Up to 50% off! New Amazon discount codes released daily!
The 10 best affordable makeup brands you need to know about
Cheap makeup doesn't have to compromise on quality. We recommend these brands for being affordable and fabulous.
There’s a nice feeling that comes with splurging on high-end makeup. But let’s face it, it’s not sustainable for your bank account. What’s better? You can actually find some great beauty products at budget-friendly prices. Don’t be fooled into thinking expensive means fantastic; you can still create glamorous and fabulous beauty looks for less.
Check out the list we compiled for you on some of the best brands you need to know about, and we also acknowledge the top-performing products from each brand. Not only are the prices low, but they are also incredibly easy to get your hands on.

1. Revolution
There are so many reasons to be excited about this cult UK beauty brand. Not only is it crazy affordable, but the products are used by professional makeup artists because they are just that good. The products are pigmented, some items are vegan and they’re all cruelty free!
Price range: £1 to £30.
Our favourite product: The Revolution Re-loaded Velvet Rose Eye Shadow Palette is £4 for 15 shades.
Where to buy:

2. NYX Professional Makeup
From glittery loose pigments to all different types of lipsticks, NYX knows how to create inexpensive, high-quality makeup. There is no need to splurge on designer brands when NYX is so easily accessible online.
Price range: £3.50 to £22.
Our favourite product: The NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream Liquid Lipstick is a comfortable liquid lipstick for £6.
Where to buy:

3. essence
essence has a range of beauty products, including shiny highlighters and fun eyeshadow palettes. The brand has been used and loved by UK customers for years because the products are cheap and they perform well. What’s better? essence doesn’t test on animals.
Price range: £1 to £10.
Our favourite product: The I Love Extreme mascara is only £2.80 and performs like a high-end product.
Where to buy:

4. e.l.f. Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics carries a wide range of products (even skincare) at an affordable price. You get immense colour pay-off without having to break the bank, which is definitely something we can get behind.
Price range: £3 to £20.
Our favourite product: The e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer Mineral gives you bang for your buck. It’s only £7.60 and makes your skin looks poreless.
Where to buy:

5. Australis
Australis is an Aussie brand favourite for good reason. It ticks all the boxes – the products are good quality, vegan, cruelty free and super affordable. You can pick them up at Superdrug or Amazon.
Price range: £3.99 to £15.
Our favourite product: The Australis High Life Highlighting Powder performs the same as a powder from MAC. It’s an absolute steal at £10.82.
Where to buy:

6. Wet N Wild
The insanely popular makeup brand from the US has made its way to UK beauty lovers. The range is pigmented and performs really well. It’s 100% cruelty free and is loved by celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Claire Danes. The best bit? The price, of course.
Price range: £1 to £46.
Our favourite product: For pigmented and long-lasting colour, the Wet N Wild Color Icon Blush from as little as £2.84.
Where to buy:

Image source: Instagram
7. Maybelline
Maybelline has found a home in thousands of beauty stores across the UK. It started in 1913 with the idea to darken girls’ lashes and make brows more dramatic. The formula of affordable makeup is a must-try for beauty lovers.
Price range: £2 to £26.
Our favourite product: For a warm metallic sheen, the Maybelline By FaceStudio® Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter for just £5.55.
Where to buy:

8. Models Own
Models Own is all about achieving pigmented colour at a low price. The brand started with nail polish but has now expanded to beautiful products for both the face and eyes.
Price range: £2 to £15.
Our favourite product: The brand’s Models Own MyShadow - Eyeshadow Dust is a party must-have product at just £3.95.
Where to buy:

9. L.A. Girl
The idea behind L.A. Girl is to introduce the professional standards of makeup to the average consumer. The products are very easy to use and super pigmented. What’s better? L.A. Girl is affordable, which means you can create impressive makeup looks at home for way less.
Price range: £4 to £13.
Our favourite product: The L.A. Girl PRO.Conceal HD Concealer is lightweight and full-coverage for just £5.
Where to buy:

10. L’Oreal
L’Oreal is the destination for professional makeup in a number of different formulas. It’s adored by beauty experts and makeup lovers across the globe. Discover the best of this French brand trusted in the UK.
Price range: £4 to £15.
Our favourite product: Dull skin in need of a fix? The L'Oreal Paris Glow Mist will help you to get your glow on for just £10.
Where to buy:
Beauty sales and discounts
Popular reads

17 sites you should check out for beauty products online
Don’t know where to start looking for your favourite beauty products? Look your best for less thanks to our handy guide.
Read more…
The best beauty advent calendars to choose from in 2023
Sick of counting down to Christmas with cheap chocolate? Celebrate advent with beauty calendars to get in the merry mood.
Read more…
What is a lash lift: Everything you need to know
Sick of getting lash extensions? A lash lift will have you looking bright-eyed in no time. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including cost, safety and benefits.
Read more…
What is BoxyCharm and can I get it in the UK?
Find out all about US beauty box service BoxyCharm and how to score the same great products in the UK!
Read more…
Where to buy Fenty Beauty in the UK
Looking for a makeup brand for all skin tones and shades? Look no further than Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which is available at Boots.
Read more…
Beauty statistics
Beauty treatments are not just skin deep and the influence of cosmetics has been used to fuel the UK’s £27 billion beauty industry as we know it today.
Read more…
What you need to know about CeraVe
CeraVe could just be the brand missing from your skincare regime. Find out all about its UK launch and where to shop here.
Read more…
8 stores to shop for massage oils online
Massage oil can be hard to find. So we tracked down a bunch of top rated retailers who stock a range of massage oils to suit your needs.
Read more…
The best places to shop for henna and henna products online
There’s a range of beauty brands that use henna extracts for creating their unique products. Read our guide to find out where to buy high-quality henna.
Read more…
How to buy the best coconut oil for every purpose
Find out the dos and don’ts of coconut oil, why it’s such a popular product and how best to add it to your beauty and dietary arsenal.
Read more…More guides on Finder
-
The best fake tans for 2023
Is your skin in need of a touch of colour? We’ve rounded up the best fake tans out there on the market, for all skin types.
-
17 sites you should check out for beauty products online
Don’t know where to start looking for your favourite beauty products? Look your best for less thanks to our handy guide.
-
The best beauty advent calendars to choose from in 2023
Sick of counting down to Christmas with cheap chocolate? Celebrate advent with beauty calendars to get in the merry mood.
-
What is a lash lift: Everything you need to know
Sick of getting lash extensions? A lash lift will have you looking bright-eyed in no time. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including cost, safety and benefits.
-
What is BoxyCharm and can I get it in the UK?
Find out all about US beauty box service BoxyCharm and how to score the same great products in the UK!
-
Where to buy Fenty Beauty in the UK
Looking for a makeup brand for all skin tones and shades? Look no further than Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which is available at Boots.
-
Beauty statistics
Beauty treatments are not just skin deep and the influence of cosmetics has been used to fuel the UK’s £27 billion beauty industry as we know it today.
-
What you need to know about CeraVe
CeraVe could just be the brand missing from your skincare regime. Find out all about its UK launch and where to shop here.
-
8 stores to shop for massage oils online
Massage oil can be hard to find. So we tracked down a bunch of top rated retailers who stock a range of massage oils to suit your needs.
Ask an Expert