While I’m still quite frankly struggling to understand the economic landscape, it only takes one look at my bank account and its outgoings for me to know that my money is definitely not going as far as it did before. Cue me doing a thorough audit on my life, including my beauty habits.
Dupes are one great way to save money on more expensive products that you already love and can’t bring yourself to part with, such as luxury perfumes and high end makeup. On the Eliza beauty team we’ve taken all of the detective work out of finding them with our dupe content, where you can find affordable alternatives to cult products such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk and Le Labo Santal 33.
Having tried and tested hundreds, if not thousands, of beauty products over the years, I’ve found out where it’s worth spending a bit of extra cash. I’ve also discovered those products that aren’t worth the high price tag, when a cheaper version can be just as good.
Disclaimer: there are some great products in the below categories that I would invest in from time to time as a treat, but, for your everyday use, these are the general products where in my experience, spending a lot of extra money just isn’t worth it.
The beauty products I won’t splurge on
If you’re looking to save money on your beauty routine, these are the products you really don’t need to spend a lot of money on.
Cleansers
If there’s one area of my skincare routine that I can cut back on expenditure, it’s cleanser. No, that doesn’t mean you can start skipping your double cleanse, but it does mean you can look to high street cleansers that will do just as good a job as their most expensive counterparts.
While more expensive cleansers can boast an ingredients list of actives which might lead you to consider they’re worth spending a bit more, if I’m honest, I don’t think that a cleanser is on your face long enough for those actives to work – I mean, you’re quite literally washing it down the drain.
For your first cleanse, opt for a cleansing balm or oil. While these types of cleansers typically used to be more expensive, affordable options are now in plentiful supply. I love the Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, £10, e.l.f, and Q+A Rosehip Cleansing Oil, £10, Sephora.
Balms and oils are great for removing makeup, but you’ll want to make sure you follow up with a second cleanse to remove all traces of dirt, build-up and the film that is usually left by your first cleanse. Byoma’s Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £9.99, Sephora, and any of CeraVe’s cleansing range are my staples for an everyday morning and second evening cleanse.
Swipe and shop: Affordable cleansers
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Hairspray
I have hair that’s pretty thick yet fine, so when I curl or style my hair in any way, I need to deploy a copious amount of hairspray to ensure it doesn’t fall flat before I’m out the door. If I’m completely honest, as gorgeous as more expensive hair sprays can smell, I don’t find that they hold up as much as cheaper alternatives when it comes to making my style last.
I swear by Schwarzkopf’s got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray, £5, Sephora, which absolutely does not mess around when it comes to keeping your hair in place all day long.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a softer finish that’ll still increase the longevity of your style, TRESemmé Hairspray Extra Hold, £3.55, Boots, is fantastic.
Eyelashes
Now hear me out, because I know a lot of lash extension loyalists will come at me for saying this. When it comes to lashes, I do think extensions are worth the price if you’ve got a big holiday or festival coming up (the less faff the better IMO), however when it comes to wearing lashes day-to-day, the high street lashes perform just as well and in my experience, are indecipherable from more expensive lashes.
And yes, while higher-end false lashes do promise multiple uses, my lashes don’t usually end the first night looking in a particularly fresh state. I’m now religiously devoted to Ardell’s Individual Eyelashes Knotted Flare Trios, £4.95, Sephora, for DIY lash extensions that will last me a few days at a time. For an event or night out, Eylure’s ¾ Length Lashes, £6, Sephora, always look super natural and fluttery, and I find I can get a few uses out of them if I’m careful.
But don’t just take my word for it: makeup artist Hung Vanngo used Ardell’s Duralash Individual Lashes, £3.50, Sephora, to achieve Cara Delevingne’s full lashes at this year’s Oscars. If it’s good enough for the red carpet…
Swipe and shop: Affordable lashes
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Mascara
Controversially, high street mascara has always given me better results than high end, and that’s a hill I think I’m destined to die on. That’s not to say there aren’t some great high end formulations out there, but more often than not when I’ve splashed out on an expensive mascara, it’s left me with clumpy lashes and black tears of disappointment, Lauren Conrad style.
On the other hand, the trusty Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, £9.99, Sephora, which I’ve been using for YEARS, always gives me the fanned-out, volumised and lengthened lashes that I desire.
I’m not alone on my high street mascara crusade either: I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve asked what mascara someone is wearing for them to reply with a high street brand (I’d say 7/10 they tell me they also wear Maybelline’s Lash Sensational, just sayin’).
So the next time you need to replace your mascara, head down to the L’Oreal or Maybelline stands and invest that saved money on your next eyeshadow palette, as this is the product where the quality of the product tends to match up to the price.
Razors
As someone who has naturally dark hair, I’ve been militant with hair removal since I was in my early teens. A pain in the ass? Yes. But I’ve learnt a lot since those early days and tried all types of effective and downright ridiculous forms of hair removal. My number one tip: don’t splurge on female razors. The best razors are ones you can get for £5 or less.
Most often, men’s face razors are the best in the game, and are also the cheapest. I’ve found time and time again that fancier razors actually do a worse job at giving a close shave on my legs for example, and have often had to go back over with my cheaper razor for a smooth finish.
Or hell, just go razor free and you’ll save even more.
Conditioner
I’ve tried a lot of lovely luxury conditioners over the years, and while I think they’re a nice treat, I’ve always found I prefer the feel and finish of high street conditioners to help detangle my post-shampoo knots.
I’ve recently been impressed by Function Of Beauty’s customisable conditioners, £12, Cult Beauty, which sit at a mid-range high street price point and allow you to personalise your own wash routine to your hair’s needs. My other high street staples are Aussie’s Shine Vegan Hair Conditioner, £4.50, Boots and TRESemme’s Pro Pure Airlight Volume Conditioner, £5.99, Boots.
Swipe and shop: Affordable conditioners
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A caveat: I do think investing in a shampoo specific to your hair type is more important, as it has historically been harder to find affordable versions that don’t contain SLS and SLES (drying agents that can strip your hair of natural oils) on the high street. However, this is an area that is growing with brands such as Hair Proud and Monday Hair, so it’s well worth looking into those ranges.
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