Beauty editors get asked a lot of questions. From which long-lasting eyeliner actually stays put, to how to combat adult acne, being a walking encylopedia of beauty knowledge comes with the turf.
But the one question usually asked above all others, is whether a product is worth it.
Because at the end of the day, all anyone really wants is to be using the best products, for the best price.
So we rounded up some of the best beauty eds in the biz and had them reveal their favourite budget beauty buys under $20. You’re welcome.
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Maybelline FITMe Matte + Poreless Foundation
Maybelline FITMe Matte + Poreless Foundation in shade ‘230’, $19.95
“I’ve actually said au revoir to MAC Studio Fix now that I have this foundation in my life. Thicker coverage, so great for a night out, doesn’t crease or sit in my pores, plus it stays looking amazing for hours and hours and hours.” – Elise Wilson, Beauty Editor, Woman’s Day, OK, Take 5 and NW.
Garnier Fresh-Mix Hyaluronic Shot Tissue Mask
Garnier Fresh-Mix Hyaluronic Shot Tissue Mask, $4.95
“I love to sheet mask on the reg and find this one to be super hydrating and extremely generous with the amount of serum it contains. I’ll slather the leftovers down my neck and decolletage, and still have some leftover for the back of the hands. Such a bang for your buck.” – Samantha McMeekin, Digital Managing Editor, beautyheaven.
Lanolips The Original Lanostick
Lanolips The Original Lanostick, $18.95
“Apart from its super convenient wind-up stick form, this balm is ultra-hydrating and conditioning, so my lips stay soft and smooth all day long.” – Stefani Zupanoska, Fashion & Beauty Assistant Editor, Women’s Weekly.
Rimmel London Wonder’Full Brow
Rimmel London Wonder’Full Brow in ‘Medium Brown’, $15.95
“I’m a bit of a brow fanatic at the moment and brow mascara is my new best friend. This one has fibres to fake them looking more fluffy too (a must for my spindly natural brows).” – Elise Wilson, Beauty Editor, Woman’s Day, OK, Take 5 and NW.
DB Cosmetics Luminous Hydrating Foundation
DB Cosmetics Luminous Hydrating Foundation, $19.99
“Before I discovered DB Cosmetics Luminous Hydrating Foundation I thought you couldn’t get a quality foundation for less than $60, but I was so glad to be proved wrong – and so was my bank account. I’d heard great reviews, and once I tried it I was hooked. It’s a great dupe for an iconic luxe foundation (I won’t say which one, but I will say it has a sheer glow…). It gives a lovely, glowy finish (without being glittery) and is ideal for days that I want that IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream glow, but with a bit more coverage.” – Jessica O’Donnell, Content Assistant & Community Manager, beautyheaven.
Dove Original Anti-Perspirant Roll-on
Dove Original Anti-Perspirant Roll-on, $4.24
“Won’t somebody please think about the armpits?! A little left field compared to the other products listed, but this guy has been a part of my routine since about age 13, so it’s always the first one I think of. I’ve tried others, but nothing beats the OG. ” – Samantha McMeekin, Digital Managing Editor, beautyheaven.
Rimmel London Kate Moss Sculpting & Highlighting Kit
Rimmel London Kate Moss Sculpting & Highlighting Kit, $16.95
“You know how you still think fondly of the car you learnt to drive in? This is the palette I learnt to contour with (AKA the first warm-but-not-too-warm shade trio that didn’t leave me looking like Lindsay Lohan circa 2010). The shades are insanely silky with just the right amount of shimmer – the fact that it’s the size of the palm of your hand (and purse-friendly) is just a perk.” – Delaney Loane, Skin & Perfume Editor, beautyheaven.
MUD Eyebrow Kit
MUD Eyebrow Kit, $8
“I accidentally forgot my Benefit Brow Powder one time so sifted through my beauty cupboard to urgently through on anything I could find. It happened to be this little gem which I have used every day for about a year since.” – Elise Wilson, Beauty Editor, Woman’s Day, OK, Take 5 and NW.
Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Conceal
Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Conceal, $15.95
“A devilishly good dupe for a certain cult-y concealer (hint: it’s radiant and creamy), a single swipe erases all signs of Netflix binging or Vodka Cruisers from the night before (yes, I still drink like I’m 18 – and with a good coat of this spritely stuff I could probably pass as it).” – Delaney Loane, Skin & Perfume Editor, beautyheaven.
Batiste Dry Shampoo – Coloured
Batiste Dry Shampoo – Coloured, $19.95
“I know it’s not a surprise, but this simply is THE best dry shampoo in the world. I was always a fan of the original, but now I’ve gone darker with my hair I’m branching out and using the one for brunettes. Life saver.” –Elise Wilson, Beauty Editor, Woman’s Day, OK, Take 5 and NW.
Lately, I've been wearing Ulta3 Moisturising Lippy in Green Magic almost every day. It's green in the tube but goes on bright pink. It lasts so long that I've been using it as a lip stain under any bright or dark coloured lippy.
Lately, I've been wearing Ulta3 Moisturising Lippy in Green Magic almost every day. It's green in the tube but goes on bright pink. It lasts so long that I've been using it as a lip stain under any bright or dark coloured lippy.
Ummm I have actually tried a few of these but did not remember liking any of them.
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I had the DB foundation but gave it away. Wrong shade for me.
I’m a fan of the Dove deodorant and the Batisse dry shampoo, the rest of them I have never tried.