beauty

LEIGH CAMPBELL: These are the 7 best cheap foundations, all under $35.

I don't care how much money you have, I bet you still love a bargain.

I bet Kim Kardashian loves a bargain.

Even Elon, maybe?

There’s a very specific thrill in purchasing a good quality item for not many dollars. It makes the item better somehow.

I guess it’s because if you pay a lot, you rightfully expect it to be excellent. But when something is excellent AND cheap… dopamine galore!

Watch: A first date with Leigh Campbell. Post continues after video.


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But there are a lot of crappy cheap products, especially when it comes to beauty. Namely, foundation. And I know this because I have put many of them on my face. It’s what I do so that you can find the good ones.

So, which are the good cheap foundations, you ask? Ohhh lookie here, I made a list!

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation, $13.10.

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation. Image: The Ordinary. 

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Did you know that out of the top 10 skincare products that sell the most in Priceline, eight of them are The Ordinary? EIGHT! 

And while they’re best known for making damn good serums, their foundations are equally excellent. This one, as you might have guessed, is full coverage. The finish is surprisingly luminous, and a little goes a long way.

Designer Brands Hydrating Luminous Foundation, $19.95.

Designer Brands Hydrating Luminous Foundation. Image: Designer Brands. 

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A medium coverage with a dewy finish, this liquid foundation rivals one of the very famous expensive ‘fashion house’ versions. When I use this guy, I apply it with my fingers and then finish blending with a damp beauty sponge.

McoBeauty Ultra Stay Flawless Foundation, $28.

McoBeauty Ultra Stay Flawless Foundation. Image: McoBeauty. 

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This is my go-to base if I need it to stay put all day without a touch-up. It still looks great after a full day of work, even if it was applied at 6am. 

It’s full coverage, and while the finish is semi-matte, it still allows for some radiance to shine through.

Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation, $13.95.

Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation. Image: Flower Beauty. 

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This foundation quickly reached cult-status when it hit shelves – and after using it, I know why. 

With light to medium coverage, it’s a lightbulb in a bottle. Skin looks glowy, hydrated and plump. A little warning though: it offers serious radiance, so you may need to set it with translucent powder if you’re oily or have combo skin.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream, $32.95.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream. Image: Chi Chi. 

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This is a well-known dupe for the famous IT Cosmetics CC Cream, and it is half the price. 

It’s got a thicker zinc-like feel (you only need a small amount) that totally hides any discolouration or uneven tone and makes your skin look softly filtered. It’s hydrating too, so get ready to go to glow town.

Morphe Hint Hint Skin Tint, $28.

Morphe Hint Hint Skin Tint. Image: Morphe. 

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Wanna look like a model who just woke up, rolled out of bed, went to yoga and has that post-workout glow? Me too…*sigh*. 

This foundation gives you that …minus the model genetics. With a light coverage that is buildable on the bits you need it – but freckles and your individual quirks still shine through.

Sephora Collection Glow Perfection Foundation, $32.

Sephora Collection Glow Perfection Foundation. Image: Sephora. 

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This liquid foundation gives a medium coverage that can be blended out to a lovely wash of colour with a sponge or brush. 

The finish is pretty glowy, but not too much that you border on shiny territory. It’s also got delicious antioxidants in the formula, helping to hydrate skin.

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Attention beauty fans: Mamamia's first ever You Beauty Awards are here.

Beauty should be a democracy, and we want to know what products you slap on your face, slather on your body and comb through your hair, day in and day out.

Click the link below to vote for the products that have made the BIGGEST difference to your face. And hair. And body. You get the drill.

VOTE IN THE YOU BEAUTY AWARDS.

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Feature Image: Supplied.