There’s no need to spend a fortune on beauty with our round-up of the 10 best bargain buys for £10 and under

Words Joy Montgomery

We all love splurging on high-end beauty. Whether it’s that complexion-loving night cream, perfect colour-match lipstick or miracle eye cream. There are some things that simply can’t be scrimped on. Yet, with brands such as The Ordinary and Beauty Pie shaking-up the industry with their results-driven, purse-friendly offerings, affordable beauty is having a moment.

Even the biggest beauty buff can’t deny the draw of a bargain. Every make-up bag contains at least one hero that doesn’t break the bank. These staples keep us coming back again and again, carrying us through the working week alongside their pricier siblings.

In celebration of these purse-loving buys we’ve rounded-up ten of the best bargains for £10 and under. We asked the Absolutely.london team which cheap cosmetics they can’t live without. The results ranged from complexion enhancing highlighter and eye-popping mascara to easy-to-apply liquid eyeliner. You can thank us later…

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TOPSHOP BEAUTY

This little pot from Topshop beauty is our go-to highlighter. With a light texture and pearly sheen, it’s perfect for all complexions. Simply dab on where the light hits – Cupid’s bow, top of cheek bones and inner corner of the eye will do nicely.

Glow Highlighter in Polished, £10; topshop.com

SIMPLE

We don’t usually scrimp on our cleanser, however Simple’s moisturising face wash is the exception to the rule. Its subtle scent and gentle formula leave our skin clean and refreshed without any tightness.

Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash, £3.59; superdrug.com

VASELINE

It’s the cult classic that countless make-up artists swear by. The classic iteration can be used for everything from dry skin and brow setting to complexion highlighting. However, for lips we love rosy lips’ pretty touch of pink for a healthy flush.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips, £1.95; boots.com

AUSSIE

This bargain haircare buy is an essential for dry, sun-frazzled tresses. Bring on your summer holiday and apply post beach for smoothed, revived lengths.

3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Treatment, £3.50; sainsburys.com 

ESSIE

Essie’s Ballet Slippers is the perfect nude nail colour. Not too white, not too red – just a delicate hue of shell pink. Apply three coats for the ultimate at-home manicure and watch it last all week.

Ballet Slippers Nail Polish, £7.99; boots.com

JOHNSON’S BABY

It might be stocked in the baby section, yet Johnson’s Baby Light Oil Spray is our secret skincare hero. Apply post-shower in place of your usual moisturiser, or massage in and leave overnight for healthy complexion come morning.

Baby Light Oil Spray, £3; tesco.com

L’OREAL PARIS

L’Oreal’s Couture lip liner can be used on its own or with lipstick for a longer-lasting pout. We love using it both as a liner and base colour for a matte, lip-plumping finish.

Colour Riche Lip Liner Couture, £3.99; superdrug.com

MAYBELLINE

We’ve eschewed our designer mascaras for Maybelline’s Colossal Mascara due to its volumising and lengthening results. The fat brush picks up on small lashes without clumping, while the tapered lid is easy to hold and control. All for only £6.99.

New York Colossal Mascara, £6.99; boots.com

GARNIER

Micellar water is the beauty world’s favourite new make-up removing staple. Forego wipes and clean away any last traces of make-up post cleansing with this bargain cleansing water.

Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water, £1.99; superdrug.com

COLLECTION 2000

We’ve used this since we were teenagers and haven’t yet found a superior liquid liner. With a small, solid nib and long, easy-to-control lid, Collection 2000’s liner helps us to nail that feline flick every time.

Fast Stroke Eye Liner, £2.99; glossy box.co.uk