Beauty News

The Best of Affordable Beauty

Affordable beauty often gets a bad rep for being lesser than thou (and by ‘thou’ we mean ‘luxury’) — but nothing could be further from the truth. Free from lofty promises and heavy price tags, most often, purse-friendly products can get straight to the heart of your hair care, skin care, and make up needs without the need to demystify the smoke and mirrors. What’s more, budget-friendly beauty just means there’s more to go around. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together the best beauty for your buck, worthy of space in your regime and pride of place on your #shelfie.

THE ORDINARY — For your every acid need

This skin care brand needs no introduction. Since its inception, you’ve seen their minimal bottles everywhere, from brick-and-mortar shelves to doing the rounds on {TikTok} (glycolic acid feet hack, anyone?). Incredibly affordable with easy-to-understand education at the forefront, {The Ordinary skincare} can sort out your every acid (and now, hair care) need.

SELFLESS BY HYRAM — The Retinol and Rainbow Algae Night Repair Serum

Scared to venture into retinol and the infamous ‘purge’ that follows? Well, you can put your fears to rest with this complexion-brightening formula that is equal parts gentle and effective, thanks to the 0.2% slow-releasing retinol. At an accessible price point — like the rest of the range! — this {retinol} serum does all you need to smooth and even out skin. Bonus: it contains nutrient-rich rainbow algae and tranexamic acid, both of which help to improve hyperpigmentation.

THE INKEY LIST — For skin care regime staples

Want advanced skin care at the price of, say, two coffees? Look no further than The Inkey List. Making waves in the beauty industry for “no-fuss” formulas and jargon, every The Inkey List product cuts straight to the chase. From their ultra-hydrating Omega Water Moisturiser to the efficacious and barrier-restoring Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser, there’s something for everyone at price points that will have you do a double-take… 

BRIOGEO — Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray

Briogeo knows how to care for our hair without needing to invest in the most luxury creams that don’t work nearly as hard. Loved for their Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask that works wonders for damaged tresses, the Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray continues to uphold its reputation. This {leave-in} spray champions avocado oil and kiwi extract, both of which help to nourish, condition and even protect against environmental damage to hair. 

BENEFIT — Floratint

Is there a more iconic blusher around? This cult-favourite product is worth every last penny (of which there isn’t much to spend!) for its versatility and signature pretty pink tint. The kind of product that just never seems to end, apply this long-lasting formula to your lips and cheeks for an au naturel, lightly-pinched flush with a luminous finish. 

SAIE — Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer

Priding themselves on ‘clean’ standards, SAIE is high up on our wishlists for their decadent textures and high-street price tag. Case in point: the Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer. Enriched with hyaluronic acid to lend a moisturising touch and SPF 35 to shield your skin, this {tinted moisturiser} boasts sheer coverage with a dew-boosting coverage, perfect for a {clean make up routine}. Saie hello to the dewy skin of your TikTok dreams.

PACIFICA — Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara

If dreams could be turned into make up, it would look something like {Pacifica} (read: heavenly).  Their pretty packaging is only surpassed by their eco-conscious and accessible ethos that is imbued in every creation. While their whole range is covetable — and affordable considering their earth-friendly accolades — look to the Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara to get you started. The plant-powered ingredients strengthen every lash while delivering on lift and length. Sky-high lashes, here we come!

Need more? Right this way…

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Nasreen Osman

Nasreen Osman

Midweight Copywriter

Nasreen is a Junior Copywriter at Cult Beauty. Her time spent in East Asia sparked a renewed interest in skin care and it’s been a constant in her life ever since! Her Holy Grail product? SPF, of course. During the day, you can find Nasreen at her local coffee shop having the chats about anything from travel and skin care to cats and Korean music.