An A-Z Of Affordable Beauty Brands
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Aldi Beauty
From 99p
Aldi’s beauty range is popular for a reason. The ever-expanding line-up includes a host of products that are decent matches for some of the most beloved – and more expensive – big-name brands out there. From hydrating creams to plumping mascaras and those candles, there’s so much to discover.
By Beauty Bay
From £2
Beauty Bay is one of the best online destinations for affordable beauty and its own range is well worth a look. It started with make-up, and launched skincare in 2020 that sold out within days. Thankfully, stock has been replenished and the packaging is simple and easy to understand. We rate the Acid Trip Exfoliating Toner for its brightening capabilities and the gentle yet effective Super Jelly Cleansing Gel. Don’t miss the make-up palettes, either.
CeraVe
From £4.50
Fans of SheerLuxe will know how much we love CeraVe. Developed in partnership with dermatologists, it’s the no-frills, results-driven skincare brand that is accessible to all. To put it simply, it just works. Sales have soared since CeraVe launched in the UK and it continues to be a bestselling brand around the world – particularly in the US, where the range is even bigger. Slowly but surely, the line-up is expanding here. For sensitive and problematic skin types, it’s guaranteed to soothe any issues and get rid of inflammation fast.
DHC
From £2.50
Japanese beauty brand DHC has been around for years, but doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Straightforward and budget friendly, the range uses its key ingredient, olive oil, to nourish, hydrate and soothe. You’ll find everything here from silk cotton pads – which are so gentle – to biodegradable sheet masks, blotting papers and comforting creams. Don’t miss the Face Wash Powder and the Perfect Pro Double Mascara – both are brand bestsellers.
E.L.F.
From £4
E.L.F. – which stands for eyes, lips, face – has to be one of the best affordable make-up brands on the market. Offering high-quality products without the hefty price tag, it has a cult following, with make-up artists like Lisa Eldridge and Adeola Gboyega often singing its praises. One of its primers sells every six seconds and the Hydrating Camo Concealer continually receives five-star reviews for its creamy, smooth consistency and flawless coverage.
Flower Beauty
From £7.99
Celebrity beauty brands can be so hit and miss, but Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty lives up to the hype. Some of her most popular products have 4,000-strong waiting lists. Make-up artists like Caroline Barnes swear by products like the Light Illusion Foundation and Long-Lasting Setting Spray. Don’t miss the Celestial Skin Elixir, which looks intimidating, but provides a sheer hint of luminosity that’s easy to work with.
Garnier
From £2.50
Garnier is a brand you can trust. Its micellar waters are a go-to for many, while the rest of its gentle skincare rarely disappoints. The definition of ‘getting the job done’, everything serves a purpose and uses only the very best ingredients. Skincare aside, the nourishing hair masks are just as impressive. Stock up on the Banana 3-in-1 Treatment – delivering a hefty dose of moisture to even the driest, damaged hair, it’s easy to see why it was a winner in our beauty awards.
Hello Sunday
From £5
Everyone should have access to affordable SPF, which is exactly what Hello Sunday offers. Moving away from thick, heavy textures, its products have lightweight, silky formulas that are easy to apply and sit well under make-up. From lip balms to tan drops, SPF sticks to serums, it’s one not to be missed.
Inkey List
From £5.49
The Inkey List is known for focusing on straightforward, single-ingredient formulas at accessible prices. Its retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums are hugely popular – not least because they cushion skin with moisture and work hard to deliver results over time. It’s not just skincare either – its haircare range is just as impressive, with exfoliating scalp treatments, volume boosters and curl-defining treatments all on offer. You’d be hard pushed to find any negative reviews. Confused about where to start? Enter just a few answers here and the brand will build you a tailored routine.
John Frieda
From £1.99
John Frieda is one of the most iconic haircare brands ever. Constantly innovating to deliver the best products, it’s ideal for those on a budget, works for all hair types and offers a variety of ranges to suit different needs. A bottle of its iconic Frizz Ease still sells every minute – and you can always trust its DIY colour treatments.
Kiko
From £3.99
We’re big fans of Kiko cosmetics. Made in Italy, everything about the brand is cool and slick, from the formulas to the packaging. There’s plenty to discover – from hard-working tools (think lash curlers, tweezers and sponges) to skin exfoliators, make-up palettes and everything in between. The brand is particularly known for its highly pigmented eyeshadows which glide on like creams. We love that they have soft shimmer particles which catch the light – they never flake or crease either.
L'Oreal Paris
From £1.89
It wouldn’t be a decent affordable brand round-up without L’Oréal Paris. A beauty giant, it’s always going to be one of the best for budget beauty buys. While some of the products are true icons in the beauty world, they continue to drop new, innovative launches all the time. From advanced retinol skincare that doesn’t strip or irritate to some of the best high-street mascaras we’ve ever tried, it’s a brand that always delivers.
MyKitCo
From: £4.50
Brushes don’t come cheap these days, especially if you want quality tools made from long-lasting materials. MyKitCo champions the balance between affordability and quality – it’s no surprise that one of the creative masterminds behind the brand is a professional make-up artist. Starting in the spare room of their home, founders James and Alex handmade their original designs from scratch, and now offer a wide range of brushes and kits for all levels of ability.
No.7
From: £4.95
No.7’s range spans innovative skincare, luxe make-up and hardworking beauty tools. The best bit is it’s all backed by science, so you can trust that you’re getting a product approved by the experts. No.7 wants to offer something for everyone, and customers can browse products at all ends of price spectrum. Some of our favourites include the correcting booster serums, make-up brushes and lash lengthening mascaras.
OGX
From: £4.66
This hair stylist-founded brand excels in using natural ingredients that make a real impact, such as argan oil, coconut milk, tea tree oil and shea – all of which form the base of its shampoos, conditioners and body washes. Free from nasties, there’s something for every hair type – plus every product has its own long-lasting, addictive scent.
Physician's Formula
From: £9
Dr Frank Crandall originally created Physician's Formula for his wife, who needed make-up that wouldn’t aggravate her severely sensitive skin. To this day, the brand focuses on hypoallergenic make-up for sensitive skin types. Standout heroes include its buttery soft bronzers, highlights and mineralised blushers.
Revolution
From: £9
Offering more than 50 shades of foundation, award-winning concealers, countless eyeshadow palettes, and skincare, Revolution really does do it all. Producing an affordable range full of cruelty free, vegan formulations, the brand has had the social media stamp of approval, with countless viral products and a loyal following to match.
Seoulista
From: £7.99
Influenced by Korean skincare principles, Seoulista designs uncomplicated products that are easy to use. Many will be familiar with the sheet masks but they also offer powerful one-step serums that brighten, hydrate and calm – along with seriously effective body and haircare.
Typology
From: £7.99
At Typology, good products are defined by the quality of the ingredients – something that makes this brand a go-to for seriously great skincare-make-up hybrids, with every product made using a raw, natural formula. The packaging is incredibly chic – and sustainable.
UpCircle
From: £13
Affordable, long-lasting and handmade in the UK, UpCircle’s entire range is as good for the planet as it is for your skin. Making the shift to plastic-free skincare simple, each of the sustainable heroes is packaged and formulated with consideration for the planet as the primary concern.
Versed
From £7.20
Not only do Versed’s products come in low-waste packaging, the efficacious formulas deliver great results. Created by the co-founder of Who What Wear and Merit Beauty, our favourites include the Daily Dissolve Cleansing Balm, the Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops and the Moisture Maker Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
YesTo
From £3
Started in the US, YesTo set out to create a natural beauty range using fruit and vegetable-based ingredients. From tomatoes to avocados and watermelons, each one is utilised for its unique properties – whether it’s to hydrate, soften or calm – so there’s something for everyone.
Zoeva
From £12
Founded by two sisters, Zoeva was launched in 2008 and quickly became a YouTuber favourite. Now, along with its high-quality, much-loved brushes, beauty fans love the curated eyeshadow palettes, bronzers and highlighters.
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.