The beauty industry is booming, but with different skincare brands launching constantly it can be difficult to know what’s best.
Get rid of the assumption that higher prices mean higher quality, in 2018 lower-end brands are taking over with social media going crazy for the low-priced cult products. We’ve compiled a list of the best beauty brands that are accessible on a budget but don’t scrimp on quality.
1. Glossier
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmvudp5BzDK/
The beauty brand started by former Vogue intern Emily Weiss, has created a cult following through social media. Launched on the back of the successful lifestyle blog ‘Into the Gloss’, Glossier has the ethos of creating products that put skin first, makeup second.
The brand is hyped up on Instagram with over 1.5 million followers on the platform, but Glossier is popular for a reason. It’s seriously good. The brand’s customer testimonials speak for themselves with customer reviews: “This is hands down the best serum I’ve ever used, maybe top skincare product I’ve ever used.” said Sara, a reviewer on the site talking about the Super Pure serum.
With prices starting at £8, it’s at the higher end of the budget beauty sector but it’s well worth it if you want to get that glowy dewy look that is so sought after.
Hero Product: Balm Dot Com, £10.
2. Alex Steinherr x Primark
https://www.instagram.com/p/Boa7Yp0B8JS/
The beauty world rejoiced back in October when former Glamour Magazine beauty director Alessandra Steinherr released a skincare collaboration with Primark. The range covers different beauty concerns from maximum moisture for dry skin to pore balance for those who suffer from breakouts. Everything from the ingredients to the packaging, look high-end, and it’s exciting to have such an innovative range in an accessible high street shop.
On Primark’s website, Steinherr reveals: ”I’ve been a beauty editor for over 15 years, and I’m completely passionate about skincare. For as long as I can remember, it’s been my dream to work on my own collection, which is why I am SO excited to have partnered with Primark, on this incredible skincare range.”
Hero Product: Facial in a stick, £5.
3. The Ordinary
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYXhq3jBuQP/
Deciem’s hero brand The Ordinary has been making serious waves in the beauty community since it’s launch back in 2016. Their simple but effective products have established a huge amount of die-hard fans. Their serums are among their best selling products with customer Tatiana calling the Hyaluronic acid serum ‘The best product ever’, on Cult Beauty.
The Ordinary don’t just do skincare either, with their high-coverage foundation being yet another cult product. It comes in 21 shades, specifically tailoring itself to different skin undertones and at just £5.95 it’s a total steal.
Hero Product: Hyaluronic acid serum, £5.90.
4. Beauty Pie
https://www.instagram.com/p/BouE_FJArPO/
Dubbed ‘The Netflix of beauty’, Beauty Pie is a subscription service which allows customers to buy products for their production value, rather than their RRP. Beauty Pie cuts out the middleman, meaning that although their products are created in the same factories as other high end brands, they save money on packaging and advertising meaning that they can sell for much cheaper. Subscribers pay a small fee (starting at £10) a month, which enables them to buy from Beauty Pie’s expansive collection of products for ‘members price’ rather than what they’d expect to pay in store.
From cleansers to mascara’s Beauty Pie has a huge selection of products which ensures members get their money’s worth. It’s a great way to try new things without spending a small fortune.
Hero Product: Double phase cleanser, £6.24 (for members.)
5. Revolution
https://www.instagram.com/p/BotlN-QiHR6/
Revolution makeup is famous for their ‘dupes’, selling products inspired by more expensive brands for a fraction of the price. This year the brand expanded into the skincare world, launching a range of serums targeted towards different skin concerns.
A reviewer on Superdrug said this about their under-eye serum which is currently sold out online: “I am 100% sticking with this for my eye routine and will be trying other products as they are brilliant for the price … expensive items aren’t always the best.”
So far they only have serum’s in their skincare range but watch this space.
Hero Product: Blemish serum, £5.99
Words: Ruby Naldrett | Subbing: Lucija Duzel