As a beauty writer, I’m lucky that I get to test a number of different skin care, makeup, hair, nail and fragrance products for a living. And although a luxury product of any sort will never go unappreciated by me, I’ll let you in on a secret: affordable beauty brands can be just as high-quality. So much so that when I use them, I get just as many compliments as I do with high-end products.
Junior writer, Brittany Davy wears the e.l.f camo blush in ‘Berry Well’ (£8)
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)
Of course, I understand that sifting through the noise of what feels like hundreds of affordable beauty brands can be a pain. But luckily for you, as editors and writers, we’ve tried and tested them all. From budget hot brushes and moisturisers to pocket-friendly fragrances and mascaras, we’ve been through the best (and worst) of high-street beauty.
Beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden uses the Revlon blow-dry brush (was £50, now £30)
Below, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best budget-friendly beauty brands to try in 2026. The kind that won’t make you regret spending your money, as well as being sure to earn you loads of compliments wherever you go. So if you’re in need of makeup, skincare, hair, nail and fragrance products that are sure to impress without breaking the bank, keep scrolling to discover the 15 best affordable beauty brands, all of which come editor-approved.
Article continues below
You may like
Shop the Best Affordable Beauty Brands
1. Best Affordable Skincare Brand – CeraVe
2. Best Affordable Fragrance Brand – Zara
3. Best Affordable Nail Brand – Essie
4. Best Affordable Haircare Brand – L’Oréal Paris
5. Best Affordable Makeup Brand – Maybelline New York
15 Affordable Beauty Brands That Are as Good as Luxury FindsBest Affordable Skincare Brands1. CeraVe
New York-based skincare brand CeraVe is one of the most highly recommended brands by dermatologists. Not only does everything in the collection come in at under £30, but as someone with extremely dry and sensitive skin, I’ve never encountered a Cerave product that didn’t impress me. My personal top pick is the face cream with SPF50; it consistently delivers hydration while offering strong protection for warmer weather.
CeraVe
Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
My go-to daily moisturiser.
CeraVe
Hydrating Cleanser
If you have dry skin, I’d highly recommend this face wash.
I love a no-frills skincare brand. The kind that’s easy to understand and use, as well as provide actual results without any of the fluff. And The Ordinary is just that. Effective, clearly labelled skincare, with everything from cleansers to moisturisers. However, the serums are really where the brand shines.
The Ordinary
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
I mix this in with my foundation for a soft, glowy base.
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5
Such a great price for hyaluronic acid.
When it comes to sun protection, no one beats La Roche Posay in my opinion. Sitting in the mid-range price point, this French pharmacy favourite provides gentle but effective skincare to suit all skin types. I’ve been using both the Anthelios suncream and Cicaplast baume for years, and I have no plans on stopping.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Suncream Spf50+
I use this every single day.
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Baume B5+ Ultra Repairing Soothing Balm
This is great for evenings after a long day in the sun.
Best Affordable Fragrance Brands1. Zara
We’re huge fans of Zara at Who What Wear, from its expensive-looking clothing to its chic accessories; however, the brand’s perfume collection is probably its most hidden gem. Filled to the brim with expensive-smelling scents that rival any designer fragrances, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try the next time you’re in the store. But if you’re looking for a safe blind buy, the two I’ve linked below will not disappoint you.
ZARA
Red Zara Temptation Edp
Key notes: Saffron, orange, jasmine, praline, moss, amber
ZARA
Energetically New York Edp
Key notes: Cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood
Founded in 2014, Le Monde Gourmand creates deliciously sweet scents that smell as good as any luxury options on the market. My favourite? Miel Bébé, which is a floral honeyed scent that screams spring. However, I’m also very interested in trying out the brand’s perfume oil selection, which would be perfect for taking on the go.
Le Monde Gourmand
Miel Bébé Eau De Parfum
Key notes: Mandarin orange, honey, praline, sandalwood.
Le Monde Gourmand
Santal Supreme Perfume Oil
Key notes: Haitian vetiver, sandalwood, violet, musk
Another high-street hero that really delivers on affordable yet high-quality beauty products is Marks & Spencer. I mean, this should come as no surprise considering just how good their clothing, homeware and food selection is, but one section that I think often goes overlooked is the fragrance range. With minimal, expensive-looking packaging, note profiles that rival high-end perfumes and EDPs starting at £16, this is the true definition of a budget beauty buy that genuinely feels designer.
What to read next
M&S Discover
Warm Neroli Eau De Parfum
Key notes: Neroli, bergamot, musk
M&S Discover
Spiced Amber Eau De Parfum
Key notes: Amber, geranium, cedar
Best Affordable Nail Brands 1. Essie
If you read any of our nail content, you’ll know that there’s always an Essie polish of some sort poking around. Providing glossy, salon-like manicures and pedicures without breaking the bank, Essie is my go-to for at-home nail routines. Not to mention that the brand’s shade range is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen.
essie
Essie to the Rescue Repair Nail Treatment
essie
Original Nail Polish in 13 Mademoiselle
This elegant shade will never date.
We’ve tested a lot of at-home gel nail kits between us, but none compare to Mylee in my opinion. Once you’ve invested in the kit (currently £155), it will save you so much on regular salon trips.
MYLEE
Gel Polish Top & Base Coat
Every manicure needs a good top and base coat.
MYLEE
Gel Polish in Wedding Night
This nude shade is calling to me.
If you’re on your nail health journey like me, then you’ve probably already heard of Sally Hansen. The brand’s iconic Maximum Growth treatment is used by literally all of the women in my family, but the cuticle oil is another hidden gem that I’d highly recommend if you want nails that look and feel healthy on the go.
Sally Hansen
Maximum Growth Nail Care Treatment
Sally Hansen
Moisturising Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil
One of the best cuticle oils out there, in my opinion.
Best Affordable Haircare Brands 1. L’Oréal Paris
I couldn’t create an affordable beauty edit without mentioning L’Oréal Paris at least once. And it’s the brand’s haircare that keeps me coming back. From affordable hair washing sets to oils and serums that are just as good as the more expensive options on the market, I could not recommend the brand enough for those of us with curly and coily hair types.
L’Oréal Paris
Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo, Conditioner and Rinse-Off Treatment Set
If you want glass hair, this set is not to be slept on.
L’Oréal Paris
Elvive Extraordinary Oil Miracle Hair Serum
I use this to keep my braids looking fresh and glossy.
If you want easy-to use hair tools at a pocket-friendly price, Remington comes recommended by editors and consumers alike. They provide great results and high-quality tool despite, the significantly cheaper price point, meaning these tools will last on your vanity for many years to come.
This comes with highly-rated reviews.
Remington
Wet2straight Pro Hair Straightener
You can use this on wet hair.
I don’t think I’ve met a single beauty editor who hasn’t tried Revlon’s hot brush. But the brand also has a wide range of shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments that are just as worth the hype.
Revlon
Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser
One of the best hot brushes on the market.
REVLON PROFESSIONAL
Uniqone All in One Hair Mask
This was made to repair hair damage and prevent further breakage.
Best Affordable Makeup Brands1. Maybelline
I have to be honest, I can be a bit of a makeup snob, but Maybelline was my first introduction into affordable beauty that looks and works like a high-end brand. I’ve already gone through four of the brand’s TikTok viral Grippy primer, but the complexion products are also not to be slept on.
Maybelline
Grippy Serum Makeup Primer
Maybelline
Super Stay Skin Tint Foundation
I mix this in with my SPF on those “no-makeup” makeup days.
I don’t think I’ve tried an e.l.f. product that I didn’t like yet. From highly pigmented blushes and bronzers to brushes that rival any luxury beauty brand, this brand gets my official stamp of dark-skin-friendly approval.
e.l.f.
Camo Liquid Blush in Berry Well
e.l.f.
Ten Out of Ten Brush Set
e.l.f. brushes are not to be slept on.
I’ve tested what feels like hundreds of high-end mascaras, but none of them come close to the Essence false-lash effect mascara that I tried for the first time last year. It’s now found itself a permanent place in my makeup bag, and I’m not very excited to see what else this pocket-friendly makeup brand has to offer.
Essence
Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Probably my most repurchased mascara of all time.
Essence
the Super Peptide Glossy Lip Treatment
Explore More:
