How to save money on: makeup kits

We’re always looking for ways to save money, and this week we’re delving into our makeup bags with the best budget makeup to rival the big brands - at a fraction of the price.

If putting on your face in the morning is a non-negotiable part of your routine, then the amount it could be costing you may never have entered your mind. But, with more makeup brands than ever competing for your business, there’s never been a better time to reevaluate how much you’re willing to spend on brushes, eyebrows and contouring.  

The cost of makeup is constantly on the rise, so to help you navigate the market without spending a small fortune, we’ve researched the best beauty dupes to keep in your budget makeup kit.

Best makeup brushes on a budget 

Good brushes can come with a hefty price tag, but there are plenty of budget makeup brushes that will get the job done and make applying your makeup effortless.  

Fenty Beauty (Rihanna’s makeup range) do a “cheek hugging” highlight brush which retails for around £24. But for around £6 you could try the E.L.F. Sculpting Face Brush instead. The contours of the E.L.F. Sculpting Face Brush are designed to expertly hug your cheeks for perfect definition. And for that price you could buy two brushes and still save £12. What’s more, E.L.F. brushes are vegan and cruelty free too, making them come out on top on our list of the best makeup brushes on a budget. 

Best budget makeup primer 

Primer works to smooth out the skin, creating an optimal surface for your makeup to stick to. But how much do you need to spend to create the perfect base?  

If you shop at Estée Lauder you might find yourself spending £29 for a 30ml tube of their Radiant Perfecting Primer. But those looking to add to their makeup bags on a budget will be pleased to hear you’ll only need to spend £3.90 on a 30ml tube of The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer, available at Boots. The Ordinary is a range of budget beauty products designed to appeal to the no-frills market - just quality goods in simple packaging for great prices. 

Best budget eyebrow makeup 

Eyebrow grooming is big business. But, if you don’t fancy having yours microbladed, then what will it cost to get the best eyebrow makeup kit the market has to offer? 

Benefit is a popular brand when it comes to eyebrows, and their retro style packaging definitely catches the eye. Their Big Brow eyebrow set which includes a brow pencil, volume gel, and setting gel will set you back around £24.99. Or you could try the budget eyebrow offering from Wet n Wild. Their Ultimate Brow kit includes a brow brush, two powders, a brow setting wax as well as a pair of tweezers and a mirror. All of this comes in a compact case for £4.29 so you’re getting a lot more for your money. 

Best budget highlighter 

If you know anything about highlighting, then you’ll have heard of YSL’s Touche Éclat. This famous highlighter, which also acts as a concealer, has been around for almost thirty years and has remained a makeup bag staple for as long. 

Of course, you can still buy Touche Éclat. Prices vary between retailers, but you can buy it from around £18 - it’s currently on sale at parfumdreams.co.uk for £17.95. For those on a budget, Boots are selling a similar product from CYO. The CYO Get It Bright pen will do what Touch Éclat does - highlight, conceal, and define. The reviews are good, and this budget highlighter pen will only cost you £2. 

Best budget makeup setting spray 

After spending your money assembling your perfect makeup kit, and spending your time carefully applying it, make it last longer with a setting spray. Setting sprays work by forming a thin film over your makeup, helping it stay in place all day, or night. 

Mac cosmetics have a range of setting sprays that come in different fragrances and claim to make your makeup last up to twelve hours. A 100ml bottle of Mac’s Prep + Prime Fix + will cost you £22, but a 100ml bottle of Revolution Conceal and Define Fixing Spray will only cost you £8 - and it claims your makeup will last for sixteen hours as well! 

If you want to save more money elsewhere, then find out how you can save in the supermarket.