Beauty products under $30 I use as a makeup artist
Photography by Robyn Daly
words by Lara Daly
Underrated and overused.
Being a makeup artist of 10 years, I’ve tested every product under the sun. Getting to work closely with so many different brands, from the super high-end, to ones I’ve found at a Mexican dollar store, I’ve learnt that in beauty, price doesn’t always equal quality.
I remain unconvinced that you have to spend more than $20 on a great hyaluronic acid serum, but I’ve also been known to drop $90 on a La Mer lip balm. I’m all for a good dupe, as long as it’s not trying too hard to be a dupe – performing as well as an expensive cult product is great, copying its branding is not.
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When I’m out shopping for makeup, that’s the main thing I’m focused on: performance. Trying, testing, wearing it around for the day and eventually, deciding whether or not I want it taking up precious space in my kit. Over the years, I’ve realised that certain products are always worth spending the extra money on (foundations, concealer, my favourite Mac face wipes that I buy in bulk) and others are actually even better when you choose the budget option.
Brows
Eyebrow pencils don’t need to be a particular sexy or cute product, they just need to get the job done. For years I used Hourglass and Kosas, which got very expensive because I go through them so quickly. Lately, I’ve been loving these $6 wind-up brow pencils by Etude House that I get from the Korean beauty store. They come in great natural tones, they’re easy to use and again, they’re six dollars.
Mascara
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Throughout my career as makeup artist, I’ve never been convinced that a designer mascara is any better than a cheap one. As much as I love my Isamaya Beauty mascara, I wouldn’t buy it over my favourite $26 Mecca Max tubing one. I’m on my fifth tube and I think it’s still the best for holding a curl, not clumping and not smudging.
Lip balms
I’m sort of addicted to buying expensive lip products and definitely get sucked in by cute packaging. But if you want a classic, heavy-duty lip balm to see you through the depths of winter, I’d recommend Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm for Lips! At $26 a tube, it’ll last you years. For something a bit more chic and yummy, I love the Tocobo Vita Glazed Lip Mask for only $18.
Facial spray
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I don’t really believe in setting sprays (I’m sure there’s a drag queen out there who would fight me on this) however, I do rate a good hydrating facial mist. They’re great for skin prep and for spritzing on after you’ve done your makeup to help it ‘merge’ with your skin. My favourite is another Korean brand, Dr. Jart Cicapair Facial Calming Mist, it contains Centella Asiatica to soothe and it’s fragrance-free, so it works for most skin types.
Makeup remover
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As I mentioned, my favourite way to remove makeup on the go is with Mac Gently Off Wipes – they remove everything without stinging and leave your skin feeling perfectly clean and comfortable. However, a budget-friendly makeup artist staple is Bioderma and a cotton pad. Everyone uses this micellar water backstage and I haven’t heard any complaints from models.
Setting powder
I don’t think you need to spend a lot on a basic setting powder, there’s minimal difference between high and low-end brands and the main ingredient is usually just talc. That said, I always recommend people buy loose powders in the mini version – those big full sizes are impossible to go through and annoying to carry around. Morphe do a great one for $22 that uses mica instead of talc, which in my opinion leaves a much more flattering finish.
For more budget-friendly beauty recommendations, try this.
