It’s simple: when you look good, you feel good. But that mood booster doesn’t have to be a big-ticket item. According to a study conducted by BuzzBack Market Research, beauty products – even the pharmacy kind – are a more satisfying purchase than a chic new addition to your wardrobe. Here are 10 amazing beauty buys that’ll make you look and feel good without breaking the bank.
Best Budget Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Poreless & Matte Foundation (R110). Foundation is a beauty staple, and there’s no denying that when you have a naturally flawless skin, everything else is just icing. This foundation, which matches skin tone, type and texture, is your key to the ultimate natural look. Available at Foschini.
Best Budget Primer
Rimmel Powder Foundation Primer (R100) is a primer that works hard for you. Besides creating a lovely canvas for your foundation, it puts in the extra effort with added skincare benefits, prepping and protecting the skin against daily stresses, including pollution and damaging UV rays. Available at Dischem.
Best Budget Eyeshadow
Rimmel Magnif’eyes Double Ended Shadow and Liner Rose Gold (R110) makes it onto our list because no matter your eye colour (brown, blue, green, hazel or grey), this rose gold hue will make your peepers pop. Bonus: Long-lasting waterproof, crease-proof and transfer-proof formula. Available at Clicks.
Best Budget Highlighter
NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow Liquid Highlighter Golden Hour (R115) enhances any look with a lovely luminous glow. This buildable highlighter has a light-reflecting formula that comes in a creamy, yet lightweight, shade with a shimmery finish. Available at Clicks.
Best Budget Micellar Water
Nivea Perfect And Radiant Micellar Water (R100) is a powerhouse: the three-in-one formulation gently removes make-up and dirt, leaving skin soft and smooth after every use. Dermatologically tested, this water is enriched with vitamin E to tone and refresh. Available at Clicks.
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Best Budget Lipsticks
Gosh Velvet Touch Matt Lipsticks (R145) are some of our all-time faves – think: intense, make-a-statement shades. The creamy texture ensures an easy, outlined application and delivers an even, long-lasting result. Available at Foschini.
Best Budget Mascara
Essence I Love Extreme Volume Mascara (R60). This one is a goodie that won’t disappoint. With just one or two coats, you get bold lashes – it’s like you’ve got falsies on! Each lash is coated in rich, ultra-black colour, while the extra-large brush ensures lashes look bigger and plumper. Available at Clicks.
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Best Budget Eyeliner
Black Opal Precision Eye Definer (R125). Even Cleopatra would have stockpiled these babies. This liner creates uber drama while being soft and creamy on application. It’s formulated with aloe vera and chamomile extracts to help deliver professional results around the delicate eye area and is safe for sensitive eyes. Available at Foschini.
Best Budget Blush
Woolworths Lip & Cheek Stick (R120). A blush that also masquerades as a lip stain – yes please! This blush and lippie combo adds a serious pop to your look and is available in a selection of bright colours. Available at Woolworths.
Best Budget Eyebrow
NYX Professional Makeup Tinted Brow Mascara (R130). All hail the mighty brow: it creates a youthful look, frames your face and makes your features pop. This budget brow mascara boosts your natural shape, creating a strong and beautiful result. Available at Clicks.
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