Snatching awesome beauty buys on a budget may seem impossible, but thankfully there are plenty of cheap products available that perform just as well as expensive buys.
Looking for high-quality beauty dupes for under $30? Here are 16 steals that are definitely better than the splurge.
1. Blush Cushion
Popular blush cushion products definitely provide more controlled color coverage, but some products can cost more ($30-$40) than you are probably willing to spend. But before you vow never to treat yourself self again, know that K-beauty brands usually offer cheaper blush cushions that still deliver amazing results. This cushion blusher from Peripera, for example, offers gorgeous sheer color that won't budge or fade.
Peripera Ah Much Real My Cushion Blusher, $16; Peach & Lily
2. Hair Mask
Top hair brands have whipped up hair mask formulas jam-packed with exotic ingredients, but these same masks can cost an arm and leg when you're trying to scale bag on spending. Take strengthening masks, for example. While retailers like Sephora carry strengthening ceramide masks that retail for around $40, the inexpensive Garnier brand proves to be a better buy, as it contains both ceramides and fruit active concentrates for a much more reasonable price point.
Garnier Grow Strong Mask, $5.99; Garnier
3. Leave-In-Conditioner
Some leave-in conditioning products can cost over $20, which of course is super annoying when you're trying to add more to your savings. Since most leave-in essentials tend to contain strengthening ingredients like biotin or keratin, feel free to treat your overprocessed strands to this Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Leave-In Treatment, which fortifies hair with nourishing argan oil and keratin.
Infusium 23 Repair + Renew 3 Leave-In Treatment, $7.19; Walmart
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4. Sheet Masks
Instead of sacrificing your rent money for yet another gimmicky jar mask, know that sheet masks are an affordable alternative to blah formulas that clearly don't work. Thankfully, most retailers have caught onto the sheet mask craze, but if you want something truly unique, online Korean beauty retailers offer crazy cheap masks for a steal.
Mediental Tightening Pore Sensor Hydrogel Mask, $3; Beauteque
5. Eyeshadow Palette
While they are crucial for achieving on-trend eye looks, some eye palettes can be a big blow to your vacation fund. For a darn good alternative to those pricey nude palettes you've seen online, choose this NYX palette, as it offers six sexy nude shades.
NYX The Natural Shadow Palette, $7.50; NYX Cosmetics
6. Mascara
Finding the right volumizing mascara can be somewhat of a hassle, especially since some lash extending formulas can cost more than they are probably worth. However, if you're on the prowl for a dope dupe that actually works, know that the Essence Lash Princess goes above and beyond most mascaras, as it uses a special conic shape fiber brush to apply on a clump-free formula.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Mascara, $4.99; Essence Cosmetics
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7. Face Wash
A great skincare regimen can be a quite costly, so if you are looking for a double-duty product that cleanses and hydrates a dry complexion, the classic Dove White Beauty Bar is a fantastic pick. It effectively washes away deep-seated dirt and makeup, without stripping your complexion from its natural oils. And … total bargain.
Dove White Beauty Bar, $0.97; Target
8. Makeup Remover
Makeup remover is definitely a staple most beauty junkies can't live without, but some makeup removing wipes, solvents, and balms can be well into the high price range, making them a splurge you may not want to take your chances on. For a much more affordable alternative, try these makeup remover towelettes from Almay to gently remove makeup and deep cleanse your pores.
Almay Clear Complexion Makeup Remover Towelettes, $5.99 for 25/pack; CVS
9. Highlighter
Those funky highlighting palettes may be tempting, but the price of some illuminating kits can sound like nails on chalkboard. To avoid the unwanted buyer's remorse, use the Maybelline Strobing Stick to get the awesome highlighted look without wasting money on shades you may never use.
Maybelline Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter, $9.99; Maybelline
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10. Liquid Lipstick
Some trendy liquid lipsticks can cost well over $40, making it a nightmare for makeup junkies on a budget. While this still may be a splurge for some beauties, Trust Fund Beauty Liquid Lipstick allows you to get that high-fashion look, without breaking the bank completely.
Trust Fund Beauty Liquid Lipstick, $22; Ipsy
11. Makeup Sponge
Confession: Makeup sponges are probably one of the best beauty inventions. However, we won't lie in saying that some of the best sponge products aren't cheap. To save mullah for more important things (hint: more coffee!), try using these affordable blending sponges to get that professional finish.
Earth Therapeutics Precisso Cosmetic Blending Sponge, $10 for 2-pack; Kohl's
12. Natural Shampoo
If you are a natural beauty aficionado, it's probably safe to say you know how expensive some products can be. However, before you start a beauty product savings jar, know that some natural buys are definitely in budget. This shampoo from Whole Foods, for example, treats your tresses to a chemical-free, plant-derived formula.
365 Everyday Value Herbal Mint Shampoo, $4.99/16 oz; Whole Foods, in store only
13. Sunscreen
Sunscreen may be the last thing on your mind during the winter season, but it's always best to keep your face protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays all year round. To get amazing coverage that isn't costly, this Mizon sun block utilizes a titanium dioxide and natural vegetable extract formula to properly shield your skin from sun damage.
Mizon UV Mild Sun Block, $16; Peach & Lily
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14. Nail Polish
Nail polish in all the amazing, on-trend colors for under $3? No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. The polish from SinfulColors may be dirt cheap, but it's one of the best cost-effective nail polishes that doesn't skimp out on awesome long-wear benefits.
SinfulColors Nail Polish, $1.99; Jet
15. Eye Roller
Department store eye roller prices are enough to make your head spin, so if you're looking for something equally effective, the relatively cheaper version from Olay depuffs fatigued eyes thanks to cooling micro-rollers.
Olay Eyes Eye Depuffing Roller for Eye Bags, $24.99; Olay
16. Brow Gel
You may trust high-end brow gels and powders to give you that sexy arch. However, drugstore buys like the Nuance brand from Salma Hayek work just as well, as it colors, protects, and enhances brows for under $10.
Nuance Salma Hayek Natural Definition Tinted Brow Gel, $9.99; CVS
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