Whilst a lot of the products you see me use on my channels feature products of a higher price point (as I am grateful to receive a lot of press gifting as part of the job and the products used often reflect my professional kit), I love a bargain as much as everyone else!
Beauty doesn’t have to break the bank and the high-street (or drugstore if you like) has come a long way in recent years with what is available. Here I have rounded up some of my top affordable makeup picks from my go to high-street brands.
Photography / @rebeccaxalison
This post features some gifted items with no obligation to post and contains affiliate links. To learn more, click here.
Starting with a multipurpose product (expect to see more of these as you scroll further down!). This skincare infused hybrid product can be worn alone to even out your complexion and add an all over glow, under or over makeup, mixed with your favourite foundation to add luminosity or a touch on high points of face to highlight. I’m not really into ‘dupes’ but I’d say this is one if you’ve ever seen one.
ELF | Halo Glow
L’OREAL | True Match Foundation
My personal favourite affordable foundation. It is a lightweight liquid formula that delivers buildable coverage in a satin finish. Also enriched with a moisturising complex of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera extract, as well as added SPF17 to provide sun protection. Available in a wide range of 48 shades with colour adapting technology so there is a shade for everyone.
I often find high-street concealers can lack in coverage that I desire. This is a cult favourite concealer that does it all. The creamy high coverage yet blendable formula is available in an array of shades and can be used to correct, conceal and contour.
MAYBELLINE | Anti-Age Eraser
ELF | Putty Bronzer
It’s rare to find high-street bronzers in a wide variety of shades. Described as a ‘putty-to-powder’ formula this creamy bronzer is available in 8 flexible shades. It contains Vitamin E and Argon Oil to nourish the skin and blends effortlessly to add definition and warmth to the complexion. Dries down to a semi matte finish but is also available in a ‘luminous’ version if you prefer a subtle shimmer.
Like its sister bronzer above, this lightweight silky cream blusher is available in an array of shades for every skin tone or mood. It is sheer to buildable and leaves a beautiful wash of colour on the face. Again, available in in either a semi matte or luminous finish depending on your preference.
ELF | Putty Blusher
NYX | Micro Brow Pencil
When it comes to my own brows I’m honestly pretty lazy. I always have a brow pencil in my makeup bag as I like the simplicity of fill, brush and go. This dual ended ultra-thin pencil with brush allows you to effortlessly fill and define brows whilst keeping a natural appearance and mimic the appearance of hairlike strokes. Available in a broad shade range to cover most hair types and skin tones.
I am however extremely fussy when it comes to brow gels. I like one that is strong hold and doesn’t budge once set, with no white cast left over and not messy to apply. I remember when people would use the G2B hair gel to hold their brows in place before the 2-in-1 gel was born, which is for use for both brows and hair, and does exactly the above!
GOT2B | 2-in-1 Gel
MAYBELLINE | Lash Sensational Mascara
A mascara I always find myself gravitating back to for its ultra-black formula and curved silicone wand which separates my lashes and adds volume and length. It has also lived in my pro kit for years as it is available in a waterproof version which is great for weddings or events where there may be tears shed, or equally watery eyes!
These tiny handbag friendly eyeshadows come in an array of curated shades from neutral mattes and shimmers to bold colours. Considering the low price point they are surprisingly blendable and pigmented!
ELF | Bitesize Eyeshadow
BARRY M | Eyeliner
Their eyeliners are extremely high pigmented and creamy. The waterproof ones once dried down don’t budge which makes them great for layering under shadows to create a base or for the waterline. I also love their kohl pencil in the shade nude to brighten up the bottom waterline.
I am always on the hunt for great nude lip liners. I have repurchased shades ‘nude beige’ and ‘nude truffle’ countless times. I find they are closest in shade to my well-loved Charlotte Tilbury ‘iconic nude’ which is very often out of stock. If you are light-medium skintone, or like CT’s ‘iconic nude’ give either of these two a go!
NYX | Lip Pencil
L’OREAL | Intense Matte Lipstick
This slimline lipstick offers precise application in a powdery matte finish. I was lucky enough to attend a L’Oreal dinner for International Women’s Day this year to celebrate the limited edition ‘colours of worth’ collection. I wore shade ‘300 Le Rouge Confident’ and can confirm it lasted ALL night through food and drinks! If you like a matte finish I think you’ll love these.
Lightweight and comfortable, use between layers to settle makeup or after makeup to lock in place or spray a little throughout the day to refresh. Also available in a matte option if you prefer a more matte finish or have a more oily skin type.
NYX | Dewy Setting Spray
See the products in action on my instagram below