Spending on beauty when you already have a cosmetic bag full of makeup can be a luxury affair. Even a 5-minute trip into Boots to stock up on 'essentials' can be a costly these days! Which is why I personally love to seek out bargains where I can, especially when they don't scrimp on quality!
Below I have listed five of my favourite affordable beauty products that definitely don't scrimp on quality both in their formulas and packaging. And to the end of this budget-friendly post, you will find a round-up of my favourite beauty & skincare brands that seem to constantly produce high-quality products as low prices.
Ciate Glow-To Illuminating Blush (£5.95)
(normally £22)
Ciate's cheek compacts are best described as highlighter/bush hybrids are they offer a flush of colour while highlighting the cheekbones at the same time. They also happen to be perfectly packaged in the prettiest silver compact with multi-dimensional star design lid that is chic yet adorable. As for the formula they are described as cake-free wear with a finely milled powder formula which I have to agree on as they not only stay put throughout the day but look and feel natural on the skin. Simply put these are really lovely blush compacts.
While these do retail for £22 each I believe they are slowly being discontinued which is why they can be found for under £6 right now - such a bargain! The two shades available are Baby Doll (my favourite!) and Matchmaker - both shown above.
Makeup Revolution Renaissance Flick Eyeliner (£5.00)
Makeup Revolution is certainly a go-to makeup brand for those not looking to compromise of aesthetics while staying on a budget. Which is why I personally why support them, rather than see them as a purely copycat brand - there was a gap in the market and they definitely filled it!
Of course, there are many a product I could pick from Makeup Revolution or their spin-off brand; Revolution Pro. But I decided to share with you a recent product launch I've been really impressed with as it not only performs well but the packaging is everything! I'm talking about Makeup Revolution's first more luxury looking liquid eyeliner pen, which offers a rose gold streamline design that is easy to grip along with a wonderfully fine nib for precise application.
Whether you apply your eyeliner in a fine or thick line this will get you the results you are after and with jet black pigment I've found the eyeliner to apply opaque over the most shimmery of eyeshadows. As for wear-time, the liner doesn't fade or flake over the course of the day and really does stay until you remove your makeup. This truly is one of my recent favourite savvy beauty finds!
Kiko Water Eyeshadow (£8.90)
Now you may be thinking Fee, nearly £9 for a single eyeshadow isn't budget-friendly. And I agree. However, I very much see this as a stunning eyeshadow and highlighter in one - well, shade 208 in particular!
With a light gold hue and the ability to use the formula both wet and dry this spherical powder offers outstanding colour effect both on the eyelids and cheekbones that I truly cannot get over. For me, this kind of colour pay off with zero fall out and smooth texture for such a shimmery and light reflective product reminds me of a Becca or MAC highlight.
If you are after an extremely pigmented and beautiful product then I wouldn't hesitate in purchasing shade '208' or any of the other 32 luminescent shades.
L'Oreal Highlight Glow Drops (£9.99)
Over the past year, liquid highlight drops have become a 'thing', especially on Instagram with Iconic and Cover Fx leading the way but with a price tag.
While these products do pack some glow and will last you pretty much forever (so little product is required!) a lot of low-cost rivals really are just as good, offering amazing pigmentation and that intense glow factor. My favourite of the bunch and one that can be easily picked up on the high street are these Highlight Glow Drops from L'Oreal, which come in 2 shades and provide intense highlighting. I also adore the packaging as the heavy glass bottle with rose gold accents really does match a much higher-end aesthetic.
Primark PS. Peachin' Highlighter (£2.50)
Lastly, a total bargain highlighter compact that demonstrates just how much budget beauty has evolved! While this peach pink glow highlighter instantly reminded me of a Laura Mercier Face Illuminator with its 3-dimensional wave effect I was even more blown away by the iridescent peach/gold glow this product provides. Offering a perfect golden peach sheen this looks amazing on the cheeks and even works well as an eyeshadow. Another amazing product that doesn't scrimp on quality even at the price of a coffee!
Affordable beauty brands that don't scrimp on quality
Essence | Wet n' Wild | Milani | Kiko | Makeup Revolution | NYX
Budget skincare brands that don't scrimp on quality
The Ordinary | Lacura at Aldi | B. Superdrug range | Super Facialist
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