Our Team Shares The Cheapest Product In Their Beauty Bag – Starting At £3
Beauty steals, coming right up. Our editorial team tipped out their makeup bags to reveal their cheapest beauty product that genuinely earn their keep. These are the under £14 icons that deliver big results without draining your bank account. From high street gems to TikTok favourites, meet the budget beauty essentials we can’t stop using.
Imi Scott-Carter, Graphic Designer
“it’s been a firm favourite for me for a couple of years, Boots Natural Collection Concealer. It’s light, blendable, buildable, everything you would want in a concealer and only £3! My only downside is the shade range is pretty poor, I use the lightest shade in my undertone (1c), and it is too dark in the winter time sadly, so thank god for my recent very late summer holiday meaning I can wear it for a little bit longer. Boots, if you’re seeing this, please make more shades!”
Tamara Corin, Contributing Beauty Editor
“I swear by this little multi-tasking stick, it gives me the same dewy, sculpted glow as my beloved Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks, but at a fraction of the price. Creamy, blendable, and seriously impressive, it punches well above its £14 price tag!”
Natasha Harding, Editor
“I’ve been using (and loving) the NYX Born To Glow liquid foundation, £6.15 – a former beauty editor got me onto it years ago. This season, I’ve been blending it with L’Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion, £11.99 (another affordable makeup hero) and applying with a makeup brush for a lightweight, sheer, but glowy finish.”
Kitty Bovaird, Social Media Manager & Content Creator
“Unfortunately for my wallet, I am very boujee when it comes to makeup, and I tend not to reach for drugstore products. However, I recently picked up this L’Oréal Radiant True Match Concealer, £10.99 and it’s great. So blendable, very moisturising and brightening, but most importantly, does not crease under the eyes.”
Elly Stancliffe, CEO
“I wear Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan, £6.99, all year round and dab it on where the sun naturally falls. A small bit goes a long way, and it gives you glowing bronzed skin 24/7.”
Beth Adams, Social Media Assistant
“I started using this recently after running out of my usual brow gel (which cost £20!), and I decided to try a more affordable option — I haven’t looked back since. I love going makeup-free, but I can never skip brow gel because my brows are crazy without it! This has become an absolute staple for me, even on no-makeup days.”
Robyn Upton, Managing Director
“My cheap thrill is the Garnier SkinActive Express 2in1 Eye Make-Up Remover, £2.99 – I’m obsessed with the bi-phase formula and it’s the only product that really removes all my mascara without residue or damaging my (rather long!) lashes. It’s non greasy and has never irritated my eyes in the way that other makeup removers always do.”
Harriet Smales, Head of Partnerships
“I’ve been using L’Oréal Clear Brow Gel for years. It’s lightweight, holds my brows flawlessly all day, and at £11.99, it’s an absolute steal – It’s just as good, if not better, than the high-end brands I’ve tried.”
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
