Latest news with #budgetbeauty
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
The chemist beauty buys under $12 that make me look 'expensive' and radiant: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
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.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We asked 12 beauty experts to spill on their favourite beauty buys – some cost £450, others just £2
IN the wise words of Jessie J, it's not about the money where beauty buying is concerned. In fact, more than a third of Boots Advantage Card members shopped for both budget-friendly make-up and premium cosmetics in 2024, focusing their attention not on how much products costs but on what really works - not something that's always easy to work out. To find out where we should be spending our money, and what products we can save on, we asked 10 industry experts for their favourite budget beauty product, and the one they will shell out for. Tara Ledden, Beauty Editor 32 I'm a huge fan of high street beauty, as there are so many brilliant products lining the shelves today, you really don't have to spend loads to arm yourself with hard-working products. However, if I'm going to splurge, it's almost always on skincare. BUDGET BUY BUY NOW I talk about ARKIVE The Prologue Hair Primer, £ 4.50, on an almost daily basis. In fact, when I told Beauty Writer Mia that I was going to make it my budget pick, she replied: "I knew it!" immediately. It's super lightweight, yet it still dissolves tangles and manages to leave hair noticeably softer and more shiny - while also protecting it from heat - without leaving any residue behind. It's impossible to use too much, so if you have fine hair like me, you don't need to worry about it feeling dirty or limp. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123 BUY NOW I discovered Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123, in the Fabulous beauty cupboard over two years ago and started slathering it on my face. Within days, I was getting compliments on how good my skin looked, including one from a fellow beauty editor well versed in my history of acne, who exclaimed: "Your skin looks like porcelain!" before we'd even said hello. I'd used it for a week before I googled the price, and I instantly started using a tiny pea-sized amount to try to make the tub last longer, thinking I'd never be able to justify a repurchase. Unfortunately for my bank balance, I've not found a cheaper moisturiser that compares, and have since re-stocked multiple times. Jamie Genevieve, make-up artist and founder of V ieve 32 As a make-up artist, it doesn't get more fun than testing and trying new make-up launches. BUDGET BUY Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 Everything from Byoma is simple, effective and fuss-free, with a super-accessible price point. Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 gives skin a hit of hydration, making it great to use ahead of applying make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I love my luxurious facials with facialists Olivia Francesca and Nichola Joss, whose clients have included Gwyneth Paltrow and I go to KMP Skin in London and Age Refined Glasgow for medical-grade treatments. Dr Christine Hall, aesthetics doctor and pharmacist 32 One product I never spend lots of money on is a cleanser, as you really don't need to. BUDGET BUY Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50, £15.50 The textures and finishes of Korean SPFs are unrivalled because they're so lightweight and non-greasy, plus they're often hybrid products. , offers premium protection and doubles up as a moisturiser. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165 Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165, is formulated with oily skin in mind and was genuinely a game-changer for me in terms of clearing my skin of breakouts. Mollie Burdell, beauty journalist and make-up artist 32 You don't need to spend much to create an exceptional skincare or make-up routine, but I'm also a real sucker for glitzy tools and gadgets. BUDGET BUY e.l.f cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation, £8, is one of my favourite bases because it gives the most natural glow-giving coverage with minimal effort required, and works beautifully on all skin types. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99 I first experienced the new Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99, at Larry King's salon, and I immediately knew I needed one for myself. It's nifty, lightweight and an absolute joy to use. Emily Lansley, celebrity manicurist, facialist and tanning expert 32 When adding to my beauty kit, I always keep prevention, protection and good gut health at the forefront of my mind. BUDGET BUY Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50 BUY HERE A gua sha, like Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50, is one of the best things you can use at home for lymphatic drainage - you'll see instant tightening results. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Slimyonik AIR Bodystyler treatments, from £99, is a body contouring and lymphatic drainage device. It supercharges your metabolism, reduces inflammation throughout your body and improves your skin and gut health from the inside out. Adam Reed, hairstylist and founder of Arkive Headcare 32 Creating and sticking to a routine is near impossible for my ADHD mind, so I make sure I keep things really simple. BUDGET BUY Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2 I use Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2, absolutely everywhere, and it's also a great base for making fragrances last. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I take weekly visits to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. My job is aggressive on my hands, so I really take care of them. Townhouse nail salon is my go-to. Katie Onyejekwe, aesthetician and skincare educator My beauty routine is simple, results-driven and efficacious. BUDGET BUY BUY HERE Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino, £3.99, is the perfect nude shade for my skin tone - once applied it really does stay put, which I find a lot of other liners don't. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674 I use Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674, in my facials, and occasionally on myself. It visibly lifts and helps to drain away water retention, leaving you looking sculpted. Iram Shelton, celebrity nail artist and lifestyle creator 32 I spend way more than average on beauty, but it's part of my job, so I see it as a business investment too! BUDGET BUY Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99 BUY HERE Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99, blends like a dream and has been in my make-up bag since my teenage years. Some things don't need to be expensive to work. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Dyson Airwrap, £479.99 BUY HERE My Dyson Airwrap, £479.99, was a major splurge, but it's the best way to achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home without frying my hair. Plus, the time it saves me makes it 100% worth it. Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist I'm not into products that are all packaging and no performance. If it doesn't get results or elevate my routine in some way, it's not worth the spend. BUDGET BUY NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Body Oil, £12.50 has a super-luxe scent for the price and I love how multi-use it is: body, hair, décolleté, even a few drops in the bath. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I believe in complementing my skincare routine with professional treatments. Injectables, chemical peels and laser treatments help with long-term skin health and make everyday maintenance so much easier. Jules Von Hep, beauty expert & author of The Confidence Ritual My beauty kit is brimming with different products dependent on season, day of the week, mood, age. Essentially more is more, less is a bore. BUDGET BUY V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50 V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50, is no frills, and creates slicked-back hair every time. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Matiere Premier Santal Austral, £165 for 50ml ED P is expensive. Estee Lalonde, content creator and founder of Mirror Water 32 Don't be swayed by trends – find what works best for you. Shopping with a list helps me to avoid impulse buys. BUDGET BUY BUY HERE Garnier Micellar Water, £5.49, is a ride-or-die for me. It's perfect for all skin types and is always the first step of my evening routine to remove my make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I'd always say to splurge on a luxurious serum. , is an all-time favourite - if my skin is showing any signs of stress, this highly concentrated formula instantly calms and soothes it. Mia Lyndon, Beauty Writer at Fabulous 32 Never overload your skin with buzzy skin and make-up products - instead, invest time in finding products that work for you, regardless of how unsexy they may seem. BUDGET BUY 32 Cetraben Cream, £4.84 BUY HERE It's taken me a long time to find the right moisturiser for my eczema-prone complexion, but I've finally found it in simple and deeply nourishing Cetraben Cream, £4.84. Read More on The Sun CHILD 'MURDER' Woman, 37, charged with murder after boy, 4, found dead inside home MY GUILT Brit jet survivor says he'll feel guilt for life after not swapping seats with bro BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 BUY HERE Invest in great handcare - like Molton Brown's fresh, aromatic Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 - and you'll always be ready to have guests around!
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Budget shop is selling Sol de Janeiro dupes for £2.99 – they're £36 cheaper & will make you smell amazing all summer
MAKES SCENTS Eagle-eyed shoppers have also spotted the product in B&M , Fabulous Digital Writer Published: 13:15, Updated: 13:16, A BUDGET store is selling Sol De Janeiro dupes, for a whopping £36 cheaper than the designer buy. With summer now upon us, many of us are likely making plans for beach trips and holidays abroad. And what better way to get yourself excited for a trip away, than to treat yourself to some beach beauty essentials. The Summer Beach collection at Poundstretcher includes a body butter, a body scrub and a perfume mist, perfect for making you look and smell your best all summer long. Plus, each product is priced at just £2.99, making it perfect for penny pinchers. The Caramel Sunset body scrub will exfoliate your skin leaving it feeling fresh and revitalised. A description reads: "Indulge in a luxurious at-home spa experience and treat your senses to the ultimate tropical getaway. "This decadent body scrub will transform your skin and transport your mind to a sun-drenched beach, leaving you feeling refreshed, renewed, and radiant." The body scrub also comes in a Caramel Sunset flavour, that is bound to make your skin smell like a tropical paradise. The perfume mist has floral and warm caramel notes, and comes in a 100ml bottle so its the perfect size for taking on a plane. Sharing details of the bargain buy to the B&M Scanner And Other Bargains! Facebook group, a private group with 328,000 members, one penny pincher said: "Another dupe from Poundstretcher in selected stores." Commenting under this, another shopper highlighted that she has also spotted the products in B&M. Primark adds brand new Sol De Janeiro dupes to its beauty aisles and they're perfect for keeping you smelling sweet on holiday too The body butter and body scrub is a dupe for Sol de Janeiro's Bum Bum Body collection, which is priced at £39, making the Poundstretcher buy £36 cheaper. The perfume mist is a dupe of the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Mist which is priced at £20.40, making the Poundstretcher buy £17.40 cheaper. Like the Poundstretcher product, the high-end buys have notes of salted caramel, which promise to "instantly transport you to the sultry beaches of Rio de Janeiro." And Poundstretcher isn't the only place stocking up on dupes of the popular beauty buys. Primark recently launched a £6 travel set, inspired by Sol de Janeiro products. The new kit comes in Primark's beloved Santorini Sunsets fragrance. We've already had the scent in a body scrub, shower gel and pear-themed body butter, but now it's been formulated into an array of Sol de Janeiro-esque minis. The travel set comes with a mini perfume mist, a mini body butter and a lip balm. Primark's social media team took to Instagram to promote the travel-friendly buy, which is currently available to shop across the UK. 'Bring your glow wherever you go,' they said.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The unexpected $29 item from Kmart that's flying off shelves across Australia: 'Surprisingly great'
With the cost of living soaring and spa treatments becoming a luxury few can justify, Australians are turning to budget beauty alternatives - and Kmart's $29 facial steamer is leading the charge. Dubbed the ultimate at-home facial hack, the affordable device is flying off shelves as shoppers look for ways to pamper themselves without breaking the bank. The facial steamer, priced at just $29, promises a spa-like experience from the comfort of home. Designed to open pores for deep cleansing and hydration, it can also help improve skin tone by adding much-needed moisture - a godsend during the cooler months when dry skin flares up. With up to 10 minutes of run time per fill, the compact unit is fast becoming a favourite among those looking to upgrade their skincare routine on a budget. Beauty experts recommend using a facial steamer two to three times a week to maximise results without overdoing it. Overuse can lead to irritation, but regular weekly steaming can help unclog pores, soften skin, and prep it for serums and masks, just like a professional facial. Shoppers have been flooding Kmart's website with five-star reviews, with many praising the steamer for its ease of use, portability, and surprisingly powerful output. One happy customer wrote, 'Yes, yes, yes! Oh my god, I have used this three times now and my huge pores have minimised so much.' Another said, 'Perfect for at-home facials. Must have! I love this little beauty.' Several reviewers also noted its benefits beyond skincare, particularly for relieving congestion. 'Lots of steam, great for colds and asthma,' one person shared. Another added, 'Very good for clearing blocked nose and sinus.' While some users mentioned that the device is on the smaller side and needs frequent refilling, most agreed it was a minor trade-off for such an effective, low-cost product. 'Works a treat. Fit for purpose, really cute,' one reviewer said. 'It doesn't run for too long before you have to fill it up, but that's okay.' Whether it's being used for glowing skin, sinus relief, or vocal warm-ups, the $29 Kmart facial steamer is proving to be the budget hero of beauty routines nationwide. In a time when professional treatments are out of reach for many, Aussies are heading to their nearest Kmart to bring the spa home - one steam session at a time.
