They say the best things in life are free, but when it comes to beauty products that’s a fairly rare occurrence (unless you shoplift, and… well, please don’t do that).
Thankfully, there are some brilliant budget products out there that’ll give you groomed brows/lush lashes/happy-looking skin and change from a $20 or $10 note — even a fiver in some cases.
Here are some of the wallet-friendly beauties Aussie celebrities have shared with Mamamia.
Ricki-Lee Coulter
Following an expert recommendation, the pop star has been using Cetaphil Intensive Moisturising Cream ($9.99) regularly.
"I have really dry skin and was having problems for a long time so I went to see a dermatologist and this was what she recommended. My skin has never been better, so I never skip this routine," she said.
Sam Frost
The radio host and former Bachelorette is a fan of Maybelline's Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara ($13.96), explaining, "I pop this on and use an eyelash curler for extra volume."
Like many a famous (and non-famous) face, she's also a convert of Lucas’ Papaw Ointment ($5.99).
"I’m never without this. It just works and can be used all the time. Sometimes all I wear on my lips is Papaw and a little lipliner," Sam said.
Gallery: Some of the other celebrities who swear by Lucas' Papaw Ointment. (Post continues after gallery.)
Celebrities who swear by Lucas' Paw Paw ointment
Robyn Lawley
The Aussie model's go-to, multi-use product can be found in the supermarket (or already in your pantry if you're lucky).
“Use extra virgin raw coconut oil ($16.99 at Woolies) - or olive oil - as a makeup remover. It’s super cheap. I use it in the shower," Robyn told Mamamia.
"So if I’m ever without face wash I just go to the kitchen and grab some oil. It’s the best thing to take off eyelash glue, it’s the far easiest thing to use. Put a hot towel over your face and you’re done in two seconds.”
Rachael Finch
The model is a master of the budget buy — many of her day-to-day products cost less than $10.
"When it comes to my skin, I use a cream cleanser each morning - the Skin Theory brand ($10) in Amcal Pharmacy is my fave. I also curl my lashes then use Colour Theory Mascara Plump ($8)," she told Mamamia.
Listen: Rachael Finch talks us through a typical day in her life. (Post continues after audio.)
"I carry a lip balm with me everywhere. I like the Carmex jar balm ($5.99). I never know when my lips will need rehydrating, in between the sun, air conditioning or heating systems."
Ada Nicodemou
You'll never find the Home and Away star without Nivea's Essential Care lip balm — along with perfume and mints, it's a product she "never leaves the house without", she told us.
Ada also swears by Palmolive Oil Infusions Body Moisturiser ($9.99 from Coles and pharmacies) as part of her everyday routine.
Jesinta Franklin
Spending much of her time wearing makeup, the model says she's a "'get home, wash all my makeup off' kind of girl", and often employs a double cleanse technique to ensure she removes it all.
"I use Olay Total Effects Foaming Cleanser ($9.69) first followed by the Cream Cleanser ($9.69). The double cleanse leaves my skin feeling extra clean and fresh," Jesinta told Mamamia.
Laura Dundovic
The model and presenter told Mamamia a compressed, translucent powder is one of her makeup bag staples. And one of her top picks is just $12.95.
"Just use it on your T-zone and it'll make your makeup last all day without caking up. There's a really great one you can get from Rimmel ($12.95), that's a good cheap one," she said.
Rebecca Judd
What's a list of budget beauty wonders without Maybelline's best-selling Great Lash mascara ($12.95)? Rebecca Judd names it among her favourite cheapie products, so there's all the incentive you need to give it a whirl.
What's your favourite budget beauty buy?
Top Comments
How sad - most of these are tested on animals.