Whatever your budget, everyone loves discovering a high street buy that can rival the luxury labels on formula, texture or wear. And the good news is that bargain beauty has never looked better, with budget brands launching pocket-friendly formulas that allow you to break out of your make-up comfort zone and try something new – without breaking the bank. This week we have a round-up of a dozen products to try. All have the GWG team seal of approval. And all are under £10.

Poreless Putty Primer, £9


Elf
Poreless Putty Primer, £9

This velvety texture, primer putty is infused with squalane to hydrate while minimising the appearance of pores. Smoothing over imperfections, it protects the skin from moisture loss and primes the skin for a flawless finish. Buy it here.


Moisture Shine Lipstick, £2.49


Natural Collection
Moisture Shine Lipstick, £2.49

Astonishing colour and hydration for the price, this rich, soft-satin formula is enriched with camomile to soothe, with nine berry shades to choose from. Buy it here.


Instant Lift Eyebrow Pencil, £3


Elf
Instant Lift Eyebrow Pencil, £3

Another bargain buy that gives the same long-lasting, precision finish as similar protects five times the price. With a fine tip and smudge-proof formula, filling in sparse brows or giving them greater definition is a doddle, with a built-in spoolie brush to tame and grapeseed oil to condition and promote hair growth. Buy it here.


Sheer Slick Lipstick, £5


Elf
Sheer Slick Lipstick, £5

Somewhere between a lip balm and a lipstick, this sheer formula is infused with vitamins and natural oils for a juicy hint of colour that hydrates, in eight tropical shades. Buy it here.


Blush Bomb Color Drops for Cheeks, £8.99


Flower Beauty
Blush Bomb Color Drops For Cheeks, £8.99 Copy

An instant pop of fresh colour, these cheek drops from Drew Barrymore’s line, Flower Beauty, blend and build seamlessly for a healthy veil of colour with a radiant finish. Buy it here.


No Budge Shadow Sticks, £6


Elf
No Budge Shadow Sticks, £6

As the name suggests, these easy, blendable shadow sticks in creamy, metallic shades have great staying power. A simple swipe layered over Elf’s eyelid primer will guarantee day-long colour, without creasing. Buy it here.


Skin Lights Face Glow Illuminator, £9.99


Revlon
Skin Lights Face Glow Illuminator

An impressive high street highlighter with skin-warming metallics and a dewy glow finish. The three-in-one formula can be used alone to warm skin when you want to go foundation-free; as a highlighter on cheeks, nose and collarbones; or mixed in with foundation for subtle, illuminated look. Buy it here.


The Falsies Instant Lash Lift Mascara, £9.99


Maybelline
The Falsies Instant Lash Lift Mascara, £9.99

The hourglass curves of this mascara wand catch every lash for a dramatic lift-effect with a fibre-infused formula to thicken and lengthen, too. With no flaking, smudging or budging during the day, it’s a great budget mascara for bold lashes. Buy it here.


Coverage Foundation, £6.90


The Ordinary
Coverage Foundation, £6.90 Copy

A 21-shade range, added SPF15 and a full coverage finish in a lightweight serum formula: The Ordinary’s foundation would impress at twice the price. Expect a semi-matte, natural look that doesn’t cake, yet gives a high level of coverage for a flawless finish. Buy it here.


Banana Light Baking Powder, £5.99


Revolution
Banana Light Baking Powder, £5.99

The yellow tone of this loose powder suits a range of skin tones and balances out red or pink undertones with no settling into fine lines or drying of the skin - it locks your base all day with no ghostly flashback in photos either. Buy it here.


Miracle Complexion Sponge, £6


Real Techniques
Miracle Complexion Sponge, £6

Slightly dampen then use with liquid, powder or cream products to buff your base to perfection. Perfect for applying foundation, contouring or blending blusher. A great pro tool to elevate your application. Buy it here.


Eraser Eye Concealer, £8.99


Maybelline
Eraser Eye Concealer, £8.99

A cult favourite, this concealer from Maybelline has been specifically formulated to cover underage circles and fine lines instantly. Eyes look brighter, more awake and even in tone - with an easy to use sponge tip for precision application. Buy it here.

By Lydia Mansi
March 2022

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