Super cheap beauty buys that are just as effective as the fancy pricey stuff

We’re nearing the middle of the month and that means we’re still a few weeks away from our next paycheck.

It’s a tough period especially if you’ve just splurged on the entire Fenty Beauty by Rihanna range that dropped last week.

But if beauty products are your biggest weakness (we totally get you), and you absolutely must treat yourself to something new (because why not?), consider the affordable edit we’ve come up with.

There’s nothing here that’s over $50 so they’re pretty much wallet-friendly.

Scroll on to check out our inexpensive beauty favourites now.  

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

Putting together a beauty bag for your work trip or vacay can be challenging because the liquids, like facial washes for example, may end up spilling all over the insides of your luggage if you’re not careful.

But you’ll have none of that problem if you travel with this new cleansing stick that comes in a roll-on tube. It’s easy to use and it prevents spillage.

Handmade from 90 per cent natural ingredients (including Damascus rose petals), this gentle formula doubles up as an exfoliator.

Available from October 2017 at Su:m37 counters in TANGS at Tang Plaza and VivoCity.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

Makeup removers have come a long way. The oil-based ones used to reign supreme but more options such as wipes and micellar waters were introduced over the years.

Garnier’s latest makeup remover (pictured here) combines two of our favourites: Oil and micellar water.  

Think of it as combining the best of both worlds. The Argan Oil used here nourishes the skin while the micellar water does a great job of wiping out dirt and grime easily.

The best part? There’s absolutely no need to wash it off with water or use a separate cleanser to clean your face afterwards.  

Available at Guardian, Watsons, major super- and hypermarkets.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

You’ve religiously removed your makeup and cleansed your face every night before going to bed but why are pimples and blackheads still staring back at you whenever you look into the mirror?

What you’re missing is a deep cleansing mask. We’ll suggest getting your hands on this new wash-off mask from The Body Shop which sweeps away the damages caused by pollution surrounding our environment.

Enriched with Matcha Green Tea from Kakegawa, Japan, this gentle mask helps to free our pores from impurities, leaving our skin cleaner and more radiant than before.

Available at all The Body Shop stores.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

When the days get exceptionally hot and humid, all we wish to do is to head to the pool for a dip. But in reality, that’s hardly possible (because #responsibilities).

Fret not, H&M’s new line of All Over Mist is made to help hit refresh for your senses when the weather gets too hot to handle.

This Bergamot and Lime option re-energises your senses with sparkling sweet bergamot and zesty lime notes. Spritz it on anytime and anywhere to make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of the shower.

Available at H&M Ion Orchard and H&M Raffles Place.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and hence, we’ll realise that enlarged pores, rough skin and fine lines — that weren’t necessarily noticeable previously — start to show up more regularly (bummer!).

With that in mind, the experts at L’Oreal has formulated this new serum that’s powered by Pro-Xylane, a key ingredient that helps to build a youthful complexion by improving our skin’s elasticity.

Vitamin C has also been added to supercharge our skin with antioxidants, making it tougher for daily aggressors to harm our skin. 

Available at Guardian, Watsons, major super- and hypermarkets.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

The trouble with most sunscreens is that they feel kind of heavy, sticky and greasy on the skin after application. But we know that leaving the house without sun protection is a big beauty no-no.

Turn to Sunplay’s new Skin Aqua UV Mild Gel; not only does it feel like a second skin upon application, it’s also made to defend our skin against pollution particles in the environment.

Makeup artist and Sunplay ambassador Larry Yeo’s a fan too. “It’s lightweight and it doesn’t create another ‘layer’ or white cast on the face which can affect makeup longevity,” he says.     

Available at Guardian and Watsons.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

When it comes to cushion compacts, one of the biggest concerns for oily skin users is that many choices out there end up looking too greasy on the skin.

Thankfully, Laneige has rolled out its latest Powder Fit Cushion which basically combines the goodness of a powder foundation with the lightweight feel of cushion compacts.

The cream-to-powder formula features Oil Paper Powder and Airy Powder to soak up excess sebum, ensuring that your makeup stays in place throughout the day.

Available at all Laneige boutiques and counters, Lazada Singapore and Zalora Singapore.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

Have you ever bought a liquid foundation or BB cream only to realise that it looks too greasy on your face? Yes, we’ve been there too and throwing the entirely new tube away sounds very wasteful .

Luckily, Urban Decay’s The Velvetizer is a mattifying powder that you can add into your liquid foundations. Simply mix a dime-size amount of the powder with your foundation to create a velvety and comfortably matte finish.

Available at Urban Decay Ngee Ann City, VivoCity and Bugis Junction.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)

The wonderful thing about this small (but mighty) palette is that it helps to save space on your dresser. It’s a contour palette, highlighter and illuminator all rolled into one. Besides saving space, it also shaves time off your daily makeup routine.

Imagine spending an extra 15 minutes looking for three different products in your makeup stash – that’s just a waste of time. Simply count on this three-in-one palette and you’re sorted.

Available at Sephora.

Singapore’s weather can be rather extreme; one moment it’s pouring heavily and the next, it’s back to the usual hot and humid.

So it’s no surprise that our hair turns more susceptible to the damages that come with frequent weather changes, falling flat and limp.   

The solution? Enliven your locks with the help of John Frieda’s Core Restore Advanced Protein Volumiser.

Apply it on your tresses and leave them to the trusty hands of the protein strength complex which helps to toughen up and lend volume to your strands.

Available at selected Guardian and Watsons stores.

ALSO READ: MAKEUP SECRETS OUR BEAUTY GURUS RELY ON FOR MAKEUP THAT STAY; THE DOCTOR BEHIND VAMPIRE FACIALS AND BLOOD CREAMS SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE SECRETS (THERE’S NO BLOOD INVOLVED)