For the sake of being honest, I will admit that as a beauty editor, I enjoy luxury beauty brands. From the luxe packaging to the feel of the product on the skin — it’s an experience like no other.
I’m a beauty nerd (I wouldn’t be in this job if I wasn’t), so it’s not about the price or the name of the brand, but more so how carefully curated some products tend to be. Similar to how car collectors enjoy vintage vehicles, or fashion experts look back at designer archives.
But at the end of the day, my roots trace back to makeup brands that are affordable and accessible. For example, I have yet to find a mascara I like more than Maybelline’s Lash Sensational.
Over the years of playing around with makeup, I’ve realised that products with a lower price tag perform just as well (and sometimes even better) than those found in department stores. Not to mention that with the cost of living rising day by day, it just makes sense to save on your everyday beauty products.
So without further ado, here are some of my all-time favourite beauty products that won’t break the bank.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner
I still vividly remember walking into Priceline at the age of 16 and purchasing the Lasting Finish Lip Liner, and over a decade later, it’s still a staple in my routine. Available in a range of colours, this lip liner gives definition while preventing lipstick from bleeding throughout the day.
Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails Strengthening Top Coat
One of the biggest beauty sins that I still commit is nail biting (I know, gross). For 28 years of my life, I’ve chewed down my nails to oblivion, and on the rare occasion that I manage to grow them out, they tend to break almost immediately. In comes the Advanced Hard As Nails Strengthening Top Coat. This clear polish protects and strengthens the nails while giving an added shine, resulting in my hands looking much more presentable than what they normally do.
Max Factor Velvet Matte Lipstick
Some people may have left matte lipstick back in 2016 but not me. I’ve never been a gloss girl, the thought of sticky lips makes me want to gag, which is why I always gravitate toward matte formulations. But matte lipsticks come with its own drawbacks — it can be extremely drying and sometimes, unflattering. It’s a big price to pay for long-wearing colour. Thankfully, the Velvet Matte Lipstick by Max Factor does exactly what the name suggests. This long-lasting lip colour glides like velvet on the lips, and doesn’t accentuate any lip lines that we all naturally have.
COVERGIRL Outlast All Day Primer Wear Extender
Primer can be a divisive topic. Some people can’t live without it and others feel it’s unnecessary. I for one sit in the former category, and the COVERGIRL Outlast All Day Primer Wear Extender is a gem. Perfect for sensitive skin, this conceals my pores and controls oil, keeping my makeup looking fresh all day.
