When it comes to beauty, sometimes you just want a product that gets the job done and doesn’t cost a fortune. There’s something so satisfying in finding an affordable version of your favourite high-end product; if you’re looking for cruelty-free beauty and have a budget to stick to, I've created an edit of all the best purse-friendly beauty items that perform exceptionally well:
Multi-Purpose Products
If there are two products you should always keep to hand, it’s these two; together they’re all you need to maintain a great complexion and shiny hair. Coconut oil is the ultimate multi-purpose beauty product useful for everything from removing make-up, moisturising the skin, or using as a hair mask. Homeoplasmine has it’s own multiple uses but it’s best for soothing cracked lips, damaged skin, or healing skin irritations. It has a natural matte finish which makes it a great brow shaper and lip primer.
I use both of these products on a daily basis and couldn’t be without them. A little goes a long way so you’ll only need to purchase these once every six months or so; a tube of Homeoplasmine lasts me almost an entire year!
Skincare Products
When looking for affordable skincare, the number one choice is The Ordinary; you get premium skincare for a budget price - and it works. But I’ve also found another budget brand that’s quickly become a favourite.
Squalene is great for moisturising the skin leaving it plump and soft; as an eye and lip treatment, to soothe cracked or chapped skin; it helps to fight bacteria, control oil, and prevent irritation. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Based Squalane* works best after the application of water-based products, over a face mask or serum or under a heavier cream.
When your skin is struggling with congestion or blemishes, using a clay mask can help redress the balance. The Nature's Alchemist Calming Clay Mask* is features turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties and agave to restore moisture. It’s a gentle formula; so, if your skin is stressed, this is the mask to reach for.
If you’re looking for a brightening treatment, The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA* contains ingredients that treat pigmentation helping to treat and prevent discolouration, and brighten the complexion. I layer it over the The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%* for a more intense treatment but they both work equally as well when used on their own.
Facial mists can help your complexion stay hydrated while helping your makeup look perfectly glowing all day. The Nature's Alchemist Hydrating Facial Mist* is a hydrating facial mist suitable for all skin types; formulated with dragon fruit and avocado oil to moisturise and hydrate. I like to use a facial mist at night after cleansing and before applying treatments and I spritz my face throughout the day as a little pick-me-up during work.
Makeup Products
If, like me, you don’t wear foundation, a good primer is essential for those days where you want the makeup you do wear to apply flawlessly and last all day. The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer has a matte formula that smooths and primes your complexion; any blemishes or discolouration are disguised, and when makeup is applied over the top this primer gives everything an effortless finish.
Two great products that rival their more expensive counterparts are the GOSH Lumi Drops, a range of liquid highlighters and blush, which are ideal for use on bare skin or under liquid foundation. The GOSH Lumi Drops Illumining Blush 008 Rose Blush adds a flush of natural looking colour to the cheeks, while the GOSH Lumi Drops Illuminating Highlighter 002 Vanilla can be applied on the cheek bones, brown bones, and above the cupid’s bow to add a glow that illuminates your skin. I like to mix a little of the two together and apply to my cheeks to create a very soft and radiant finish to my complexion.
The finishing touch for me is an easy-to-wear, comfortable lip product. The GOSH Forever Lip Shine range of lipsticks feel and wear more like tinted lip balms with more staying power. They have a soft texture that helps apply smoothly to the lips with a satin finish. I have the shade 005 Flirty Dreams and I like to apply the pinky-nude shade by dabbing it onto my lips to create a natural plump look.
Haircare Products
The key to maintaing healthy, shiny hair is the products you put on them but good haircare can cost a lot. Finding SLS-free haircare that is affordable and not drying can be a struggle.
Noughty Haircare doesn't contain parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals or silicones and all of their products are vegan-friendly; I’m so impressed with the Rise & Shine range I can’t recommend it enough. The shampoo* and conditioner* leaves your hair feeling cleansed and hydrated without any heaviness or dryness. The Noughty Rise & Shine Serum boosts shine and protects against heat; and if you really want to treat your hair, the Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment repairs dry, frizzy, damaged, or overworked hair.
