6 of the best cheap beauty products your bank account will approve of

A full face of makeup doesn’t need to cost the world.

When the contents of your makeup bag have run dry along with your bank account, panic often sets in. Though Getaway would have you believe otherwise, sometimes I feel that Australia’s real hidden gem is aisle four at Priceline.

Of course, saving money on cosmetics is easy once you’ve acquired the skill of self-control. During a very dark time in my sister’s life, she announced she was going to go sleep early because she couldn’t afford a new concealer.

For the majority of us though, going cold turkey is a little harder. Perhaps making tiny changes is what we need. There’s actually a huge amount of quality makeup products out there which you can grab with just $20 in your pocket. Let me show you the way.

Maybelline Master Precise Liner

You thought your Stila liner would last until payday but instead, it proved those closest to you hurt you the most. Whether you’re in need of a quick replacement or you’re just on the hunt for an affordable liner, the Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner works wonders. It’s built a cult following for a reason. The super sharp tip makes drawing lines easy and its high pigmentation glides on smoothly to create the perfect wings. The fact that it’s a pen means it’s also travel-friendly. And priced at $15.95, it’s a no-brainer.

Find it here.

3INA The Blush

When I was 12 years old and unemployed (this was before the era of YouTube bloggers, FYI), a friend once shared her advice for achieving a natural flush: “just pinch your cheeks really hard.” Needless to say, there were better options. 3INA’s mineral cheek powder ‘The Blush’ sweeps on with a silky finish and blends as smoothly as any high-end product. For just $15.50, The Blush provides sweet relief via bright, pigmented colour. Without digging into your rent money.

Find it here.

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara

Voluminous lashes are a staple in most beauty looks. Unfortunately for your wallet, mascara is damn pricey. Though it may be hard to part with your high-end love, it’s worth checking out Rimmel’s Extra Super Lash. The formula pretty much nails it. The product delivers its promise of extra build and length, sans the chunky bits. 

Find it here.

Australis Velourlips Matte Lip Cream

Before the release of Kylie’s lip kits, we had Velourlips. It was, and still is, an amazing alternative to high-end liquid lip colours (minus the heart-sinking price tags). Purchasing the purple shade, Tok-i-o, for about $7 in 2013 was perhaps one of the best decisions I ever made. And it got me just as many compliments as my MAC counterpart. Despite the matte finish, it actually hydrates dry lips. Its highly-pigmented formula means a couple of coats can outlast any Tinder relationship. With a huge range of colours on offer, and retailing at $10.49, it’s an ideal buy for all lipstick lovers.

Find it here.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Great skincare doesn’t always equate to a hefty price tag. Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water proves just that. I dare say it’s one of the best cleansers on the market and it retails for just $8.39 (depending on where you shop). The Cleansing Water breaks down all traces of makeup, leaving your face totally clean of long-stay foundations, liquid lipsticks and even waterproof mascara. It’s easy, quick and a lot more effective than using makeup wipes. It also leaves the skin feeling soft, making this one an ideal solution for sensitive skin types. And sensitive bank accounts.

Find it here.

Maybelline SuperStay 7 Day Gel Nails

Turns out, deciding to always have manicured nails is an expensive habit. Cue Maybelline’s SuperStay 7 Day nail polish, a range of chip-free and quick-drying nail polishes. On top of being loaded with colour pigment, the polish is also packed with calcium and iron to strengthen your nails, making them an amazing alternative to acrylics. The quick drying formula is ideal for anyone who gets caught up in a last-minute rush. At $7.95, it leaves no damage to your savings.

Find it here.