The Broke Girl's Guide To Beauty
There’s a certain type of happiness that fills my soul every time I find a budget-friendly beauty buy that actually stands up to my high-end favorites. When this happens, I usually find myself itching to share this news with everyone who will listen.
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It turns out that my coworkers experience that same rush — we work in beauty, after all — so we decided to put together a list of our favorite cheap thrills. (If only to avoid telling everyone on the subway about the raddest new tinted balm we just discovered.)
Consider this your guide to the A+ lipstick, liner, nail polish, and more that won’t drain your funds. And what’s more, these aren’t “under $20” or even “under $10.” Nope, we’re taking it all the way down to the under-$5 buys we love.
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Ahead you’ll find 15 editor-approved beauty buys that won’t set you back more than a fiver. Soon, you’ll find yourself pondering: Should I get a coffee or a new beauty product?
Our senior beauty editor Alix Tunell keeps this cheap thrill on hand for good reasons: The soft lip balm imparts a sheer layer of bright-pink color and hydrates like a champ. We’ve found a winner!
Maybelline Baby Lips in My Pink, $3.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Although this bottle says “BeachBlonde,” anyone with any hair color can make use of this coconut-scented salt spray. Simply give your tresses a generous mist and let them air-dry. The result is effortless, beachy texture. Our beauty editor Maria Del Russo considers it a staple.
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John Frieda BeachBlonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray 1 Oz., $2.99, available at Target.
Hit the snooze button one too many times in the morning? Reach for these easy-to-apply eyeshadow pencils. “These are so creamy and blendable that I bought one in every color,” says our beauty editorial assistant Sam Sasso.
Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil, $4.50, available at Nyx Cosmetics.
These new nail polishes from Wet n Wild are some of the longest lasting no-light gel polishes we’ve tried — and quickly became an editor favorite. Plus, the line contains an impressive array of 24 different shades. We love them all, but this seafoam green, Pretty Peas, is our favorite.
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Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel in Pretty Peas, $4.99, available at Wet n Wild.
“I’ve written about this product so much, you’d think Aussie was paying me,” says Taylor Bryant, beauty news editor (the brand is not, FYI). “It’s basically a three-minute deep-conditioner that manages to melt away even the most stubborn tangles. Five stars all around!”
Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner, $2.97, available at Walmart.
This super-soft, fluffy brush is perfect for dusting on bronzer, blush, and even setting powder — it’s a favorite in our office.
Wet n Wild Contour Brush, $0.99, available at Wet n Wild.
Our West Coast beauty editor Lexy Lebsack swears by this soothing lip balm. “This is the best bargain lip balm I have ever tried,” she says. “It goes on smooth, feels amazing, has a light sheen, and actually hydrates the lips.“
Nivea A Kiss of Smoothness Hydrating Lip Care, $2.99, available at Walgreens.
Don’t let this product’s $4 price tag fool you — these eyeshadows wowed our team because they seriously deliver in the texture and pigment departments. Our favorite is Central Park Plums, a taupe-meets-plum trio that’s perfect for simple looks and intense smoky eyes.
NYC HD Trio Eye Shadow in Central Park Plums, $3.90, available at Walmart.
On the hunt for a new liquid eyeliner? Look no further than this baby. It’s incredibly opaque, long-lasting, and its tapered felt tip makes it a breeze to apply, I — R29’s beauty writer — am happy to report.
Jordana FabuLiner Liquid Eye Liner, $2.99, available at Jordana.
We always keep a pack of these individual lashes in our makeup bags for special occasions and days when our mascara just isn’t cutting it. Translation: They’re amazing.
Ardell Individuals Flare Short Black, $3.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Need a gentle body wash that’s also affordable? This is a great option. "I’ve been using this baby wash as a body wash for years,” says Lebsack. “It doesn’t dry out the skin, the scent is light, and it’s so cheap."
Johnson’s Baby Head-to-Toe Wash, Original Formula, $4.79, available at Drugstore.com.
According to Sasso, this buttery lip product is the gloss for people who hate gloss. "These are incredibly soft on the lips and have great color payoff,” she says. “They’re perfect to carry in all your bags for quick touch-ups throughout the day.”
Nyx Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake, $4.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
This lip crayon is four things: creamy, semi-matte, opaque, and hydrating. No wonder it gets our seal of approval.
E.L.F. Studio Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose, $3, available at E.L.F. Cosmetics.
Sure, Vaseline may not be the most exciting beauty product on the market, but it’s certainly one of the most versatile. Our beauty intern Megan Decker always has some on hand. “I put it on my lips for hydration, my eyelids as a glossy shadow, and even my cheekbones for a dewy highlight,” she says.
Vaseline First Aid Petroleum Jelly, $4.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Okay, this fella isn’t technically under $5 (it’s $5.99), but we had to give it an honorable mention. “This is the most amazing bargain lipstick I have ever found,” says Lebsack. “I’ve waxed poetic about the matte, perfect, cherry-red color before — and it’s still in my makeup bag months later.”
Milani Color Statement Moisture Matte Lipstick in 72 Matte Kiss, $5.99, available at Milani.
B:y Mi-Anne Chan
