As a beauty editor, I am fortunate enough to get to try some truly fantastic products that are on the more spenny side of things. I'm talking lots of digits. Whilst there are lots that I believe are worth the investment (if you have the money that is) - Augustinus Bader, Diptyque, Westman Atelier, to name but a few - it's the more affordable beauty brands that I continue to go back to and recommend to friends and family.
These are the brands that mean I can happily curate a beauty shopping list for someone and know that it isn't going to bankrupt them for the rest of the month, but will help with their beauty woes.
So I present to you the beauty-editor-approved list of affordable beauty brands that I always rely on for my skincare, make-up and haircare.
1. Nivea
It's an unassuming, household-name brand that you can always rely on. It doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. It's the body collection that really has me hooked - I love its kind and caring shower gels, body creams that nourish in seconds and the roll-on sun cream for kids is a winner.
2. The Body Shop
The Body Shop is a brand that I, and I'm sure a lot of you, grew up on. I bought my first make-up products from The Body Shop. A kohl eyeliner and some eyeshadow sticks - I thought I was the height of cool. I've grown up since then and so has the brand. There are still fun and fruity body products to be had, but there should be a special mention for its skincare.
3. L'Oréal Paris
If in doubt, go with L'Oreal Paris. The iconic French brand has a huge research and development team that is constantly creating new and exciting formulas, delivery systems and brand new products. With a make-up, hair and skincare range, this affordable beauty brand has you covered and its prices never go over £30.
4. CeraVe
If I had a pound for every time I had recommended to CeraVe to friends and family, I reckon I'd be able to holiday in the Maldives twice a year. It's not the prettiest of packaging and it doesn't have a particularly sexy name, but boy-oh boy-does this skincare brand impress. If you're looking for simple products to introduce into your skincare routine that will give you results, look no further.
5. Maybelline
Nobody does mascara like Maybelline. I always tell anyone who will listen that if you want to spend a bit of money on mascara, then absolutely do it, but you really don't have to. Maybelline has got you covered, whether you're after length, volume, lift, waterproof, curling, defining or thickening, there's a Maybelline mascara for you.
6. The Ordinary
Arguably, the brand that put affordable skincare on the map. There was a time when much of the industry and its customers believed you had to spend a lot of money to see real results, then along came The Ordinary and changed all of that. So incredibly affordable and so efficacious.
7. Glossier
Oh Glossier, you had me at Boy Brow. The ultimate millennial beauty brand that changed everything. And did it without ever charging astronomical amounts. Super minimalist in its approach, it has a cult following that I am well and truly a part of.
8. Bleach London
I have been a fan of Bleach London for as long as I can remember. The brand's salon was my go-to for many years when I was a lot more experimental with my hair colour. (I once had rainbow stripes put in.) Now, at the age of 34, I am a little less playful (but not completely devoid of joy) so when I want to add a little something to my hair, I always turn to London's colour masters. Its entire product range, aimed at caring for coloured hair, is brilliant and will leave you with change from £10.
9. La Roche-Posay
Whenever anyone tells me they're having issues with their skin. I first ask them to run me through their current skincare routine and the exact products they're using. More often than not, that routine needs an update and taking back to basics. I then give them a shopping list of La Roche-Posay products and send them off to their nearest Boots. The French pharmacy brand helps calm inflammation in the skin, especially skin that's allergic, sensitive, blemish-prone or aging, and has the best affordable suncare on the market.
10. Garnier
Garnier has brought sustainability to the masses and democratised being green. Its products are accessible, useful and kind to our planet. It continues to impress me and it's a brand that has been in my life for many, many years. Its brand-new Body Superfood creams (£8.99 | Lookfantastic) come in easy-to-recycle tubs and keep you hydrated for up to 48 hours.
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