The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ does not universally apply to beauty products. While the science involved with skincare advances, textural superiority of certain makeup products and beautiful packaging befitting precious objet d’art invariably nudge prices up, it doesn’t mean there aren’t equally worthy options with far lower price points.
Great beauty items should do what they say they will with little effort or expertise required, but beyond that, being enjoyable to use and designed to look good on your bathroom shelf are characteristics that vary in importance depending on who you talk to.
If you’ve ever detoured from an affordable, reliable go-to in favour of a one-off splurge only to discover the newcomer gives a depressingly average result, you’ll know how disappointing it can be, but trying numerous cheaper products without getting the result you’re after can be equally wasteful.
Best makeup products under $25
There are plenty of great affordable products around, and sometimes, thanks to the known discounting of mass retailers, more expensive products make it onto our list. We will let this slide as the products listed are regularly found priced under the $25 mark. So without further ado, here’s our edit of the best makeup products, each excellent performer deserving a spot on your shelf and in your routine.
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer, $11
A Kmart visit often means you come home with more than you went for. Next time, add one of E.l.f’s famous long-wear, full coverage concealers to your cart.
Mecca Max Wink Ink Super Mascara, $24
Beauty superstore Mecca’s house brand is sorely underrated, with some great makeup that’s easy to use, including this all-rounder mascara perfect for everyday wear.
Mecca Max Zoom Shadow Sticks, $22
Yes, we’ve put two options from the brand on our list because the brand is that good. We love this cream eyeshadow as it makes a great shadow on its own when scribbled on eyelids and blended in with a finger – so quick to apply. However, it also makes a great base to anchor powder eyeshadow applied on top, and comes in shimmer or matte versions in a range of colours.
L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick, $15.27
If you want a lipstick colour update for a special occasion, we commonly recommend perusing the counter at megastores like MECCA and Sephora, picking up mini versions of full-size best-sellers. Unless you use a lot of lipstick, they last well as a ‘going out’ option, but if you want a full-size product you can wear every day that feels good on and has modern shade options and a fresh dewy finish, this is your pick.
NATIO Cream Stick Blush, $18.99
NATIO offers lots of lovely flattering colours that don’t look too overpowering on. This easy-to-use cream blush can be swiped directly on to skin and blended with fingers for a lively healthy flush of colour.
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner, $20
Getting a smooth, black line across lashes can take practice but this fine brush-tip version makes things a bit easier with a hexagonal grip and inky pigment that doesn’t drag or skip.
DB Cosmetics Luminous Hydrating Foundation
Lovely and luminous, this medium coverage foundation buffs into skin beautifully with a dense-bristle foundation brush and can built up to create more coverage where you need it.
MCoBeauty Magic Brows Fibre Gel, $21
Brush upwards through brows to add a touch of believable tint, thickness and volume and set in place all day. Good to fill out sparse patches or greys.
Morphe Huephoric Rush 3-In-1 Silk Blush, $24
A lightweight cream blush that gives a beautiful hydrated look but blends to a soft-focus matte finish on skin.
COVERGIRL Easy Breezy Brow Pencil, $19.50
A micro-fine tip allows you to draw in fine, single hair strokes and the formula has excellent staying power. The attached spoolie is useful for grooming hair into place so you can see where the gaps are to fill in.
L’Oreal Paris Color Queen Mono Eyeshadow, $14.99
Beautiful eyeshadow singles with good colour payoff in matte or shimmer shades and some more creative colour options.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $19.59
An icon that is just as good now as it was back then. The Super Lustrous lipstick line is often updated with modern new shades so there’s a colour to suit every desire and occasion. Creamy and comfortable with great pigment payoff.
