7 of the best cheap makeup products you can buy right now, according to the internet
IMAGE VIA @MECCAMAX/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
The best beauty bits under $30.
There’s something very trustworthy about a person who leaves a product review. They’ve tried it, contemplated the results and gone to the effort of typing out a comprehensive (more or less) summary of their experience.
Granted, sometimes it’s because the reviewer is petty and needs to take their anger out on the internet (the time my Amazon garlic press was simply not pressing) – but for the most part, reviews are left for the greater good of the online shopping community.
We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more.
A good product description is invaluable, but I can’t remember the last time I bought any beauty product without first trawling through the reviews section, keeping an eye out for any positive or negative patterns in the comments.
There’s nothing quite like word of mouth, after all. Trying to save some of my hard-earned dollars (for a European summer, obviously), I scoped out seven of the top-rated cheap makeup products. All products are under $30 and are available online, so you don’t even have to leave the house.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, $21
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.4 of 6022 reviews on Sephora
This liquid-to-matte lipstick formulation is a favourite amongst Sephora reviewers. One reviewer of a pinky-nude is grateful for the product’s formulation, gushing that it’s “Lightweight, long-lasting and I love this colour. I’m obsessed with this lip stain. Thank you Sephora. I will buy it again”. She also ended the review with a stream of hugs and kisses, meaning it must be good.
And with a range of 101 (!) different shades, there is bound to be a colour to suit every pucker. According to our reviewers, the best shades are 01 Always Red (a true deep crimson), 80 Honeymoon (a peachy nude) and 13 Marvelous Mauve (a dark pinky-purple).
Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Volumizing Mascara, $11.99
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.4 of 3532 reviews on Chemist Warehouse
Maybelline mascara is a holy grail for budget-friendly makeup wearers everywhere. Between all the most-loved formulations (Great Lash, The Falsies, Sky High) it’s hard to pick a favourite – but it looks like the Colossal Big Shot takes the cake. Reviewers often compare the yellow tube to its higher-end counterparts.
As one review read, “I replaced my Chanel Le Volume Mascara for the Colossal Big Shot Volumizing Mascara and I see no difference, just the price tag! You get volume, separation, length and long-wearing properties from this little gem! I love it”.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask, $18
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.6 of 272 reviews on Mecca
While you may only get one sheet in this pretty periwinkle packaging, reviews are insistent that this Tatcha product is worth the money. “The mask is more expensive than some others, but there is an ample amount of serum left in the bottom of the packet,” one reviewer said. “It lasts another two to three applications after the mask has been used!:
Although this mask may be technically classed as beauty rather than makeup, its enthusiastic reviews (and fabulous price) earned it a spot on this list. As one reviewer with ‘problem skin’ gushed, “Glow central… population YOU!”. Obsessed.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, $26
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.1 of 945 reviews on Makeup Alley
This one came as an IRL recommendation from Fashion Journal’s Digital Editor Cait Emma Burke, who said this product was a “cult fave”. I have to agree – early 2010s beauty YouTube first introduced me to this one. And Zoella never misses.
Reviewers say this foundation gives a “dewy, natural finish”, ideal for “covering texture and providing a really beautiful glow”. Despite it being recommended for dry skin, comments say it works “for oily and combination skin too”.
Mecca Max Off Duty Blush Stick, $18
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.6 of 599 reviews on Mecca
Nothing says ‘bargain’ quite like a multi-use product. At just $18, this blush stick works on eyelids, cheeks and lips, according to our enthusiastic testers. As a top reviewer says, “This is the type of product you want in every colour. It’s the creamiest texture… it blends so well on the cheeks and eyes. You can also mix it with a clear gloss for your lips! I love it!”
The product is available in six glossy shades, ranging from a punchy hot magenta (Candy) to a soft nude pink (Tutu). “This was my first experience with cream blush,” one reviewer of the shade Pinch stated. “Not only is the colour stunning, it basically melted into my skin. It looks so natural and gorgeous. Definitely would recommend it.”
Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips, $24
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.7 of 332 reviews on Mecca
“The only lip balm you should own. All other lip balms are terrible, this is the GOAT.” As this simple two-sentence review so aptly states, the Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm is just the best. A favourite here at the Fashion Journal office (we collectively churn through at least a tube a month), this lanolin-based formula keeps lips, dry cuticles, sore nipples and eyelashes thoroughly moisturised at all times.
NYX Professional Makeup Brow Glue, $13
View this post on Instagram
Star rating: 4.2 of 500 reviews on Asos
Trust me: no matter how unruly the brows, this product will keep them firmly in place. “Just got this, keeps your eyebrows up all day,” one reviewer writes. “The formula is a thick gel consistency. Would definitely recommend it.” My brows are all over the shop, and this is the only gel that keeps them looking fleeked all day.
As the reviews explain, there are no surprises here. “It’s exactly what I wanted: eyebrow glue,” one commenter states. “It goes on so smooth and doesn’t stay tacky when I apply makeup around it.”
For more beauty on a budget, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
