Staff Picks: The cheapest beauty items in our kits
I’m not even gonna deny that a huge chunk of my money goes to beauty. I like to say that it’s part of my research for Project Vanity, but really, that’s just the way it is – I love makeup! Which is why I’m ever so grateful that we now get to enjoy kickass cosmetics from the drugstore that could stand its ground against premium products. Seriously! You could even build a decent five-piece beginner makeup kit for less than the price of one Chanel lipstick. What a time to be alive, am I right?!
Last month, we clued you in on the most expensive beauty item that we have in our arsenal. You knew this was coming! Explore the other end of the spectrum as we share the cheapest makeup we’ve ever bought and our thoughts on just how they performed.
Liz: I have lots of affordable products in my kit, contrary to popular belief, but the question is what are ones that really make it to my routine? The Essence All About Matt! is a fantastic powder at only P269. It serves so well since I get so sweaty and oily these days. I also just repurchased the Etude House Drawing Eyebrow (P178) yesterday and IMHO, it's the best cheapest brow pencil out there.
Image via rubyrubyshopk.com
Den: My Tony Moly Lovely Eyebrow Pencil (P178) and Marionnaud No. 38 double-ended eyebrow brush (P90) put together are still less than P300! They're my trusty brow tandem, as I prefer to use a separate spoolie even if the pencil already comes with one. I also have Maybelline Velvet Matte 12 as my current MLBB - I think the regular price is about P350 but I bought it when it was on sale for P299!
Image via lawrencegarbo.files.wordpress.com
Jordianne: The cheapest beauty item in my kit is the Ever Bilena eyebrow pencil (P60). A Filipina YouTuber recommended it - even put it on her list of holy grails - and I thought, "Well, it's only P60. I won't feel duped if it doesn't work out." But I tried it and it's okay. It's not the best product out there, but it's great for people whose budgets are very tight.
Front left: Essence eyeshadow in Metropolitan (Image via pbunniep.com)
Stacie: My Essence eyeshadow in Metropolitan is the cheapest makeup in my kit. I use it every day on the outer corner of my eyes. It's the perfect shimmery red-brown and the pigmentation is crazy good! Just touch the surface and the color transfers to your finger as if you've rubbed the heck out of the shadow. Best part is it's only P99!
Image via moscatoandmascara.wordpress.com
Marielle: I got the Ever Bilena dual sharpener at the advice of Rae because I didn't want to spring for the special Nars sharpener for my Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. This one cost only P50, and I can also use it for my lip liners. I was able to get Essence I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Base on sale for P150 (regular price is P229), and I usually carry around a variant of the Maybelline Baby Lips line P89-P179.
Image via makeupandbeauty.com
Kim: The very first lip product that I bought for myself is the Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Kiss (P89). I rarely ever use it nowadays because I’ve fallen in love with Aquaphor, but I remember it performing well enough considering the cheap price tag. It moisturizes nicely but I rather dislike the gritty feeling when the balm has been sitting on my lips for a few hours.
Image via blarglefargle.com
Rae: The Ever Bilena dual sharpener is probably the cheapest beauty product I own. I think it's only around P50. Mine is more than a year old and it's still sharp! I'm happy I decided to look for a cheaper alternative before buying a NARS sharpener for their lip crayons.
The second cheapest in my beauty stash is Daiso's spot brush cleaner. It only costs P88 for a 150ml bottle. They're always out-of-stock though, so I buy 2 to 3 bottles whenever I see them on the shelf.
Katsy: Mine would have to be the Daiso Eye Brow Pencil at P88. It reminded me of the Shu Uemura brow sword because of its shape. Performs quite well too!
It’s an absolute thrill to pick up an affordable beauty product with no expectations, only to be wowed when you finally put it to the test. What's the cheapest thing in your kit? Tell us about your best affordable makeup finds!
