stems from their patented Super Hyaluronic Acid, which has been developed over 100 years.
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil $10
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil $10
I should start by saying that this brand just bought out Hailey Beiber's Rhode beauty for cool $1billion, so they're clearly doing something right.
A crisp brow can change your whole face, and this $10 pencil proves you don't need to splurge to get that snatched, sculpted look.
The formula is creamy enough to glide on without dragging but stiff enough to stay precise, which is exactly what you want in a brow product.
The built-in spoolie is a bonus and blends everything out effortlessly for that soft, natural finish.
I'd happily put this up against brow pencils three times the price.
Dermal Therapy Crystal Deodorant Stick, $8.99
Dermal Therapy Crystal Deodorant Stick, $8.99
This one was most definitely a case of 'TikTok made me buy it.'
I know it sounds like a strange concept, but hear me out because it's the most underrated swap I've made.
No nasties, no fragrance, no white marks.
Just a mineral salt stick that keeps me feeling fresh, even through hot days and sweaty gym sessions by combatting all the odour-causing bacteria.
Plus, it lasts forever. I've had one stick for over six months.
Batiste Brunette Dry Shampoo, $8.55
Batiste Brunette Dry Shampoo, $8.55
I love that the big cans of Batiste are always on special, because it is the best dry shampoo on the market, and I won't hear otherwise.
Plus the mini's are like $4, so I always have one in my bag for emergencies like post-gym, surprise meetings, spontaneous dates, etc.
The original formula is amazing, but I now use the brunette tint because it blends seamlessly into my dark hair, and no one will ever know your wash day is... (three days overdue).
OXX Skincare Bronzing Facial Drops, $8
OXX Skincare Bronzing Facial Drops, $8
TikTok might love the Drunk Elephant version of this (which retails for $68), but my wallet says OXX, and you can pick them up from Kmart.
You can use this alone for serious shine, or add a few drops into your favourite moisturiser for that smug 'I just-got-back-from-Bali 'glow – minus the sun damage and dodgy tummy, thank God.
Plus, it's infused with peptides. Fancy, nourishing, and... frugal.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $12.99
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $12.99
Is it just me, or do all mascaras claim to be life-changing?
Well, this one might not promise the earth, but its tubing formula really delivers, and it's now available in a range of fancy colours.
From black to brown to blue to maroon, you can have a whole mascara wardrobe for one of its bougier alternatives.
It lengthens and volumises without clumping too.
My lashes are naturally fine, and this gives them drama without the drama of falsies or extensions.
TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, $11.90 each
TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, $11.90 each
I stumbled across these at Coles during a half-price sale and haven't looked back.
And if you've read a few of my articles by now you'll know I'm actually obsessed with the whole Lamella Shine range.
My hair feels like silk and the shine is real.
Lamellar tech is usually something you'd see in fancy salon products, so this supermarket find is a serious win.
Gem Fragrance Mists, $12 each
Sometimes perfumes can be a bit too overbearing to reapply multiple times, but now I keep a handy spritz at my desk and in my car.
These mists are brand new and smell genuinely divine – think sweet luxe luxury scents, not teenage body spray.
The Vanilla Macadamia one gets compliments every time I wear it.
And that's a wrap!
We all love a little luxury, but I hope you can see that looking good doesn't have to cost a fortune.
From chemist shelves to supermarket surprises and even Kmart gems, great beauty on a budget is very possible.
And as a budget beauty queen since way back, I feel very qualified in telling you so. You just need to know what to grab, what to skip, and most importantly, what actually works.
And now that you know, don't be surprised if your next beauty haul totals less than your phone bill, but leaves you looking like you paid triple.
You're very welcome.