Here at Beauty Helpings, I often feel the urge to spend beyond my means on amazing investment pieces. So, I understand that you might be a little strapped for cash when it comes to cosmetics. To help you out, Beauty Helpings joined forces with some of our favorite experts to find a killer roster of products — all under $25 each. Some of these, you’ll find, are worth forking over the Andrew Jackson for — while others are killer bargains.
Cleanser
"This cleanser is a godsend for people with oily skin. I can rely on it to leave my face feeling clean — but not overly tight or dry.” — Taylor Bryant, beauty production assistant
"This cleanser is a godsend for people with oily skin. I can rely on it to leave my face feeling clean — but not overly tight or dry.” — Taylor Bryant, beauty production assistant
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $10.99, available at Cetaphil.
Facial Scrub
"Whenever my skin is looking a little sallow, this is what I reach for. It sloughs off dead skin to reveal a brighter complexion. It’s like my mini-facial in a bottle.” — Maria Del Russo, beauty writer
"Whenever my skin is looking a little sallow, this is what I reach for. It sloughs off dead skin to reveal a brighter complexion. It’s like my mini-facial in a bottle.” — Maria Del Russo, beauty writer
Boots Botanics All Bright Purifying Face Scrub, $8.49, available at Boots
Toner
"This is the toner that changed the way I feel about toner. It's absolutely clutch on oily skin, but it can be a touch drying for normal or sensitive types.” — Megan McIntyre, beauty director
(Editor’s Note: If that’s you, try Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion instead.)
"This is the toner that changed the way I feel about toner. It's absolutely clutch on oily skin, but it can be a touch drying for normal or sensitive types.” — Megan McIntyre, beauty director
(Editor’s Note: If that’s you, try Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion instead.)
Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner, $24, available at Sephora.
Serum
“This is packed with anti-aging ingredients and glycolic acids to renew skin and improve the complexion’s appearance. Usually, products like this can be upwards of $100, but this drugstore find is a lifesaver for my routine!” — Kirin Bhatty, celebrity and editorial makeup artist
“This is packed with anti-aging ingredients and glycolic acids to renew skin and improve the complexion’s appearance. Usually, products like this can be upwards of $100, but this drugstore find is a lifesaver for my routine!” — Kirin Bhatty, celebrity and editorial makeup artist
Vichy Normaderm Anti-Aging, $25, available at Ulta.
Moisturizer
“I’m combination, so I need to change up my moisturizer depending on what the weather’s throwing at me that day. Nine times out of 10, I like to stick to gel moisturizers, because they keep oil at bay throughout the day. Simple’s is a really great option, even without that enticing price point. Any skin type would fall in love with it." — Phillip Picardi, senior beauty editor
“I’m combination, so I need to change up my moisturizer depending on what the weather’s throwing at me that day. Nine times out of 10, I like to stick to gel moisturizers, because they keep oil at bay throughout the day. Simple’s is a really great option, even without that enticing price point. Any skin type would fall in love with it." — Phillip Picardi, senior beauty editor
Simple Skincare Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer, $9.98, available at Drugstore.com.
Moisturizer
"But, if you’re on the dry side, or if you have some anti-aging concerns, then I suggest you grab the French pharmacy favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè. It’s a winner in everybody’s book.” — Phillip Picardi
"But, if you’re on the dry side, or if you have some anti-aging concerns, then I suggest you grab the French pharmacy favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè. It’s a winner in everybody’s book.” — Phillip Picardi
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè, $16, available at Embryolisse.
SPF
“Sunscreen is the most important part of your daily beauty routine. So, don’t get confused into thinking that SPF goes away once summer does — that’s not the case! I love this product, because it can easily transform the sunscreen hater into a total convert — it feels just like a nice, lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly without an icky, white cast. Sometimes, I mix it with a bit of liquid luminizer for added radiance.” — Phillip Picardi
“Sunscreen is the most important part of your daily beauty routine. So, don’t get confused into thinking that SPF goes away once summer does — that’s not the case! I love this product, because it can easily transform the sunscreen hater into a total convert — it feels just like a nice, lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly without an icky, white cast. Sometimes, I mix it with a bit of liquid luminizer for added radiance.” — Phillip Picardi
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $19, available at Sephora
Night Cream
"A bestseller in Asia, where one is reportedly sold every 15 seconds, this overnight mask lives up to the hype. A thick, gel-like consistency means it glides on easily, but it sinks in overnight to plump up and hydrate your skin. One night of using this and my complexion was dewy and glowy. And, it doesn't aggravate my acne-prone skin like all those other super rich night creams.” — Megan McIntyre
"A bestseller in Asia, where one is reportedly sold every 15 seconds, this overnight mask lives up to the hype. A thick, gel-like consistency means it glides on easily, but it sinks in overnight to plump up and hydrate your skin. One night of using this and my complexion was dewy and glowy. And, it doesn't aggravate my acne-prone skin like all those other super rich night creams.” — Megan McIntyre
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $23, available at Target.
Eye Cream
“An eye massager and a cream, this lightweight potion is soothing and cooling on contact, and it helps visibly de-puff eyes and make them look fresher and more awake. It makes me look like I actually got a good night's sleep, when the reality is I stayed up way too late binge-ing on Scandal and yelling at my TV." — Megan McIntyre
“An eye massager and a cream, this lightweight potion is soothing and cooling on contact, and it helps visibly de-puff eyes and make them look fresher and more awake. It makes me look like I actually got a good night's sleep, when the reality is I stayed up way too late binge-ing on Scandal and yelling at my TV." — Megan McIntyre
Olay Fresh Effects Bright On Schedule Eye Awakening Cream, $13.99, available at CVS
Face Mist
"This delicious, rose petal-scented spray is perfect for setting makeup — or to use as a refreshing midday (or post-flight) spritz. I also spray it on my sheets!” — Robin Black, editorial makeup artist
"This delicious, rose petal-scented spray is perfect for setting makeup — or to use as a refreshing midday (or post-flight) spritz. I also spray it on my sheets!” — Robin Black, editorial makeup artist
Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater, $9.09, available at Heritage Store.
Facial Oil
"This product is super rich in all the good things your skin needs, but it's still lightweight and quick to absorb. I love it for dry patches, fading old acne scars, and all-around daily moisture — without the clogged pores." — Katey Denno, celebrity makeup artist
"This product is super rich in all the good things your skin needs, but it's still lightweight and quick to absorb. I love it for dry patches, fading old acne scars, and all-around daily moisture — without the clogged pores." — Katey Denno, celebrity makeup artist
Acure Organics Marula Oil, $15.99, available at Acure Organics.
Spot Treatment
"This inexpensive jar of powerful, pore-cleansing, skin-healing clay works wonders when used regularly to clarify and calm. Plus, it's fun to mix the powder and water and watch the paste come to life!" — Katey Denno
"This inexpensive jar of powerful, pore-cleansing, skin-healing clay works wonders when used regularly to clarify and calm. Plus, it's fun to mix the powder and water and watch the paste come to life!" — Katey Denno
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing, $8.11, available at Amazon.
Facial Mask
“Hands down, sheet masks are the best. They’re super effective, because they’re saturated in tons of product — which means your pores get all the good stuff — and, they leave you feeling incredible. (Bonus points for being awesome Instagram and Snapchat moments.) The super cheap options on Korean website Soko Glam are great — and affordable enough that you can stock up for the whole season.” — Phillip Picardi
“Hands down, sheet masks are the best. They’re super effective, because they’re saturated in tons of product — which means your pores get all the good stuff — and, they leave you feeling incredible. (Bonus points for being awesome Instagram and Snapchat moments.) The super cheap options on Korean website Soko Glam are great — and affordable enough that you can stock up for the whole season.” — Phillip Picardi
Manefit Bling Bling Hydro Gel Mask, $6, available at Soko Glam.
Lip Balm
“It’s all-natural, but moisturizing enough to combat seasonally dry lips.” — Robin Black
“It’s all-natural, but moisturizing enough to combat seasonally dry lips.” — Robin Black
Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick, $13.95, available at Beauty.com.
Body Wash
“A foaming body wash that feels rich and creamy on the skin, but doesn’t break the bank? Yup: This foam lathers up good, smells amazing, washes clean, and makes my skin feel so soft. Like, fuzzy, angel-wing soft.” — Megan McIntyre
“A foaming body wash that feels rich and creamy on the skin, but doesn’t break the bank? Yup: This foam lathers up good, smells amazing, washes clean, and makes my skin feel so soft. Like, fuzzy, angel-wing soft.” — Megan McIntyre
Rituals T'ai Chi Foaming Shower Gel Sensation, $15, available at Barneys New York
Body Scrub
"Handmade, coffee-based, sloughs off dead skin and leaves you smelling like mint, orange, coconut, and coffee — what more could you want? Perfect for getting rid of all the gunk that built up on your skin all summer.” — Gabrielle Korn, beauty editor
"Handmade, coffee-based, sloughs off dead skin and leaves you smelling like mint, orange, coconut, and coffee — what more could you want? Perfect for getting rid of all the gunk that built up on your skin all summer.” — Gabrielle Korn, beauty editor
Mullein & Sparrow Body Exfoliant, $20, available at Mullein & Sparrow
Body Lotion
"I have used this product religiously since I was a pre-teen. Nothing moisturizes my skin and leaves it silky-smooth like this bottle does.” — Maria Del Russo
"I have used this product religiously since I was a pre-teen. Nothing moisturizes my skin and leaves it silky-smooth like this bottle does.” — Maria Del Russo
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Non-Greasy Lotion with Pure Cocoa Butter, $4.33, available at Drugstore.com
Hand Cream
"This artisanal hand cream is super nourishing and smells like the woods." — Gabrielle Korn
"This artisanal hand cream is super nourishing and smells like the woods." — Gabrielle Korn
Olivina Hand Creme in Sandalwood Amber, $14, available at Drugstore.com
Deodorant
"I am a sweater. And, not a dainty, light-dew-upon-my-lip lady sweater — more of a, 'How the hell do I hide these giant puddles under my arms?' kind of sweater. This is the only deodorant I have ever tried that keeps that ish under control." — Megan McIntyre
"I am a sweater. And, not a dainty, light-dew-upon-my-lip lady sweater — more of a, 'How the hell do I hide these giant puddles under my arms?' kind of sweater. This is the only deodorant I have ever tried that keeps that ish under control." — Megan McIntyre
Degree Women MotionSense Antiperspirant Deodorant, $4.99, available at Drugstore.com
Aluminum-Free Deodorant
“Much like my boss, I’m also a sweater. And, also much like my boss, I’m definitely not a lady sweater. However, I avoid traditional antiperspirants at all costs: The laundry list of ingredients terrifies me. Malin + Goetz’s stick is, by no means, a budget beauty product. But, it really does last forever: I’ve had mine for three months now, and it has none of the nasties I’m worried about.” — Phillip Picardi
“Much like my boss, I’m also a sweater. And, also much like my boss, I’m definitely not a lady sweater. However, I avoid traditional antiperspirants at all costs: The laundry list of ingredients terrifies me. Malin + Goetz’s stick is, by no means, a budget beauty product. But, it really does last forever: I’ve had mine for three months now, and it has none of the nasties I’m worried about.” — Phillip Picardi
Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, $18, available at Barneys New York.
Concealer
“I was genuinely surprised at how luminous these look once they’re applied to the skin. They’re super easy to use, and they come in a wide color range.” — Benjamin Puckey, editorial makeup artist
“I was genuinely surprised at how luminous these look once they’re applied to the skin. They’re super easy to use, and they come in a wide color range.” — Benjamin Puckey, editorial makeup artist
NYX Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand, $4.99, available at Ulta.
BB/CC Cream
"There are a lot of BB duds in the drugstore — formulas with chalky finishes or formulas that just don't blend — but this one, from Finnish brand Lumene, isn't one of them. It goes on so smooth, is lightweight on the skin, and doesn't leave behind any gray-ish residue. Now, if only it came in more color options…" — Megan McIntyre
(Editor’s Note: If you fall on the medium-to-dark end of the spectrum, try IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Cream.)
"There are a lot of BB duds in the drugstore — formulas with chalky finishes or formulas that just don't blend — but this one, from Finnish brand Lumene, isn't one of them. It goes on so smooth, is lightweight on the skin, and doesn't leave behind any gray-ish residue. Now, if only it came in more color options…" — Megan McIntyre
(Editor’s Note: If you fall on the medium-to-dark end of the spectrum, try IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Cream.)
Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Cream SPF 20, $11.61, available at Walgreens.
Tinted Moisturizer
“This has a very smooth application with moderate coverage, and also a nice range of colors.”— Kirin Bhatty
“This has a very smooth application with moderate coverage, and also a nice range of colors.”— Kirin Bhatty
Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 15, $13.69, available at Target
Foundation
"I hate foundations, especially since they never seem to match my skin tone correctly. But, L’Oréal’s True Match adjusts itself to your unique tone, so you get a perfect match every time. Don’t believe me? Try arguing with math." — Maria Del Russo
"I hate foundations, especially since they never seem to match my skin tone correctly. But, L’Oréal’s True Match adjusts itself to your unique tone, so you get a perfect match every time. Don’t believe me? Try arguing with math." — Maria Del Russo
L'Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Makeup, $6.42, available at Walmart
Cheek Color
"I'm seriously impressed with this two-in-one stick from upstart indie brand Nudestix. I don't usually like lip-blush duos, because I find they're either a great color and formula for the lips or the cheeks — but rarely both. This is the exception to the rule. Its creamy consistency means it blends super easily on the cheeks but won't slide off the lips, and the colors are just spot-on." — Megan McIntyre
"I'm seriously impressed with this two-in-one stick from upstart indie brand Nudestix. I don't usually like lip-blush duos, because I find they're either a great color and formula for the lips or the cheeks — but rarely both. This is the exception to the rule. Its creamy consistency means it blends super easily on the cheeks but won't slide off the lips, and the colors are just spot-on." — Megan McIntyre
NudeStix Lip + Cheek Pencil, $24, available at Sephora.
Bronzer
"Not only is Iman gorgeous and an icon, but she also knows a thing or two when it comes to cosmetics. I love how warm and sultry these bronzers are, and how they’ll work for any skin tone. Apply with a super soft, fluffy face brush during the cooler months, as your tan starts to fade, for a more subtle glow.” — Kirin Bhatty
"Not only is Iman gorgeous and an icon, but she also knows a thing or two when it comes to cosmetics. I love how warm and sultry these bronzers are, and how they’ll work for any skin tone. Apply with a super soft, fluffy face brush during the cooler months, as your tan starts to fade, for a more subtle glow.” — Kirin Bhatty
Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder, $16, available at Ulta.\
Contour
"This is a staple in my kit, because I can use it to hollow out cheekbones on any color face, from Nicole Kidman to Naomi Campbell." — Sir John, celebrity and editorial makeup artist
"This is a staple in my kit, because I can use it to hollow out cheekbones on any color face, from Nicole Kidman to Naomi Campbell." — Sir John, celebrity and editorial makeup artist
MAC Powder Blush in Taupe, $22, available at MAC.
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