The Budget Beauty Buys I Talked About on TV
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Humble brag: I was on morning TV.
No this isn’t my stream of consciousness talking, this actually happened, to little old me.
Apologies for the shameless plug, but when else in life can I ever say that?
If you told a teenage Sadaf that she’d see someone who looked like me (or that it would be ME) on the small screen, I would have said, “ Yeah, right. Don’t be ridiculous you crazy cat.”
Then late last year, that pipe dream became a reality.
In what was the fastest and most nerve-racking five minutes of my existence, I was lucky enough to chat through some of my favourite budget beauty buys and multi-tasking products on live television (you can watch the segment here).
What. Is. Life?
Anyway, since that I-can't-believe-that-happened moment, I've received a few DMs from family (including relatives in the States who I coerced into tuning in), friends and even strangers asking me to please send them a list of every product I waxed lyrical about to Natalie Barr, Matt Doran and well, all of Australia.
So, being the good beauty editor I am, I decided to compile them all in a BIQ article for you (and my aunty in Washington D.C. - sorry aunty, we don't do international shipping just yet).
Keep reading for this new guard of skincare, makeup and hair products that are wallet-friendly, high-performing and won’t send you into early debt.
P.S. My budget beauty buy picks go further than the list below, so if you want to see them all you can find them all here.
Skin:
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser.
Fast facts:
- This oil cleanser gently cleanses skin while also providing hydration thanks to the 3 essential ceramides in its formula.
- Replenishes skin’s moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
- Hero ingredients (besides the 3 essential ceramides) include niacinamide, triglycerides and plant-derived squalane oils.
Why you need it:
We know most of our skincare-obsessed Adore Beauty customers probably have a CeraVe cleanser in their bathroom or on heavy rotation.
But if you still haven’t clocked into CeraVe cleansers, your bank account would like you to look into this immediately.
Dermatologist-approved and targeted to different skin types, CeraVe cleansers are one of the most high-performing and affordable products you’ll ever use.
My personal fave (and the one I use religiously) is the CeraVe hydrating cleansing oil.
It’s gentle on my eyes, gets off all of my makeup and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped.
I’ve tried a slew of fancy cleansers and they're all fab, but I love that I don't need to spend too much on a daily cleanser (exxy cleansers for me are only a couple-times-a-year-purchase).
If like me you’ve reached your last drop while doing your PM routine and it’s too late to duck to the shops and get another one, you can make sure you’re always replenished with Adore Beauty’s Subscribe & Save.
Because, let's face it, running out of your favourite product mid-routine is a skincare crisis we're determined to help you avoid.
AB customer Po says:
"I have combination skin. I use this as a first cleanser and it has helped my skin look much healthier and my skin barrier never gets damaged from this. Worth the price and is not heavy at all on your. Packaging is great too and fits in my bathroom drawers."
Hada Labo Lotion Anti-Aging - Super Hydrator.
Fast facts:
- An iteration of the famous Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator with the same SUPER HYALURONIC ACID in the formula but with the added inclusion of retinol and collagen.
- Helps with improving the signs of ageing, dehydration and fatigue.
- Makes skin look more plump and healthy.
- Has an essence-like texture and is suitable for all skin skin types (even sensitive).
- Ideal use for ages 20+
Why you need it:
The famous Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator 150ml (which sells every minute in Japan) now comes in a version with retinol that’s gentle enough to use every day. Even better!
Simply press this essence-like super hydrator into skin after cleansing (yes can even be used in the AM followed up with SPF).
You don’t need to spend a silly amount of money on a standalone hyaluronic acid anymore with gems like this one available.
$35 for this big bottle!
It will serve even the driest Sahara-like skins with hydrated, healthier and plumper complexions.
Just ask my 75 year old aunty who I gifted a bottle to and now her skin is boasting a level of freshness and hydration that could rival a weekend at the spa.
This budget-friendly powerhouse bottle should be titled a 'hydrating skincare fairy' - and once you try, will surely become an everyday skincare staple.
AB customer Kyle says:
"I use this morning & night applied to damn skin to lock in moisture. I highly recommend.”
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.
@theglowscout I have recommended this product to soooo many people, because it WORKS! Ily @AveneUSA cicalfate+ restorative protective cream #skincare #skinbarrier #skinhealth #avene #skintok #barrierepair ♬ 9am in Calabasas - Adrian
Fast facts:
- Has a rich, creamy texture and forms a protective film on the face to preserve skin’s moisture and maintain skin barrier.
- Leaves skin feeling uber soft, nourished and moisturised.
- Can be used on all areas of the face and body.
- Contains the signature Avène Thermal Spring Water known for its soothing and softening properties.
- Other key ingredients include:
- C+ Restore (a patented postbiotic ingredient which supports the skin microbiome.)
- Copper-Zinc Sulphate: Its protective effect supports skin recovery.
- Avène Thermal Spring Water: soothing and softening.
Why you need it:
If Hailey Bieber swears by it, it’s an instant add-three-to-cart for us (have you seen her skin??).
This humble multi-use cream from French pharmacy brand Avène, has been around forever but is having a well-deserved moment in the viral spotlight.
Besides the Bieber endorsement (which is basically the skincare equivalent of a golden seal of approval), it's revered for its superhero-level nourishing abilities.
A great everyday moisturiser to lean on if you have chronically dry skin.
It also side hustles as a soothing moisturiser for stressed skin in summer and can be used on mild and superficial cuts, post-dermatological superficial procedures, you can even use it on the nappy area!
Trust me, this is another one of those skincare products that deserve a permanent residency on your skincare shelf.
AB customer Bella says:
"This is definitely a product worth trying! It helped to clear my perioral dermatitis in only a few days after suffering for 3 years. I only wish I believed the hype and tried this product sooner."
AB LAB by Adore Beauty Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk.
Fast facts:
- Has a lightweight, milky formula.
- Aids in the prevention of premature skin ageing.
- Luminous finish, ideal for normal to dry skin types.
- Blend of traditional and next-gen UV filters (inc. Tinosorb S).
- Cruelty-Free and sustainably-packaged.
Why you need it:
Currently my everyday SPF, the word ‘Dewy’ in AB LAB’s sunscreen says it all.
Dewy under makeup, sinks in nicely and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Aside from its sun protection benefits, it also includes skin-loving and antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C, resveratrol (helps with effects of free radical damage), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), glycerin (moisturising) and kakadu plum extract (an Australian native ingredients and a rich source of vitamin C).
Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
Hair:
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment.
Fast facts:
- An all-in-one hair treatment that strengthens, moisturises and adds shine.
- Has eleven benefits including leaving your hair soft as a cloud and more manageable when styling.
- Controls frizz and flyaways.
- Can be used by all hair types.
- Key ingredients include: Australian desert lime, wattle seed, desert peach, silk amino acids and glycerine.
Why you need it:
This cult product needs no introduction, but in case you still haven’t experienced this magic in a less-than-$30 bottle, and you have dry, damaged or brittle hair that needs a boost - add this to cart.
When people ask me for an affordable hair treatment recommendation, I always direct them to the ELEVEN miracle hair treatment.
Lately, I’ve even been using this treatment as a hair mask after (or even during) an ocean swim or on my greasy slick back hair days.
It's already garnered over 800 - YES EIGHT HUNDRED five-star reviews on our site alone.
AB customer Miki says:
"Best Leave-In Ever."
"I freaking love this product . Even when I’m old I’ll use this no doubt . It smells amazing, leaves my hair so soft and easy to manage (I have thick hair) it’s also really helped with my split ends and they feel so soft . I constantly stock up on this product so I don’t run out !"
Makeup:
elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
Fast facts:
- A skincare-makeup hybrid that delivers a luminous finish.
- Weightless and lighter coverage, with a soft-focus effect.
- Can be worn on its own as your base as well as under your makeup or over the top as a dewy highlighter.
- Works to minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven texture.
- Is cruelty-free and vegan.
Why you need it:
Another viral TikTok sensation, this $35 glow-in-a-bottle doesn't just make you look like a dewy Queen, it’s also here to highlight your cheeks and give you that lit-from-within look year-round.
I actually get most use out of mine in winter when my skin is looking and feeling dull and dry.
It also happens to be a much more affordable version of a very well known expensive foundation.
The Halo Glow Filter light-reflecting particles and smoothing qualities make it a perfect everyday makeup product.
Fair warning: All things e.l.f cosmetics especially Halo Glow, is always selling out, so we’d stock up ASAP.
AB customer Zj says:
"This skin glow is amazing, has the right amount of pigment and keeps your skin looking fresh all day!"
Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm.
Fast facts:
- A tinted lip balm that also offers Broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Comes in 6 shades (from berry, to peach and chocloate tones).
- Imparts a silky, gloss finish.
- Has a refreshing (non-aggressive) peppermint scent.
- Contains lanolin which locks in hydration (every chapped lip havers dream).
- Also infused with shea and cacao seed butter.
Why you need it:
SPF in makeup is secondary, but a lip balm that’s tinted in a delicious light berry or chocolate shade and can offer your pout sun protection is a no brainer and also, the best invention ever (Ultra Violette are like the Queens of making SPF products "cool" because sun safety is cool guys).
In fact even host Natalie Barr is a fan, picking it up and saying "I have this!" before I had a chance to even mention it.
This is also a top pick for Beauty IQ writer Shilpa who says, "The Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm keeps your lips looking juicy, while also making sure they are actually nourished."
Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint.
Fast facts:
- A cult fave lip and cheek stain that delivers a long-kasting ‘rosy glow’.
- Intense staying power, buildable, and imarts a natural-looking pink and rosy colour that’s suited to all skin tones.
- Waterproof, kiss-proof - no touch ups needed (perfect for special occasions like weddings or parties).
Why you need it:
No, it’s not a rumour. This best-selling iconic lip and cheek tint was indeed originally crafted as a nipple tint for exotic dancers in 1976.
Now, we use it to give our lips and cheeks a long-lasting rosy glow. How far we’ve come.
Though the bottle is tiny, it’s super pigmented so a little goes a long way (just make sure you blend quick!).
Not just loved by almost 90% of makeup lovers in Australia, but also globally including by A-listers like Nicole Kidman and Winona Ryder who loves it for the “healthy glow” it gives the face.
This forever icon and multi-tasking lip and cheek stain is so popular, it now comes in a jumbo size too!
AB customer Vix says:
"This product is amazing. My lips and cheeks are a lovely shade of crimson and I always look healthy. The colour lasts all day. It's the best product I've ever used."
Maybelline New York The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara.
@maybelline NEW MASCARA ALERT 🚨! Our new Maybelline Falsies Surreal Mascara is @katiehub.org approved 🙌 iykyk! This groundbreaking formula delivers the length and volume of lash extensions with just a few coats!!! The extended helix brush reaches every lash and extends with fibers to deliver surreal results!!! 😍 Available now exclusively @target and nationwide this summer!! 💜#maybellinepartner #falsiessurreal ♬ original sound - Maybelline New York
Fast facts:
- A volumising mascara that gives you 36% more length, for high-impact lashes that go the distance.
- Designed with a helix brush to captures every lash.
- Wears for up to 24 hours and is clump-resistant.
Why you need it:
Maybelline are the purveyors of the best, cheap mascaras.
If you want length, curl and definition the Maybelline New York The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara is here to help.
It delivered all those things to my zero-curl lashes and if that’s not sorcery in a wand, I don’t know what is.
I didn’t think anything could match or replace my much-loved lash sensational, until this came into my life and graced my lashes.
With yucky words like ‘inflation’ and ‘cost of living’ *insert crying face emoji* swapping out your bougie everyday mascara (keep those for special occasions) for a cheapie but a hella goodie like this one is a must.
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