The £4 concealer, the £6 hair mask – roll up, roll up for the brand new beauty and wellbeing steals that we’ve been fighting over in the office this week. Who doesn’t love a bargain?
Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission
The new lipbalm that’s so cute children keep stealing it, the fun eye palette we’ll be packing for Glastonbury and a new Korean SPF brand that we rate – it’s all going on this month in Budget Glossy Picks! And you’ll get change from £20 for every one of our brilliant new bargains. Scroll this way for 16 high-performing yet low-priced beauty and wellbeing buys.
SARAH-JANE CORFIELD-SMITH
GTG Beauty Director
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum, £13
“You may have spotted this serum before but it has proved so popular that Garnier has tweaked the formula to make it even more hard-working and effective. The vitamin C concentration has been increased from 3.5 to 4 per cent for extra brightening and they have added in an ingredient called melaysl that also targets pigmentation so if it’s more even skin tone you’re after, this is a good’un.”
SHOP
Bondi Sands Sunny Drops SPF 50 Face Serum, £16.99
“This is everything I want a sunscreen to be. It has the lightness of a serum and sinks in instantly meaning you can get your makeup on immediately with no risk of it pilling. It doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy or with a white residue, instead it looks healthy and glowing. It’s oil-free, won’t clog pores and has brilliant broad-spectrum protection. Bravo, Bondi Sands.”
SHOP
P Louise Protect Your Pout in Peaches & Cream, £13
“My ten-year-old daughter and I have a ‘fun’ game of seeing how long a new lip balm lasts on my desk before she steals it. This one didn’t last more than an hour. P Louise is a brand that went stratospheric on TikTok and now even oldies (and non TikTok viewers like me) have heard of it. It’s fun with bright colours and joyous packaging and this gloss-meets-balm comes with a handy clip to attach to your handbag (me) or school bag (daughter).”
SHOP
Rituals The Dream Collection Whipped Shower Foam, £11.90
“If you’re looking to elevate your shower game but don’t want to break the bank then may I introduce you to this newbie from Rituals. It has a lovely fluffy cloud-like texture and is lilac in colour, which instantly makes your shower feel like more of a treat and exciting. The scent is a very soft floral scent that smells very comforting and clean. It’s a limited edition so get in quick.”
SHOP
ISLA HUFFADINE
GTG Content Coordinator
Morphe Forbidden Honey Eyeshadow Palette, £16
“Morphe is one of the brands that I’m always surprised fits our budget beauty brief – delivering high quality while still fitting the £20 limit. With festival season approaching, this is the palette to have on your radar – especially if you’re camping and packing light. Featuring nine versatile, yet playful shades in a mix of finishes, it allows you to create various looks. Plus, Morphe’s shadows always have great pigment and low fallout, which I can confirm lasts a full day (and night) partying at Glastonbury! My top tip for an ultra-metallic shine is to spritz your brush with setting spray before applying the shimmery shades.”
SHOP
“This is one to file under ‘summer glow’. This highlighter stick is packed with nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid and peptides to keep your skin nourished and hydrated while delivering radiant finish. Simply swipe across the high points of your face and blend with fingers or a brush. The lightweight, creamy formula comes in four colours, melts seamlessly into skin, layers easily over other products and can be built up for a more intense shimmer.”
SHOP
Collection Cosmetics Ultra Cover Concealer, £3.99
“Don’t be fooled by the fact this is cheaper than a Pret sandwich, they sure haven’t skimped on formulation with this budget concealer. Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil deliver serious hydration, it’s creamy to apply, has a large doe-foot applicator, and a blendable and buildable consistency. This is a versatile option for concealing blemishes and dark circles or achieving a full-glam finish, plus it’s water resistant. High performance at a low, low price.”
SHOP
E45 UV Protect Hand Cream, £9.99
“Hand cream might not feel like the sexiest beauty buy, but if you’ve seen those viral posts about truck drivers’ sun-damaged hands, you won’t be skipping this one. SPF is a daily essential, yet our hands – constantly exposed to UV rays – are often forgotten. This SPF 30 hand cream is loaded with vitamin E and glycerin to keep dry hands moisturised, while protecting against UVA and UVB rays. Oh and did you know gel manicure lamps emit UV rays too? So slap some of this on before your next nail appointment.”
SHOP
FLORENCE SCORDOULIS
GTG Contributing Editor
John Frieda Volume Lift Strengthening Water, £9.99
“I love a hassle-free hair conditioning treatment like this. After shampooing, you smooth a palm-full of this watery essence through your mid-lengths, then wash off instantly. The water-activated formula contains rice proteins, like the traditional beauty treatment of rinsing hair in water that’s had rice soaked in it, for strengthening and growth. This one also adds volume to flat, fine hair, and it really does make a difference: my curls looked instantly bouncier after one wash.”
SHOP
Palmer's Shimmer Radiance Body Oil, £10.99
“This budget body oil is giving serious Brazilian carnival vibes and will appeal to those who love Sol de Janeiro’s bodycare but are looking for a more purse-friendly option. Formulated with all of Palmer’s usual skin-softening cocoa butter, it is hydrating without feeling greasy. The subtle shimmer has a glowy, skin-blurring effect that is ultra-flattering for those freshly exposed spring legs! (Plus, their new Shimmer Radiance Body Gloss, also £10.99, is a pearly version with a creamy texture).”
SHOP
The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum, £14.20
“It turns out we need eight a day: yes, this serum is packed with that many different types of antioxidants – not just your usual vitamin C — including ginseng extract, which helps to neutralise free radicals from UV and pollution that damage the skin. You can wear it as protection in the day, but also to boost repair and recovery overnight. The light serum gives you an instant glow, while brightening your complexion and smoothing texture over time.”
SHOP
“Zara’s latest haircare collection smells amazing — fruity and like you’re fresh out of the salon. It consists of four products that can be layered: a creamy gel, leave-in conditioner, oily serum and, my favourite, this lightweight mousse. It isn’t thick and creamy, but rather more of a watery foam so the effect is soft, defined and de-frizzed curls with weightless movement. No crunchy curls here.”
SHOP
BECKI MURRAY
GTG Contributing Editor
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 PA++++, £16
“This is the Korean answer to Ultra Violette. This SPF stick leaves no cast, no greasiness and is super easy to apply – what’s not to like? Despite offering very high coverage, it glides on silkily, feels weightless and even primes your makeup with a flattering matte finish. Basically it’s a total hero for anyone who hates gloopy, heavy sunscreens. I’ve started using it before running because it doesn’t melt into my eyes and it controls shine too.”
SHOP
OGX Bond Protein Repair 1-Minute Treatment Mask, £6
“Consider this your one-stop, 60-second fix for super nourished hair. Powered by the most potent blend of OGX’s new Bond Protein Repair complex, the mask is packed with moisturising ingredients that protect and smooth every strand, meaning instant glossiness. Plus, for such a good price I’d probably buy the whole range for the mood-boosting fresh scent alone.”
SHOP
Cocoa Brown Sunshine Serum Hyaluronic Self Tan Face Serum, £14.99
“This serum has all but cured me of my fear around fake tanning my face, because it’s so hydrating and refreshing – meaning it feels like skincare and you don’t get weird dry spots that leave you looking patchy. I don’t love the smell, but I do love the results: it sinks in quickly, doesn’t feel sticky and leaves my complexion with a radiant, not orange glow. It is basically a holiday radiance in a bottle.”
SHOP
The What Supp Co Dip Out 15 Chill Patches, £18
“Assume wellness tech needs to cost an arm and a leg? Think again. These purple patches might look unassuming, but they are beauty editors’ latest must-wear accessory for tackling stress. When applied to your skin, the patch delivers a potent blend of proven anxiety-reducing ingredients, including ashwagandha and valerian root, in as little as 15 minutes. Keep them on hand for your next nervy plane ride or deadline day pressure.”
SHOP
