32 Popular Beauty Buys That Won't Cost More Than $30

Luxury looks at chemist prices.

1. These Colourpop cream gel eyeliners that make it easy to add a little colour to your ~lewk~.

@sohanjudge / Via instagram.com, Sohan Judge / BuzzFeed

These eyeliners come in some incredibly pigmented and vibrant colours, so you're sure to find one that will align with your aesthetic.

Promising Review: "These liners are the easiest thing you can add to your makeup kit that will make you stand out. An extra 10 seconds in the morning and bam! They've honestly changed the way I view makeup — now, it's more of an accessory to match my outfit or mood for the day rather than a way to cover up imperfections. Plus, I always get compliments when I wear these and who doesn't love to be gassed up?"

—Sohan Judge.

Buy each liner from Colourpop for $5.50 each.

2. This polish to gel formula, which will use whatever regular polish you already have and turn it into durable gel.

Amazon

A four-and-a-half star rating and over 440 reviews, you know the claims must be true. If, like me, you have a collection of regular polishes at home — but are missing the gel nails you'll treat yourself to once in a while — use a combination of half polish, half this high-gloss formula.

Buy from Amazon Australia for $18.95.

3. These silicone face mask brushes, so you don't waste half your precious goo applying the mask with your fingers.

Amazon

These brushes are perfect for applying an even layer of face mask and they're suitable for use on sensitive skin.

Buy a pack of two from Amazon Australia for $6.19.

4. This blackhead remover, which will suck all the gunk out of your pores so you look impossibly air-brushed.

Clare Aston / BuzzFeed

Designed for a variety of skin types, this next-generation blackhead remover has three suction heads for different skin conditions, and helps to clean up blackheads, remove dirt grease, reduce dead skin and fine lines, as well as massage and tighten the skin.

Promising review: "I am that person who loves gross things. Videos of nose strips — seen them. Compilations of ear wax removals — seen them twice. I am obsessed with clearing out the gunk living in our skin. So, when I saw this nose sucking action, I just had to try it out.

The suction machine comes with three different heads, all of which are meant for a different purpose. But, to be honest, I can’t remember what those other purposes are — I’ve got my gunk sucking one and I’m good. It’s easy to hold, the nozzle fits around your nose nicely and most importantly YOU SEE RESULTS! Have you ever done a nose strip only to be completely let down by it? Either it didn’t stick properly, stuck too well or didn’t rip out enough of your blackheads so you could see them on the strip. With this machine, you’ve got a clean nose and a whole lot of satisfaction.

A few tips though: Prep your pores beforehand by getting them to open up with a hot towel, moisturise after you use it and most importantly, don’t suck any part of your skin for longer than five seconds."

—Clare Aston

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $17.99.

5. This Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara, which will give you impossibly-feathery lashes without extensions.

Emma McAnaw / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "Full disclosure, I'm a huge mascara snob. Ever since I first tried designer mascara in the ninth grade (thanks, Sephora gift card!) I've been hooked. So when I tried Maybelline's Falsies mascara, I was shook by its amazing quality — it trumps even some of the crème de la crème of the industry that I previously SWORE by.

This is the softest brush I've ever felt. Seriously, Maybelline — what is this made of? Angel feathers?! Plus, its curved handle is cleverly designed to grab each and every lash for an even and natural-looking finish. It even bends to move with your lashes and successfully avoids clumping! I have never (not once!) battled with a clump when using this lifesaver. This is truly the first mascara I've tried that works perfectly the first time."

—Emma McAnaw

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $10 (available in two colours).

6. Alternatively, these Ardell falsies, which will instantly transform your face with a touch of drama.

Julia Willing / BuzzFeed

These come with a small tube of adhesive, so you needn't immediately go out and buy some when it comes to wearing.

Promising review: "These lashes have some serious glam power. As someone who has never used falsies before, I found them super easy to apply and they didn't weigh down my eyelids. Not your everyday 9-5 look, but perfect for nights out or events where you want a lil' OOMPH in the eyes."

—Julia Willing

Buy a pair from Amazon Australia for $7.70.

7. These impossibly cheap blemish patches, which protect your spots from bacteria as they heal.

Sarah Han / BuzzFeed, Amazon

These patches are made of hydrocolloid, a wound-healing material that protects against bacteria. Ultra-thin and complete with a matte finish, they can be worn on top of inflamed and acne-prone skin, and under foundation (!). A few hours later, your zits will have shrunk noticeably. No wonder people are buying these in bulk.

Read all about their genius here.

Buy a pack of 18 patches from Amazon Australia for $5.10.

8. This light therapy Neutrogena acne spot treatment, which uses dermatologist in-office technology (no UV rays!) to treat mild to moderate acne.

Jemima Skelley / BuzzFeed

Promising Review: "I DEFINITELY did not think this would work. How can light get rid of pimples? Well, after only using it a couple of times my mind was completely changed. It's good at making big, sore pimples smaller overnight. I also had a red mark on my skin from a giant pimple I'd had two months ago that I couldn't even get rid of with microdermabrasion. After about a week of using this light pen on it twice a day, it was way smaller and lighter. This pen is true magic."

—Jemima Skelley

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $23.99.

9. This Vitamin C serum, which is an organic answer to each and every one of your skin woes.

Amazon

This serum is made from all-natural ingredients — including 11% hyaluronic acid, 20% vitamin C and vitamin E — to help with skin ageing, sun spots (relevant for basically every Aussie), wrinkles and dark circles.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $24.99.

10. This reusable face wipe, the Face Halo, which removes every inch of makeup with nothing but water.

Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "You can tell by my ~shook~ facial expression that I was blown away. I mean honestly, look at the state of my face and hair — do you think I'd allow this GIF to live on the internet if I wasn't genuinely impressed?

The wipes are non-toxic, chemical free and recyclable, so BIG wins all 'round. Not only are you doing your face a favour — by not subjecting it to the toxins in that pack of two dollar wipes — but you're doing the environment a solid, too."

—Hameda Nafiz

Read more about the Face Halo here.

Buy a pack of three from Amazon Australia for $30.

11. This affordable hair dryer, which will do the job of towel-drying in half the time.

Amazon

This hair dryer has three heat and two speed settings, so you can dry to your preferences. It's also super lightweight, so you won't get that irritating wrist ache after holding it up to your head.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $16.

12. These eyeliner stamps, because whoever invented the winged-eye look was just setting us up for failure.

Amazon

Reviewers say that this stamp makes the perfect winged eye every time — infinitely easier than trying to get even lines freehand. Each set comes with two pens — one for your left eye and one for right — and is water-resistant and smudge-proof.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $11.57.

13. This MCoBeauty Highlight & Glow Stick in Champagne, which even a makeup rookie like me can use to highlight brow arches and draw attention to eyes.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, @mcobeauty / Via instagram.com

Should you prefer a more saturated, warm colour, it also comes in a peachy nectar hue.

Promising review: "Okay, straight up — I have very little idea of what I'm doing when it comes to makeup. Most days I only wear concealer and fill in my eyebrows. I love that this creamy stick lets me highlight my cheekbones and brow arch, making my skin glow and eyes pop without the use of powder, brushes or the least bit of talent. It now lives in my purse — would recommend."

—Mariela Summerhays

Buy it from Woolworths for $8.40.

14. This eyelash and brow tinting kit, which promises to last for 1000 hours — meaning no more colouring your eyebrows in every morning when you'd rather be sleeping.

Gyan Yankovich / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "When I used to go to the salon to have my brows done (I now shape them myself), I always looked forward to having my brows tinted more so than the actual wax/tweeze. After I started doing my own shaping, I figured there was no reason why I couldn't do my own tinting as well. I go between using the Brown Black and Black tints. My biggest tip is to leave the product on for around 20 minutes rather than the recommended 10. Although you might want to play it safe if you're hoping for a subtle look or it's your first time using the product.

I find the tint lasts really well for around two weeks, then starts to fade. The kit is super easy to use and I highly recommend applying Vaseline on the skin around your brows and using a cotton tip to neaten up your tint and avoid staining."

—Gyan Yankovich

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $13.99.

15. This set of makeup brushes, which will ensure you have the right tools to create any look you desire.

Amazon

This kit comes with 15 different brushes, including 10 face and eye brushes, three blending brushes, one eyeliner brush and one lip brush. The bristles are super soft and bonus: They're vegan-friendly.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $19.81.

16. This L'Oréal Paradise Lash Mascara , because nothing says ready to take on the world more than some wide-eyed, dressed up peepers.

Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "This is the only mascara I've tried that doesn't leave a black smudge in the bottom outer corner of my eye by the end of the day. The ONLY one! It's super customisable, so you can just swipe on a quick coat when you're running out the door to get a bagel on Saturday and don't want to wear a lot of makeup or you can really build up the coverage for a mega-lashed look (without clumping). It provides equal parts length and volume and makes lashes look dramatic but not crazy. Plus, it does NOT flake off throughout the day, yet it's really easy to remove at night (meaning you don't lose any precious hairs). It also comes in a super-pretty tube, which always helps.

I went to the movies with friends last week and one of them said, "Your eyelashes look long!" I literally assumed she was talking to somebody else, so I didn't say anything. When she repeated herself, I said, "Who, me?" It was a delight. My first eyelash compliment. All due to this L'Oréal mascara. And at its low price, maybe I'll actually toss it and replace it like I'm supposed to after three months."

—Maitland Quitmeyer

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $17.49.

17. This Burt's Bees Skin Nourishment Eye Cream, which promises to moisturise the delicate skin under your eyes without the least bit of irritation.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

This recent acquisition of mine has fast become a favourite part of my skincare routine. This creamy yet lightweight eye cream goes on in the morning and night, and I swear I can feel it hydrating my tired peepers. Plus, just a teeny, tiny bit goes a long way. If you're a devotee to their iconic lip balms (and who isn't?), definitely give this (99% natural!) eye cream a go.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $14.34.

18. This Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser, which completely conceals dark circles, fine lines and puffiness under the eyes — not to mention, has a built-in applicator for those of us who can never find their beauty blender.

Buzzfeed / Kayla Suazo

Promising review: "I still don’t know how a cheap tube of concealer beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cake-y feeling.

When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on. Basically what I am saying here is this is a staple beauty product that, IMHO, deserves a place in every makeup bag!"

—Kayla Suazo

Buy it in medium from Amazon Australia for $11.99 (available in other shades here).

Also, check out more of our favourite Maybelline products here.

19. These eyeshadow shields, which will give you the clean, sharp lines you crave.

Amazon

Maybe you're the type of person to nail an impossibly intricate look without assistance — I, however, am not such a person. These self-adhesive eye shadow shields will protect your under eye area from shadow residue and keep lines clean. You can even place the curve of the shield under your bottom lip for a sharp lip line.

Buy 120(!) pieces from Amazon Australia for $15.98.

20. This KVD tattoo eyeliner, which won't budge all day long — and thanks to its fine tip, will help you finally nail the much-desired, perfect winged eye.

Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I walk a lot since I live in New York City and don't own a car, and, as pictured, this held up on a humid spring day. With other liquid liners I've experienced smudges and flakiness by midday — so the fact that this made it to my bedtime (14 hours AFTER application) without smearing is amazing to me.

Washing it off is a total breeze, which I don't understand at all, but there's no fuss when removing it with makeup wipes or other cleansers. It also survived a full workday and then a workout, so IDK, this must be some type of witchcraft because that never happens with my other liners."

—Kayla Suazo

Buy it from Sephora for $30 (available in two colours).

21. This satin sleeping cap, which will keep your hair safe and snug while you sleep if you don't want to switch out your pillowcase.

Amazon

This satin cap has an elastic band to keep it from coming off when you're asleep and is designed to retain your hair's natural moisture and shine to keep it healthy and looking fantastic.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $13.99.

22. This Shea Moisture hair masque, which contains Manuka honey and Mafura oil to hydrate and repair your hair strands.

@sheamoisture / Via instagram.com

This intense hydrating masque contains Manuka honey — renowned for its healing properties — shea butter and Mafura oil, a combination that makes it ideal for restring over-processed, damaged or colour-treated hair. Use as an extra deep conditioning treatment for stronger, healthier, frizz-free hair.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $29.95.

23. This Rosehip mist toner, which I quite simply would not get through the day, nerves intact, without.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

This toner sits on my desk and no matter the ailment — stress, exhaustion or in your case, heartbreak, I assure you one spray goes a long way to making you feel better. It is formulated with Kakadu plum, green tea and rosehip oil — perfect for thirsty skin and worn out nerves.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $13.99.

24. This huge pack of satin hair scrunchies, which is a great deal softer on your strands than the elastic you currently have your messy bun in.

Amazon

These satin scrunchies are super soft, so they won't tug at your hair — plus, the strong elastic will keep your hair in that pony and out of your face.

Buy a pack of 50 from Amazon Australia for $28.99.

25. These OPI Drip Dry Drops, which will make your polish touch dry in 60 seconds — completely dry in five minutes!

Adore Beauty

If, like me, you're the type to smudge your nails immediately after application, get this in your cart now. A single drop on each nail will dry your polish faster than blowing on them ever could — and formulated with Jojoba and Vitamin E, it will also double as treatment for your cuticles.

Buy from Adore Beauty for $24.95.

26. And to finish the look, these nail stickers, which will personalise your nails without shelling out heaps of money at the salon.

Amazon

Free of toxic and harmful chemicals, these sweet nail stickers are that little bit of '90s whimsy we could all use in our lives. Designs include flowers, butterflies, stars, cats, skulls and more — so you can explore every aesthetic and mood with each manicure over the months to come.

Buy 50 sheets from Amazon Australia for $10.69.

27. This vegan shampoo, which will stimulate hair growth, so you can stop stressing about your hair falling out during this very stressful year.

Amazon

This shampoo creates the perfect environment on your scalp for your hair to grow. It's sulphate and paraben free and the ingredients include biotin, argan oil, caffeine, allantoin and rosemary.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $26.99.

28. These foam rods, which can be used on damp hair for naturally curly hair.

Amazon

These flex rods don't require and clips or pins — simply wrap your detangled hair strands around the rod and twist it up into place. Air dry the hair or sleep with them in and violà! Effortless curls with no damage.

Buy a pack of 30 rods from Amazon Australia for $20.49.

29. This sulphate free purple shampoo, which will get rid of any brass and yellow that has plagued bleached hair.

@bolduniq / Via instagram.com

This purple shampoo is super pigmented to cancel out any yellow hues in your hair after bleaching, so you can have the platinum, brassy-free blonde you've always wanted. It's SLS and paraben free, so you don't need to worry about harmful chemicals — plus, it contains vitamin B5 to soften your hair.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $29.95.

30. This collagen protein treatment, which will restore hair damaged by dye or the sun (ie. every Aussie ever).

Bek O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I have very thin, fine hair, so finding ways to make it look presentable can be a challenge. Since I only have like, 100 hairs on my head, I have to take very good care of them. As a result, I'm kind of a hair mask hoarder — opening my bathroom cabinet leads to an avalanche of half-used hair products. But despite all my fancy shampoos, conditioners, masks, leave-in conditioners and oils, my hair continued to be hay-like and frizzy. When I bought Elizavecca's CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment, I was not expecting much. But seriously, after just two uses, I'm ready to call this the miracle product I've been searching for.

This repairing hair treatment works just like a hair mask. You wash your hair, apply the treatment and let sit for 5–15 minutes. It's in a little squeeze bottle, which is a huge plus, because I hate having to scoop product out of a jar while I'm in the shower. The scent is nice without being overwhelming. After rinsing this out, I can feel a noticeable difference right away. My hair, once unruly and dry, now feels like silk. I can't stop touching it — it feels like I stole someone else's hair. My fuzzy puff of hair has relaxed into loose waves and each strand just feels considerably healthier. I can't believe the results after just two uses. I'm ready to start a very active Elizavecca fan club if anyone else is looking to join."

—Bek O' Connell

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $29.50.

31. This dry shampoo, without which I refuse to leave the house for fear of the shine from my hair blinding people.

@batiste_us / Via instagram.com

Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we just can't fit a hair wash in with our shower. For those moments when you simply must run, this dry shampoo is a life saver. Simply spray into the roots of you hair, brush away excess and your hair will look and feel clean and full of body again.

Buy it from RY for $10.50.

32. And finally, these spiral hair ties, which will leave you with creaseless hair, no matter how long you keep your hair tied.

Gyan Yankovich / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "Thanks to its spiral design, this hair tie doesn't leave any bumps in your hair at all. None! I sleep with my hair in a wrapped into a bun and in the mornings I unravel and have the same straight hair I got ready for bed with. It is also made of plastic, so keeps your hair in place but somehow (magic? idk?) doesn't ever snag. Basically, it's a wonder product and I can't believe I used regular hair ties for so long."

—Gyan Yankovich

Buy a pack of three from Adore Beauty for $10.95.

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