Affordable beauty doesn’t mean it’s less effective than its pricier rivals. In fact, more than ever, brands are trying to keep their costs down. Meaning we as consumers can benefit from great skincare and makeup without compromising on quality. And who doesn’t love the thrill of finding a bargain buy – and one that works?
Here’s our edit of winning formulas that won’t break the budget and will see you through summer and beyond…
Dove Skin Glow Oil-in-Milk Body Lotion, £3.84
This radiance-boosting body moisturiser is the perfect accompaniment to showing off tanned limbs or skin that needs some added glow. Swipe across your décolletage, on your shins and your arms for a sexy effortless glow that doesn’t transfer on clothes or sheets.
Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Mist, £12
More than just a mist, but a serum too. Packed full of skin-loving ingredients (hemp seed oil, jojoba extract and hyaluronic acid) that keep redness and oiliness at bay while leaving a cooling sensation on skin. Spray either before makeup to prime skin, or after to freshen up your face, either way your skin will thank you for quenching its thirst.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, £5
Sun-drenched skin cries out for hydration, there’s no such thing as applying too much moisturiser in the summer months. This super-charged hydrating cream is infused with hydrating properties that replenish and nourish your skin after a long day of sea, sun, and sand. And at £5 a pop, you can afford to be liberal.
We know, we’ve said it time and time again, but this creamy-gel cleanser is hard to beat. It’s super lightweight, gently removes makeup (even the waterproof variety) and has skin-strengthening ingredients that hydrates and preps skin for the next step in your routine. Plus, it lasts for ages too. Seriously, a favourite we can’t live without.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balmsas, £8
Don’t leave home this summer without this multitasking balm that does everything from soothes sunburnt skin to tackles dryness and other irritations. The thick glycerin-based formula replenishes moisture while the Cicaplast heals a million different skin issues and prevents long-term scarring. A family holiday essential.
Beauty Pie Wonder Gloss Collagen Lip Oil, £8.50 for members
This hybrid lip oil doubles up as a gloss in a single slick. It nourishes lips without stickiness and the added Collagen leaves lips looking visibly plumped and dewy (tick, tick!) With a host of wearable shades, you’ll definitely find a hue that will complement your tan.
Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Clean Sheet Morning Cleanser, £10
Beauty journalist Sali Hughes has teamed up with Revolution Skincare to create “a simple, low maintenance but active routine for busy beauty lovers”. This cleanser provides the perfect hit of morning hydration to refresh the skin or can be slotted in as a second cleanse in the evening to remove the day’s makeup or stubborn SPF.
Pacifica Beauty Vegan Ceramide Hydration Fill Undereye and Smile Line Jelly Patches, £8
A refreshing addition to the usual wear-and-throw undereye patches, these can be used time and time again. The soft jelly texture instantly revives lacklustre eyes and gives a burst of hydration to smile lines making them look less prominent. 10 minutes later and your skin will cheat a wide-eyed look and feel incredibly refreshed. Hungover and sun-stressed skin bygone!
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator, £8
Whether you want to show off your tan or give limbs a lit-from-within glow, this illuminator, dubbed a holiday in a tube, will ensure your skin looks healthy and Love Island ready (but a chicer version!) Layer it under your makeup or mix it with your face and body moisturiser for the ultimate sheen.
Farmologie Body Wash in Pink Grapefruit, £5.99
From the clever bods that brought us the hugely successful kids’ bath and body range, Childs Farm, this is the adult range with all the same sustainable and natural properties. We particularly love this standout body wash for its uplifting citrusy scent and soothing oat-based formula that punches well above its weight. Sun-inflammed skin will never feel (or smell) so good!
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.
