The Best Affordable Beauty Products All Under $150

While it’s always a treat to make a high-end beauty purchase from a luxury brand, the market is packed with products that can be a fraction of the price, but just as impressive. But with so much to choose from when it comes to makeup and skincare shopping, knowing where to start can be a bit of a minefield.

With multiple brands releasing endless products filled with enticing promises, it can be difficult to sort the practical from the pointless. Add to that the fact that it can be easy to drop a lot of cash on unessential products (especially when expensive doesn’t necessarily equal effective). With that in mind, we’ve scoured the internet (and many, many online message boards and reviews) and have rounded up our favourite affordable beauty brands, all under $150 that deliver on results.

(1) Herione Make

Famous for their blacker-than-black, smudge-proof mascaras and dramatic eyeliners, this Japanese beauty brand has a cult internet following, and it’s not hard to see why. One of the most highly-rated mascaras at a drugstore price, its Make Long & Curl Mascara promises to stay put for 24-hours without smudging or smearing and has beaten many of its high-end counterparts on reviews.

(2) Kiko Milano High Pigment Wet Eyeshadow

Don’t feel like spending your entire paycheck on glitter eyeshadow? Than this Kiko Milano Wet eyeshadow is for you. Just like nearly all of Kiko’s affordable offering, this super-pigmented formula is really cheap without looking, well, cheap. Layer it over a matte eyeshadow at work or wear it solo on a Saturday night.

(3) Lucas’ Papaw Ointment

This cult product has actually been around for over 100 years, with the Australian balm's main ingredient being fermented papaya (paw paw fruit), which acts as a gentle exfoliating enzyme. The perfect multi-purpose balm, it has glycerin and petroleum jelly, to hydrate and seal moisture and can be used on wounds, rashes, mosquito bites, and, of course, as a lip balm. For the incredibly cheap price, we recommend stocking up on a tube for every handbag and deskside - you’ll be thankful come winter.

(4) The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

If you’re not already acquainted with The Ordinary’s range of affordable skincare then consider this your introduction. This HA serum sinks into the skin instantly, delivering long-lasting hydration and will help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and a tight, dehydrated complexion. With all products ranging from $70 to $150 - it’s a no brainer.

(5) La Roche Poshy

French pharmacies are a mecca for beauty fanatics, known for an array of hard-working skincare brands that deliver on results without the hefty price tag. At the top of that list is La Roche Posay. Backed by science, the brand prides itself on partnering with dermatologists to create formulations that are both non-comedogenic and safe enough for sensitive skin. We can personally vouch for the Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum which contains two kinds of hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate the complexion.