10 budget beauty finds you NEED to try

Isobel Lawrance 25th Apr 2023 No Comments

Reading Time: 5 minutes

10 budget beauty finds you NEED to try.

Do you find yourself shelling out a huge chunk of your hard-earned cash on expensive skincare and beauty? Marketing is getting even better than it was before – with companies using the popularity of social media such as Instagram and TikTok to push products onto unsuspecting customers.

People spend hundreds of pounds every year on beauty products. We like to keep ourselves looking and feeling good, and some staple products play a huge role in this. With new releases being shoved in our face left, right and centre, and new trends popping up at every corner, it can be hard to decipher what you really need, what really is a good deal, and when to say no.

With costs soaring and pennies being pinched, it is harder to justify spending large amounts on one product – even if it’s a miracle item.

Let me clear the muddied waters for you a little. I’m Izzy, beauty-lover and author of our NEW beauty column ‘Beauty Magpie’ (coming soon!), and here are some of my budget beauty finds.

Revolution Hyaluronic Acid Serum 2%, £4.20

This serum helps to plump and soften skin. The great thing about hyaluronic acid is that it keeps your skin super hydrated, as it holds up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. It’s never too early to use a hyaluronic acid, and if you have dry or aging skin, this is a must-have.

Try the Revolution Hyaluronic Acid Serum now.

Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic, £2.99

I have been using this tonic for a while – not just because of the brilliant price – but because it does what it says on the tin. It’s important to remember that the active ingredients in pricey products are likely the same in cheaper options. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and brightens the skin, helping to improve uneven skin tone and texture.

Try the Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic now.

e.l.f Monochromatic Multi Stick, £5.00

The reason that I love this multi-stick so much, is that it has so many uses that I don’t have to buy multiple items. Coming in multiple shades, it can be used as a blush, on the lips, around the face or a sun-kissed glow, and even on the eyes. Plus, a little goes a long way, so it lasts ages! I’ve had a few compliments when wearing this – my favourite being that I looked “glowy and fresh”.

Try the e.l.f Monochromatic Multi Stick now.

CS Beauty Eco Friendly Hairbrush, £5.27

I had long, thick hair (up until a few days ago when I chopped it all off), and this brush was an absolutely life saver for me. I use it in the shower on my wet hair to brush through conditioner, and sometimes out of the shower to detangle my mane. It’s great for detangling any hair type, or even just keeping your locks in place throughout the day.

Try the CS Beauty Eco Friendly Hairbrush now.

Barry M Cosmetics Gelly Nail Paint, £3.99

I will admit – I used to spend over £14 on my favourite nail varnish. I’m a choose-a-colour-and-stick-to-it-for-years kinda girl, and when I fell in love with a particular shade, I was convinced I had to use that exact brand again and again. But eventually, I couldn’t justify the price and found the Barry M Cosmetics Gelly Nail Paint. The range of colours is perfect for any occasion, and the staying power is exceptional. Big fan.

Try the Barry M Cosmetics Gelly Nail Paint now.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic, £4.30

I am a runner – I try to run a few times a week, and I enjoy getting a bit of fresh air. But I have found the skin on my feet less soft, and more calloused than it was before I began jogging. You may be the same – even if you don’t run! Being on your feet a lot or wearing ill-fitting shoes can create hard or dry skin on your feet. This Foot Magic cream has been a god send – my skin feels better than ever.

Try the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic now.

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, £2.99

I suffer from cracked and dry lips all year round. No matter how hydrated I am, come rain or shine my lips are dry. But my housemate gifted me a Burt’s Bees lip balm recently, and within a use my lips felt more moisturised. Many low-cost lip balms are full of cheap ingredients, but Burt’s Bees is packed with goodies such as Vitamin E and is free of parabens.

Try the Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm now.

W7 Honolulu Sun-Light Bronzer, £4.95

This is a clear dupe for a high-end bronzer (I see you, Benefit), but it’s a very good one – and just a fraction of the price. This bronzer gives me a subtle bronzed look, without caking to my skin. You get a decent chunk of product too, and even if you bronze every single day, this will last you a good while. I can’t recommend this enough!

Try the W7 Honolulu Sun-Light Bronzer now.

Nuoshen Satin Hair Scrunchies, 6 pack, £4.99

Did you know that hair bobbles can tear your hair and cause damage? I tend to put my hair up for work to keep it out of the way, but since using sating hair ties my hair has noticeably less breakage. Using satin products such as pillowcases is also a great way to protect your hair from damage. This 6-pack of scrunchies is not only a great deal – but you can wear them for any occasion – whether you’re seeing friends or having an at-home spa day.

Try the Nuoshen Satin Hair Scrunchies now.

Microfibre Eco Friendly Reusable Makeup Removal Cloths, £2.95

I gave up using face wipes for a few reasons. One, for environmental reasons, two because I was shocked to see just how much they damage your skin barrier and three, I was spending way more than I needed to on them. I got a pack of these, and they are brilliant! All you need is water to remove makeup. I also use them to remove face masks or treatments, and they are so soft. Just chuck them in the wash and they’ll be good as new.