The Best Budget Beauty Buys

Our Best in Beauty Awards judges have searched high and low for the most affordable products on the market, and have have found these budget beauty buys for you.

We’ve grouped the products into categories so you can buy the essentials that best suit your beauty need and budget.

All your hand and nail must-haves
Total cost: Under R160

Best Base Coat

According to beauty judge in the know, Liz Ferrett, Essence Studio Nails Pro White Active, R39,95 is “the best I’ve tried by far. It kept my nails really white, even after using bright and dark polishes”.

Best Hand Cream

It’s been a handbag staple for years, but it’s good to know it’s still at the top of its game. Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion, R29,95 for 75ml, was the clear winner in the “Best Hand Cream” category.

Best Cuticle Care

“Probably the best cuticle product I have ever used,” judge Aesthetic GP Natasha Chapman says of Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil, R89,95. “It’s great for softening dry, ragged cuticles.”

Best products for your face
Total cost: Under R450

Best Gel Cleanser

Environ B-Active Sebuwash Cleanser, R160 for 100ml is a salon-approved choice for beautifully cleansed but moisturised skin.

“I love the cooling gel texture. It lathered beautifully, and removed every ounce of dirt without drying my skin,” says beauty writer, Grace Mantjiu.

Best Day Cream

Our readers voted for pharmacy staple L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Renew Replumping Day Care, R284,95 for 50ml as their “Best Day Cream”.

One reader commented: “My skin looks fresh; a winner at the price.”

Best Make-up Products
Total cost: Under R450

Best Easy Wear Product For Lips

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate, R99,95, is supermodel approved by Kate Moss.

“I adore this nude hue. It’s my new everyday staple,” says professional make-up artist Storm Catherine Pass.

Best-Value Mascara

Yardley XXX Volume Mascara, R129,95 gave our judges’ eye lashes runway volume without the price tag.

Judge and TV presenter Thabile Ngweto commented: “It gave me longer-looking lashes in one sweep”.

Best-Buy Foundation

The affordable Max Factor Miracle Match Blur & Nourish Foundation, R219,95 for 30ml is a winner in the “Best-Buy Base” category because it’s not only budget, but it works too!

Makeup artist and judge Storm Catherine Pass concurs, “Fantastic coverage that minimises pores”.

Best hair and body
Total cost: Under R220

Best Body Oil

With its modest price tag, you wouldn’t believe that Bio-Oil, R69,95 for 60ml, is causing such a stir in the beauty world, but the rave reviews keep on coming with one reader saying: “I use this for everything, but mostly as a light facial moisturiser”.

Best Protector

Our Beauty Editor Tracey Kroukamp uses Garnier Ultimate Blends The Strength Restorer Serum, R69,95 for 50ml to protect her hair from styling damage. “I’m using this as a heat protector to prevent damage. A little goes a long way.”

Best Game Changer

For a flake-free scalp, our readers recommend: Head & Shoulders Moisturizing Scalp Care Shampoo, R69,99 for 250ml.

One reader even said: “No more dandruff. My sensitive scalp is so healthy!”

Best Budget Anti-ageing Buys
Total cost: Under R180

Best-Value Anti-Ager

 

Pond’s is ageless Kylie Minogue’s go-to face cream brand.

With its purse-friendly price tag, Pond’s Age Miracle Cell ReGen Day Cream, R169,95 for 50ml got our judges votes for “Best-Value Anti-Ager”.

CLICK HERE: For more anti-ageing buys

Disclaimer: The testimonials presented on this website are applicable to the individuals depicted only and may not be representative of the experience of others. The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice.