In a world where 12-year-olds are (apparently) spending hundreds of dollars on Drunk Elephant skincare and coveting $54 lip balms (this I’ve seen with my own eyes), it’s reassuring to know that the beauty pros still rate a bargain.
The cost of living crisis aside, finding a good ‘dupe’ or cheap and chic product is one of those small joys that should be shared with everyone. No gatekeeping!
One of my favourite things to do when assisting other makeup artists is to rifle through their kits and look for the MVPs: the most beaten-up blushers, near-empty concealers and lip liners worn down to a stub.
The reality is, makeup artists often get sent the fancy stuff for free, or at a discount. Most of us don’t want to fall in love with a $100 mascara that means we need to live off cans of tuna for a week (low-key I do this anyway and don't need encouragement). So in an act of public service, I asked some of the best in the business “what’s good, that we can afford?”
BEST UNDER $20
Lochie Stonehouse @lochiestonehouse recommends:
Etude Dr. Mascara Fixer Perfect Lash, $14
Heimish Dailism Smudge Stop Mascara, $19
Aotea Kawakawa Balm 10ml, $14
L.A. Girl PRO.color Foundation Mixing Pigments, $20
Kiekie Stanners @kiekies__ recommends:
Dermal Therapy Overnight Lip Repair, $14.50
This is a magic item that instantly repairs dry or dehydrated lips. Over summer it was a lifesaver when getting sunburnt lips, and now with the change of season and slightly drier weather, it instantly gives back a fullness to lips and smoothes fine-line texture.
Chanelle Aldridge @chanelle.aldridge recommends:
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges, $15.20
Good for taming thick brows without that plastered down look.
Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss in Ice, $17.30
This shade is beautiful for a more 90s style cool tone glossy lip.
Mecca Max Pout Pencil Lip Liner in Classy, $18
A cool tone that blends well with any colour.
Kiss Individual Lashes, $17
They blend really beautifully with natural lashes.
Duo Latex Free Glue, $15
Reminds me of the House of Lashes glue. Don’t have to wait ages for it to dry down, basically sticks straightaway.
Shane Cyrus @shanecyrus recommends:
Mecca Max Eye Max Eyeliner Pencil, $18
Caudalie Grape Water, $18
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges, $15.20
Kath Gould @kathgould_makeup recommends:
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Lip Barrier Balm, $17
Great for under lipstick or for men’s grooming as it’s got a matte finish.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Makeup Removing Micelle Solution 100ml, $15
Amazing to correct makeup mistakes as it doesn’t leave an oily residue.
Flower Beauty Lash Warrior Mascara, $10
Great long lasting mascara.
Ardell Natural Lash 110 Black, $15
The most used lashes in my kit.
Morphe Vegan Pro Series Precision Blending Sponge, $15
Nice soft sponge, the pointed tip makes it easy to get around the nose and under eyes.
Rimmel Glam Eyes Liquid Eyeliner, $14
A nice dense black with a precision tip, long lasting.
Thin Lizzy Velvet Lip Creme, $17
A nice soft formula with a surprising amount of pigment, can give a solid shape or you can blend with your finger for a stain of colour.
Tallulah Mclean @look.bomb recommends:
MCoBeauty Pout Gloss Clear, $12
Mecca Max Pout Pencil in Stellar, $18
e.l.f. Perfect Finish HD Powder, $15
Liz Hyun @liz_hyun recommends:
Torriden Solid In Ceramide Lip Essence, $13
Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, $11
Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff Brush, $13
Binh Minh Ha @binhminhha recommends:
Mecca Max Lip Liner, $18
I have recommended this to everyone - the shade ‘classy’ suits everyone and ‘super’ for a darker look.
Rom&nd Blur Fudge Lip Tint, $19, and Glasting Colour Gloss, $19
Hikoco [Korean beauty store] is amazing for cheap but super good stuff, the ROM&ND lip tints and balms are elite.
Natalie Dent @nataliedentmakeupandhair recommends:
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater, $15
Lara Daly @lara.daly recommends:
Mecca Max single eye shadow, $11
There’s some beautiful editorial colours in this range. I love So Fly, a vibrant purple blue, and Mom Jeans, a dusky blue.
Literally any eyeliner from Mexico, $2 each
If you ever visit, stock up! So many fun colours, you can shop ‘til you drop.
Mecca Max Lip Pencil in Plush, $18
A reliable warm nude. These are great for editorial photoshoots but they aren’t the most longwearing.
