Every girl knows that a great makeup look starts with a great base. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend big to get flawless results. We’ve rounded up the best budget makeup basics that will have you looking expensive, without breaking the bank. Trust us, affordable makeup can be just as good as any exxy beauty buy.
These cheap makeup buys will make your pores non-existent, your foundation look smooth and natural, your spots and dark circles concealed, and your shine minimised. And the best part? You can get each item with a red-hot $20 dollar note and still get change!
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RELATED: The best primers under $25
BEST PRIMERS UNDER $20
Australis The Original Primer, $14.95
The Australis The Original Primer smooths, refines, and hydrates the skin. The silicone-free formula contains vitamins A and C to promote youthful-looking skin, plus honey, cucumber and aloe to moisturise.
e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Face Primer, $12
For a dewy and soft makeup look, you can’t go past the e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Face Primer. The multipurpose primer combats excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. It’s available in Clear, Green, Lavender, and Radiant Glow.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer, $13.95
The Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer helps to minimise the appearance of pores and creates a soft, matte complexion while controlling shine.
BEST FOUNDATIONS UNDER $20
Maybelline New York FIT me! Liquid Foundation, $18.95
The Maybelline New York FIT me! Liquid Foundation is a wax- and oil-free foundation that leaves your complexion looking natural and radiant while allowing your skin to breathe. Added bonus: SPF 18.
Mode 2 in 1 Foundation & Concealer, $3.00
Keep this one in your handbag! The Mode 2 in 1 Foundation & Concealer provides long-lasting maximum coverage with a matt finish.
Designer Brands Longwear 24 Hour Foundation, $12.99
This lightweight foundation is your ticket to a flawless complexion. The Designer Brands Longwear 24 Hour Foundation is formulated with vitamins C and E, a peptide infusion and aloe vera extract.
BEST CONCEALERS UNDER $20
ulta3 Cover it Concealer Duo, $5.95
This duo of creamy concealers helps hide all kinds of impurities – from blemishes to under-eye circles, the ultra3 Cover it Concealer Duo has you covered. Talk about good value!
Maybelline New York FITme Concealer, $14.95
There’s a reason this concealer is a cult beauty buy. The Maybelline New York FITme Concealer erases imperfections effortlessly, leaving you with a flawless finish.
Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Cream Concealer, $19.95
The two-in-one Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Cream Concealer helps you hide unsightly blemishes in two ways – the colour corrective shade helps to neutralise the colour, while the other concealer matches your skin tone for maximum coverage.
BEST POWDERS UNDER $20
Natio Loose Powder, $17.95
This finely grounded powder not only helps prevent your face from looking like an oil slick, but the Natio Loose Powder also sets your makeup for a smooth, natural-looking finish. It’s available in translucent (for totally sheer colour) and Natural (for a hint of colour).
essence all about matt!, $6.15
This pressed powder is just what the doctor ordered for skin that’s a touch too oily. The essence all about matt! can be dusted over your entire face to set your foundation or over your T-zone to prevent shine.
Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder, $13.95
The Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder is a pot of powdery goodness will help keep your shine at bay, ensuring your makeup look is nothing but flawless. It’s also talc-free!
BEST BRUSHES UNDER $20
Eco Tools Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush, $7.99
The Eco Tools Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush is a cruelty-free concealer brush with soft bristles that will help apply concealer to hide dark under-eye circles, sun spots, pigmentation and other imperfections.
Artiste All-Over Eyeshadow Brush #31, $15.95
This pony-bristled brush is perfect for applying your eyeshadow to your entire lid. You can also use the Artiste All-Over Eyeshadow Brush #31 to blend your shadow for a seamless, gorgeous eye look.
Chi Chi Buffing Brush, $14.95
The Chi Chi Buffing Brush will help you flawlessly apply your foundation with an airbrush effect. This flat-headed brush will buff in product for a seamless, professional finish. It can also be used with liquid, cream or minerals.
Do you have any favourite makeup basics under $20? What’s your best budget beauty buy?
The loose powder from natio looks so good gotta try!