20 Beauty Buys Under £20

Versed is a brand you can rely on for results on a budget. Its latest serum is one of the best we’ve tried for hydration. Full of different levels of HA, it penetrates some of your deepest layers of skin to pump it full of moisture. You’ll see a difference immediately – think softer, suppler skin with better bounce and glow. It layers nicely with other skincare thanks to a thin texture that absorbs fast and doesn’t turn sticky. There’s also snow mushroom extract in there, which is proven to reduce inflammation and redness.

Available at Boots.com

Flavedo & Albedo is a brand to keep on your radar. Promising impressive make-up but without contributing to landfill with endless plastic, it houses its products in sustainable packaging. These eyeliners are made with a soft wax that glides easily and blends smoothly, allowing you to create a variety of looks – from sharp flicks to soft smokey eyes and a wash of colour across your lids. They are budge-proof too – once these set, they really do stay put, so you need to work with them relatively quickly.

Available at Selfridges.com

The perfect addition to any bath, these soothing salts provide on-the-spot grounding with a soft, rose-based scent that instantly clears the senses. They transform your tub into a milky oasis and soften your skin while gently exfoliating it. That’s all thanks to pink Himalayan salts which also alleviate aches and tension within your body.

Available at Floragy.co.uk

This is the perfect size for dry body brushing. Its small, chunky handle is easy to use for controlled buffing. As for the bristles, they’re firm but not too abrasive, allowing for gentle yet stimulating exfoliation. Expect softer skin post-use that’s more even in tone. It’s soft enough to be used on the face too – just take a light-handed approach and always use deft, quick motions. 

Available at EskerBeauty.com

This dark spot corrector has flown off shelves since launching and it’s easy to see why. With endless five-star reviews, it’s loved by dermatologists for its use of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and azelaic acid – all of which work together to smooth skin tone, minimise dark spots and reduce the appearance of scarring. The gel consistency is satisfying to use with a cooling quality we love. Dab the formula directly onto the area you want to refine both morning and night. Added allantoin and green tea will keep sensitivities at bay. It takes time to see results, but consistency is key. While it won’t remove dark spots entirely, it will fade their appearance and brighten skin.

Available at Revolve.com

Whether you want to set your make-up or keep oiliness at bay, this lightweight, translucent powder can help. You can barely feel it on your skin – just a small amount blurs pores and smooths your complexion. Don’t expect a chalky finish or any harsh flashback in photos either. Apply with a large fluffy brush for the best results, or use a pointed sponge to reach under the eyes and set everything in place.

Available at Boots.com

If you’re after a new mascara, don’t miss this one from REM. The formula is jet black, so you’re guaranteed inky definition, but it’s the brush that stands out. Tapered, it’s wide at the base and thin at the tip, allowing you to lift from the root and drag back and forth easily for maximum volume. We love to use the smaller end for the inners and outer corners to elongate the eye. It lasts for hours too – there’s no smudging or clumping with this one.

Available at Sephora.co.uk

Often recommended by make-up artists, this versatile stick hydrates and primes skin with shea butter and jojoba seed oils. The latter forms an invisible film on the skin that seals in moisture, but also smooths the surface so anything you apply on top lasts and applies evenly. It’s ideal for zapping oiliness when time is of the essence. With a slight rosy tint, it looks nice worn over the lips and works hard to soak up dry, chapped areas of skin. A small but mighty tube.

Available at Amazon.co.uk

Great on the go, these balmy tints offer a subtle, dewy hit of colour that really goes the distance. They quickly restore hydration thanks to a blend of mango oils, vitamin E and vitamin C. Never sticky or tacky, they wear well as the day goes on and never bleed or feather. Scribble a little onto cheeks to continue the healthy flush.

Available at Revolve.com