Staff Picks: Cheap beauty thrills we’re only slightly ashamed of

It’s easy to get excited over hauls or finally getting your hands on the expensive product you’ve been saving up so long for. Even a mid-price purchase that fits into our beauty budget is a plenty of reason to be happy, but the truth is, we’re our most giddy when we spot a cheap beauty find! It is its own special beauty addiction but we’re only the tiniest bit embarrassed to reveal what our cheap thrills are, especially since they keep our wallets happy!

Liz: I first saw these ribbed cotton buds in Hong Kong and hauled so many to take home! They're really cheap, and they make excellent outer ear cleaners due to the texture. It's just gross afterwards, haha! I use the other end to clean makeup mistakes as it's properly stiff, compared to normal cotton buds which have a too-soft tip. Similar ones are available in Daiso too!

Den: I’ve begun to amass a little collection of random makeup tools and containers! I love popping into the beauty section but I linger the most in the accessories aisle. When I feel the itch to shop, it’s just so much cheaper to pick up inexpensive plastic tubs, spatulas and spray bottles than picking up a random makeup item that I probably already own a version of. I end up using these anyway - I decant micellar water into the small tubes for easy touch-ups, excess mask essence into misters, and cleansing balm into travel-friendly tubs so I don’t contaminate the rest of the jar. Landmark’s beauty section has the best selection!

Tellie: I don't know if I'm ashamed of it but I'll buy any beauty tool if it's cheap enough and something that I actually use. In beauty stores, I actually go to the Tool aisle first and feel judged for not fangirling over makeup. Recently I bought this 10-pack of cotton puffs for KRW 3000 (around P130) when I normally find it for KRW 1500 each! I was so happy that I ended up staying at the aisle for about 10 minutes, just studying it. My boyfriend actually left and came back for me without me noticing because I was trying to find other cheap supplies like cotton squares and sponges!

Gett: I love trying out face masks and I don't discriminate on the price! I recently tried a lemon clay mask from a brand called Ovale, and it was only P25! It smelled a bit sweet for a lemon scent but it helped control my breakouts!

Kim: I'm slightly ashamed that I even own a comedone extractor (P89 at Watsons). I know I'm not supposed to pick at pimples but... at least I'm doing it the same way aestheticians do? It's my last resort for pesky clogged pores and pimples, and have the guilty pleasure of using it every once in a while!

Stacie: I'm not even ashamed of owning cheap beauty tools, especially makeup puffs from Daiso. I can't see myself spending a thousand bucks for a Beauty Blender since these can blend and distribute makeup pretty well. I think it works okay for the price! I get 10 sponges for P88, so that's roughly just P8 pesos each!

Angela: I am not ashamed of asking for samples before trying out a product. It really helps to try it first before buying! When the product does work, I feel more motivated to save up for it.

Marielle: I always have to have nose pore strips around. I put them on once a month or whenever I actually remember to. The stuff that comes out is always fascinating and gross, and I keep thinking, "That's been there this whole time?!"

Katsy: I'm currently loving the Skin Genie Lip and Cheek Tints! At P80 per bottle, it's really tempting to hoard all colors. I pair it with Smith's Rosebud Salve for a quick "natural" lip look.

Charlie: I’m slightly ashamed but mostly terrified (for my wallet) of my love for lip balms. Especially those sold in dollar stores or beauty sections! No matter where I go, I almost always end up with a lip balm, even the ones found in fashion stores. If I like the scent and how it feels on my hand, I’ll most likely buy it. I even once had a Mrs. Fields lip balm! Even when bought blindly, I end up liking and repurchasing most of them like Avon’s Dew Kiss lip balm. I’ve finished about three sticks of this and I still stock on it! It’s pretty affordable, too, at P69 when it’s on sale (regular price is P130).

Do you indulge in cheap beauty thrills as well? We want to know what you’re into!