21 game-changing beauty items under $30
If you're obsessed with beauty but keen to save a few dollars, these are the top picks for you.
There's no better feeling than finding a life-changing beauty product and knowing it didn't run your wallet dry.
As a shopping writer, I've tested a lot of beauty products, both for work and for fun. Whether you're on the hunt for new skincare, makeup or haircare goodies, these are the game-changing beauty products you can shop for under $30.
I've personally tried (and loved) all these products and I can also vouch that they're pretty highly rated across a number of different beauty sites. If you're interested, you can also check out our lists of cheap makeup and skincare brands that you need to know about.
Source: Instagram
1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum
RRP: $12.90
The Ordinary has been a game-changer for years but absolutely blew up on TikTok this year. Why? It's a super affordable brand with a high concentration of ingredients and this Hyaluronic Acid Serum is no different. If you want your skin to feel like it's had a big ol' drink of water, then this is the product.
Source: Instagram
2. Revlon Face Defuzzers
RRP: $9.95
This pack of affordable face defuzzers is a must. There are plenty of tutorials to watch online, but to put it simply, you're going to want to pull your skin tight and move downwards in short, light strokes. Here's to a totally smooth and hairless complexion!
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3. CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion
RRP: $13.99
Despite what celebrities and influencers say, you don't need to spend a fortune to nail a good skincare routine. One of those products that you simply don't need to splurge on is moisturiser, and this one from CeraVe is amazing. It works to repair your skin's protective barrier with things like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
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4. La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
RRP: $29.95
Surely by now you know that sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine? If you're on the hunt for an awesome cheap option, this one from La Roche Posay is it. It's easily accessible, feels super lightweight on the skin and sits great under makeup.
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5. Garnier Body Summer Moisturising Lotion
RRP: $7.95
While this product is marketed for use in the warmer weather, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying it all year round. Smooth and buttery on the skin, this gradual tanning moisturiser slowly builds your colour, making it look like you just came back from the Bahamas.
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6. Bondi Sands Tanning Back Applicator
RRP: $14.95
If you've got a fake tanning routine every Thursday night, you'll know that tanning your back is pretty much the worst part of the entire process. Gone are the days where you would almost dislocate your shoulder to get to those hard-to-reach places.
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7. elf Poreless Putty Primer
RRP: $16
Made famous by none other than Jeffree Star, this cheap-as-chips primer is said to be a dupe of the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer. It works to create a velvet base that blurs your pores, evens out your skin tone and holds your makeup in place.
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8. Nivea Rich Moisturising Body Lotion
RRP: $7.99
Banish dry skin for up to 48 hours with this body moisturiser – it's an absolute godsend. Not only is it super rich and creamy, but bonus, it's also fast-absorbing. Seriously, all you have to do is wait a few minutes and it's dry without the stickiness.
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9. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
RRP: $9.90
Niacinamide was easily one of the most hyped up skincare ingredients of 2020. To put it simply, niacinamide supports your skin's barrier, helps to control oil and redness, and minimise the appearance of pores. What more could you ask for?
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10. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
RRP: $19.95
Still haven't switched out your makeup wipes for anything else? Now is the time to start. This micellar water is gentle on the skin, gets rid of your makeup and won't make your wallet cry poor.
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11. L'Oreal Clinically Proven Lash Serum
RRP: $29.95
This product can be a bit tedious for some, as you do need to use it twice a day to see results. But if you've got the time and dedication, your lashes will seriously thank you. The best part? You'll no longer need to spend cash on eyelash extensions and lifts!
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12. Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches
RRP: $16.20
If you want to say goodbye to those pesky pimples, you seriously need to invest in some pimple patches. You can choose from a number of different sizes, depending on how obnoxious your pimple is. Leave it on all day or all night and let it work its magic.
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13. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
RRP: $25.25
If you were an avid TikTok user last year, we're guessing you saw this product on your FYP page at least once or 700 times. While we can't promise it's going to work for all, we do know that this deep pore cleansing facial seriously helped some people with severe acne.
Source: Instagram
14. Revlon Jade Roller
RRP: $19.95
Setting up the ultimate self-care skincare routine at home? It's not complete without a jade roller, and this one from Revlon isn't going to break the bank. It works great with a facial serum, oil or even moisturiser.
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15. Bali Body BB Cream
RRP: $29.95
Gone are the days where we would cake layers of foundation on every day for work. It's time to invest in a BB cream, and this one from Bali Body is seriously good. There's a good ratio of coverage making your skin look so damn good.
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16. 1000 Hour Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit
RRP: $19.95
We can bet at least some of you either tried or thought about trying this product during lockdown. There's a bunch of colours available, and it can be used on either your brows or lashes for a no-wash off colour.
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17. Revolution Beauty Conceal & Define Concealer
RRP: $8
If you're on the market for a cheap concealer that actually covers, then you need to try this one from Revolution Beauty. I adore the formulation because it's super high coverage and thick, but still feels lightweight on the skin, especially under the eye. It's also super hydrating and comes in tons of shades.
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18. Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleeping Mask
RRP: $20
Hesitant to apply fake tan to your face? Bondi Sands has recently dropped this Self Tanning Sleeping Mask. It's infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and being part of the new Pure range, it comes in eco-friendly packaging.
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19. Organic Castor Oil
RRP: $13.90
While you wouldn't generally think of this as a must-have beauty product, castor oil actually has a number of benefits. It claims to promote hair growth (we're talking your hair, eyelashes and eyebrows) and can help retain moisture, specifically in the skin.
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20. NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
RRP: $14.95
Have you been repurchasing that Urban Decay setting spray over and over again? Instead of $50 a bottle, this one from NYX comes in at around $15. Not only does it set your makeup in place, but it leaves you with a gorgeous dewy finish.
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21. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
RRP: $18.99
I've tried a lot of eye creams in my time, and the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is easily one of the most affordable on the market. It's enriched with essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, perfect if you suffer from pesky dry skin.
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