If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times: good beauty products don’t have to be expensive. Our local pharmacies and supermarkets are overflowing with brilliantly formulated, affordable products that deserve a spot in every bathroom cabinet. Here are six of my favourites that far outperform their price point.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Arguably one of the gentlest and most affordable cleansers on the market, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (€13 from Boots) is a standout for all ages and skin types.
The light, gel-cream formula is a pleasure to use. It deftly removes sunscreen and make-up, and gently cleanses the skin while respecting the skin barrier – no redness, no irritation, no feeling like your skin has been stripped of essential moisture. Just comfortable, supple, hydrated skin.
The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Masque
A blackhead-banishing mask like no other. The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Mask (€15.20 from cloud10beauty.com) is a miracle worker. Simply apply the thick, charcoal-esque formula to target areas and leave to work its magic for a few minutes.
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Remove with lukewarm water and marvel at the results. Don’t let the affordable price point belie the powerful formula, however. I strongly advise leaving it on for much less than the recommended guide time of 10 minutes as it’s fast acting and intense.
[ Huda Beauty’s Easy Blur Foundation review: ‘My skin looked Photoshopped’Opens in new window ]
Sculpted by Aimee Lip Duo
Everything you need for a perfect lip look in one affordable product. Sculpted by Aimee Lip Duo (€19 from sculptedbyaimee.com) features a creamy, hydrating lipstick paired with a perfectly matching lip liner, allowing you to shape, sculpt, and set to your heart’s content. Available in 13 wearable shades - ranging from peachy nudes and pinks to warm browns and deep reds - this is one product you’ll want to own in multiple colours.
Kash Beauty Gold Beam Skin Glaze
Kash Beauty Gold Beam Skin Glaze (€19.95 from millies.ie) is a brilliantly imagined liquid highlighter that deserves all the praise. The clever wand-like applicator is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to effortlessly swipe it across the high points of your cheeks.
Whether applied with fingers or a brush, it melts easily into the skin, delivering a glass-like, non-sticky, head-turningly gorgeous glow. I also love dabbing it on my cheeks before foundation for added radiance.
[ If you’re curious about Korean skincare, here are four products to tryOpens in new window ]
Sculpted by Aimee HydraLip
I’ve praised Sculpted by Aimee HydraLip (€18 from sculptedbyaimee.com) so often, both online and offline, that it’s almost embarrassing. But here I am again, because this remains one of my all-time favourite lip products and one that deserves a spot in every make-up bag.
It’s the perfect hybrid of lipstick and lip balm, delivering a flush of colour along with a flood of moisture. The finish is comfortable, glossy, pretty and plump. Available in six lovely shades, but my favourite has always been the universally flattering Rose.
Andrew Fitzsimons Hair Après Sexe Texture Spray
Hairdresser to the stars and Dublin native Andrew Fitzsimons graced us with the launch of his eponymous hair care line, Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, in 2022. Among the standout products, Après Sexe Texture Spray (€12.99 from Boots) truly shines.
It’s one of the most affordable and effective texture sprays I’ve used, adding body and movement without weighing down the hair. Plus, it smells utterly delicious. A solid 10 out of 10 on every front.
This week I’m loving ... Brow Aid Power Pomade Pro
Kim O’Sullivan, Irish Brow Queen and founder of Brow Aid, is reviving the pomade trend with her latest product: Brow Aid Power Pomade Pro (€17 from browaid.com). This is a modern twist on the classic pomade, available in three shades – Light, Medium, and Dark.
Housed in compact, palm-sized packaging, Pomade Pro has a well-designed lid with a built-in, angled brush for precise application. It’s quick and easy to use, thanks to the smooth, creamy formula, and creates sleek, defined brows without the heavy build-up often associated with traditional pomades.
