Team BD is back with another addition of Tried & Tested.
This month we've put the best bugdet-friendly buys to the test – ones that are kind on your wallet but still pack a great punch. From mascars and makeup palettes to toothpastes and nail treatments, these are must-haves to keep front of mind over the next month.
Read our honest thoughts below, and why you should keep these offerings front of mind. After all, when you see the BD Tried & Tested badge, you know we've given it our stamp of approval.
To download hi-res images, and read more about the products, click the brand name.
Revlon So Fierce™ Eyes Wide Open™ Mascara - Aja
What we think: When this new addition from Revlon arrived on my desk, it grabbed my attention immediately. Not only do I love to try new mascaras, finding a great budget option is even better. The Revlon So Fierce™ Eyes Wide Open™ Mascara has been formulated to provide lift and volume to lashes, which for someone who has naturally dead-straight, lifeless lashes, ticked all my boxes. It didn't weigh my lashes down, and kept them curled for the majority of the day, which is a huge win in my books. I also loved that it is infused with Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seed Oil to condition and keep lashes soft and healthy-looking, which isn't something I have seen in a mascara before. Would highly recommend checking this under $25 option out!
Revitanail Total Strength 8-in-1 Nail Treatment - Tiarne
What we think: I’ve been using this product for weeks now and I’ve noticed such a huge difference in my nails! My nails are naturally quite long and grow really fast, but they are also weak and break very easily. However, after using this nail treatment, they’ve never felt stronger! In fact, they’re rock hard and super shiny. When I pick things up or wash the dishes, they’re not breaking off like they usually do and a few people have even commented how nice they look lately. Thank you Maincare for solving my nail issues! Will definitely be re-purchasing once this beauty runs out. I'm so pleased how affordable this product is.
ulta3 Galactic Glow Collection - Stardust Highlighter Palette - Laura
What we think: I loved that this product has four different highlight shades. The pink and beige tinted ones were my go to for highlighting across the cheek bones. The slight colour means that it blends nices with my skin tone. The white was great for using as a little boost to my eyshaddow and in the inner corner of my eyes.
alfree PLAIN toothpaste - Nicola
What we think: The alfree toothpaste was a new experience for me! I haven’t ever used a chemical sensitive and allergy toothpaste before. I was surprised at how pleasant it was! The alfree toothpaste is free of colour, mint, sugar, fluoride and parabens. It is the ideal product for someone with sensitivities and allergies to these chemicals. My teeth felt lovely, clean and fresh after using it.
MUD 2-in-1 Base & Top Coat - Emily
What we think: As someone who regularly gets shellac nails varnish my nails can are quite brittle and weak whenever I go for periods not using shellac. Wanting a bit of a break I picked up a MUD 2 in 1 Base & Top Coat. This varnish is great if your nails need a litle TLC. It is a clear polish that has a good consistency and does not go on 'gluggy' as some nail polishes tend to do. It protected my nails and made them feel stronger and more resilient. I like that the forumla has both vitamin E and argan oil for health nail growth, making me feel as if i a doing something very nourishing for my nails.
innisfree Volcanic Calming Pore Clay Mask - Jess
What we think: I loved this mask! My skin has been needing a little TLC lately and I felt like this mask did exactly what I was hoping. It had a very light, pleasant scent and it made my skin felt clearer, brighter and even more smooth when I was applying my makeup the following day. The tube packaging made it super easy to use and even though it was quick to dry, it wasn't overly drying, so it didn't feel like it was stripping my skin, which I have experienced with clay masks before as I have sensitive skin. I would definitely recommend this for others with sensitive skin too.
DU'IT Tough Body - Ashley
What we think: When it comes to delivering results without breaking the bank, the DU'IT Tough Body does not disappoint. This body lotion is fast acting, with a lovely lightweight texture making it perfect for daily use. Added benefits include skin-loving ingredients such as kakadu plum, vitamin E, and grape seed oil.
So…? Summer Escapes Ibiza Dreams Body Mist - Lucy
What we think: Finally an affordable delicious scent that doubles as both a body mist and also a room spray! The sweet smell is quite faint and not overpowering but it's definitely something that can be buildable with more sprays. The Ibiza Dreams scent is very reminiscent of the youthful smells I was obsessed with back in high school (that are now discontinued) and it's a great blast from the past. The mist comes in a portable size that you can keep in your bag, at the gym or on your office desk. Two thumbs up for this great product!
A'kin Miracle Shine Conditioning Hair Mask Tub - Issy R
What we think: If you're looking for a natural alternative, this hair mask is great! It's a creamy and thick formula which I love in a hair mask because it feels like it's doing its job! I have been applying and leaving overnight to help my dry and split ends, and I can honestly say my hair number one feels soft and nourished, and two my hair smells amazing. The smell can often linger a few days after application which I love. Enriched with Australian avocado oil, it's no surprise why this mask leaves my hair silky soft.
Swisspers® Baby Supersize Cotton Balls - Issy D
What we think: The baby Supersize Cotton Balls are great versatile soft and fluffy cotton balls, meaning they are of course great for your baby's needs! However, I have been using these to remove nail polish from my toes and finger nails. These are great balls, they dont fall apart as I clean and are gentle on my cuticles. The premium cotton really makes a difference and go a long way.
Swisse Bio-Retinol Renewing Night Cream - Alicia
What we think: Swisse Bio-retinol renewing Night cream has some amazing ingredients which leave your skin so hydrated. It includes polypeptides which really helps to firm my skin and I noticed this specifically around my eyes. The consistency is amazing and it feel great when I was putting it on my skin as it is a whipped cream that also does absorb quickly which I haven't found with many other night creams which feel a lot heavier in texture. I have pretty sensitive skin and using Bio-Retinol (bakuchiol): a natural, plant-based alternative to vitamin A (retinol) was groudbreaking for me. I would normally break out and see redness with retinol products but using a natural alternative was a much better option so I can still gain the benefits without my skin suffering.
JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser - Rachel
What we think: The JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser is a body product I never knew I needed! I am naturally quite tan and didn't think a tanning product would ever need to be within my possession, however this landed on my desk and after reading it was for "Medium to Tan skin types", I was very intrigued! And now, pleasantally surprised! It has really brought my winter skin back to life. It has given me a beautiful, natural glow and my skin feels supple and moisturised. It's the perfect moisturiser to lather on right after the shower as it absorbs well into the skin and leaves no sticky or greasy residue. For the price and the size of the bottle, this product is amazing value and a must-have for keeping your skin looking fresh and glowy, especially throughout the cooler season. I am happily converted!
essence lash princess curl & volume mascara - Tam
What we think: I had no idea that you could buy decent mascara for such a low price! This mascara certainly did the job - my lashes were defined and had more volume and shape; and the brush separated my lashes so that they weren't clumpy. The bottle is really cute and the lid has a sweet pink design with a heart at the top that (along with the shape of the lid) makes it easy to hold and use.
