A love of beauty often goes hand in hand with forking out hundreds of dollars on the latest creams, mascaras, primers and serums.
But looking your best needn’t cost you the earth, as these makeup artists reveal.
Speaking to Byrdie, anonymous makeup artists revealed the items they always scrimp on – and the pharmacy products that are as good as – if not better than – high-end options.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at their suggestions.
Anonymous makeup artists revealed the items they always scrimp on – and the pharmacy products that are as good as high-end options (pictured: Australis Banana Powder)
Australis Banana Powder – $15
A good concealer is a key part of many makeup artist’s arsenals.
And one said that Australis’ Banana Powder is her secret makeup weapon.
‘So many makeup artists carry a yellow powder with them for setting concealer under the eyes, and this $15 is one of the best,’ she told Byrdie.
The Australis powder has a 4.5 rating on Priceline, with one writing: ‘Great price for a great product’.
Priming is one of the most important parts of getting your look just right, and one makeup artist said that Egyptian Magic’s All Purpose Skin Cream, $34, does an excellent job (pictured)
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream – $34
Priming is one of the most important parts of getting your look just right, and one makeup artist said that Egyptian Magic’s All Purpose Skin Cream, for $34, does an excellent job.
One makeup artist said that she ‘always’ used this $2 eyeliner by Essence Kajal (pictured) on shoots
The professional said she will use it on eyelids if she’s going for a ‘glossy look’, to prep lips for lipstick and to tame unruly brows.
The cream can also be used heal burns and sunburn, as well as help blisters, cuts and scrapes.
Essence Kajal Pencil – $2
For $2, you can’t go wrong on price point. But the Essence Kajal Pencil really delivers on ability too.
One makeup artist said that she ‘always’ uses the $2 product on shoots, because it’s soft, ‘smudges easily and wears quite well’.
Buy one in all of the colours for the ultimate eyeliner kit.
Dry shampoo is a saviour for many women, and one makeup artist recommends Fudge’s Dry Shampoo for $20 above all others (pictured)
Fudge Dry Shampoo – $20
Dry shampoo is a saviour for many women, and one makeup artist recommends Fudge’s Dry Shampoo for $20 above all others.
The reason why is because she said it adds a great hold in your hair, so is perfect for styling and adding some texture.
Looking for a St Tropez glow on a beer budget? You can’t go wrong with JBronze’s Shimmer Instant Illuminator for $18 (pictured)
JBronze Shimmer Instant Illuminiser – $18
Looking for a St Tropez glow on a beer budget? You can’t go wrong with JBronze’s Shimmer Instant Illuminator for $18.
One makeup artist said she mixes it with Nivea’s body moisturiser to get ‘the glossiest limbs’ while shooting.
Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara – $13
Mascara – whether for your lashes or brows – is one of those makeup items that many women want to scrimp on, in part because it needs to be replaced so frequently.
And this one is one of your best budget bets.
‘I love the shape of the wand, and it dispenses the correct amount of gel every time,’ one makeup artist told Byrdie.
She added that it’s better than many of the pricey alternatives she’s tried.
Meanwhile, the mascara has a four star rating on Priceline, with some saying ‘100 per cent would recommend’, and others writing ‘the consistency is amazing’.
One makeup artist said that Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara (left) is one of the best brow gels she’s ever tried; meanwhile another recommended Murine Clear Eyes (right)
Murine Clear Eyes – $6
In order to appear refreshed and revitalised at any given point, keeping some eye drops on you is a must.
But rather than spending a small fortune, one makeup artist said the best one to opt for is Murine’s Clear Eyes, which retail for just $6.
While one makeup artist said she had tried many expensive moisturisers, she also said that Nivea’s Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, for $8, wins ‘every time’ (pictured)
Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion – $8
While one makeup artist said she had tried many expensive moisturisers, she also said that Nivea’s Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, for $8, wins ‘every time’.
To nourish your skin, invest in a bottle, which has a rare five star rating on Priceline.
One of the makeup artists said that she swears by Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Polish, for $17, which gives you the shellac manicure look from home (pictured)
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish – $17
Last but not least, a pretty manicure is a luxury many women indulge themselves in.
But what if you could get the shellac look at home?
One of the makeup artists told Byrdie that she swears by Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Polish, for $17, which gives you the shellac manicure look from home.
‘It will replace your $50 fortnightly appointment for sure,’ she added.