My Favorite Budget-Friendly Beauty Products
I get asked ALL the time via Instagram DMs to provide my best skin care recommendations for a girl on the budget. Well, you guys have come to the right place because the vast majority of my daily skincare and beauty products are under $30.
Yes to Coconut Micellar Water
Under $9
This micellar water is a must in my daily routine. I use it every night to remove my makeup before cleaning my face. I’ve found that although I have oily skin, I hate how other micellar waters on the market leave my face feeling stripped. This product has a delicious coconut scent and leaves my face feeling hydrated. I always apply with these Target brand cotton rounds.
Kate Somerville Exfolikate®
Travel Size $25
Exfolikate® by Kate Somerville is in my opinion one of the best exfoliators on the market. To let you in on a little secret, the full-size product is $$$, so I only ever purchase the travel size. Because I only use a pea-size amount once a week, I’ve found the travel size gets me through six months or so.
Maybelline Great Lash (110 Clear)
Under $5
This clear mascara has been my go-to since middle school. I use it on my eyelashes to separate and prime them before applying mascara, and then on my eyebrows to keep them in place all day. Maybelline Great Lash BIG Mascara is also an old favorite that never disappoints!
Makeup Sponge
Under $5
There are so many good makeup application products on the market, so there’s not reason to be spending more then $10 on makeup sponges. I personally like buying whatever is cheapest at Target, and replacing them every month. For those who do not do this already, you should be washing your sponges regularly and replacing them at least every three months. Read more here.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
$28
I’ve used this Clinique Moisturizing Gel for years and years! It’s a great everyday moisturizer if you have combination/oily skin because it’s lightweight and goes on effortlessly. Pro tip: I always purchase this moisturizer from Belk because all beauty orders ship for free. In addition to this moisturizer, my everyday go-to foundation is the Clinique Stay Matte Oil-Free Makeup.
C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve
Under $6
This rose salve is another one of favorite beauty products I’ve been using since middle school. I cannot stand the feeling of chapped lips, and I layer this rose slave first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It leaves my lips feeling hydrated all day, and I’ve truly never found a lip product that can compete.
Self Tanner
Under $12
This Ulta Beauty self-tanner has been my go-to tanner for my face this summer. Because I no longer tan outdoors, (read my skin cancer story here), I wear self-tanner all summer long. I add three drops of this Glow By Morning Gradual Tan Drops to my nighttime moisturizer and wake up with a subtle but glowing tan.