The SL Team’s Favourite Beauty Buys Under £20
The SL Team’s Favourite Beauty Buys Under £20

The SL Team’s Favourite Beauty Buys Under £20

From the affordable mascara delivering high-end results, to reliable skincare recommendations you won’t want to miss – here, the SL team share their favourite beauty buys under £20…

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Tor West

Wellness Editor

Bleach London Silver Shampoo, £7

I've been using this deep, violet-hued shampoo twice a week for years. It gets rid of any yellow tones and keeps bleach blonde hair looking bright. I've tried other purple shampoos, but nothing comes close to this one – plus, unlike others, it doesn't dry out your hair and it smells great, too.

Nursem Hand Cream, £9.99

I go through tubes of this nutrient-rich hand cream. It moisturises dry patches without ever feeling greasy or sticky – the hand cream holy grail.

Simple Face Wash, £3.45

A decent cleanser for less than a fiver may seem too good to be true, but this soap-and chemical-free formula nourishes the skin and gently removes impurities. I use it every morning in the shower.

 

Harriet Russell

Group Sub-Editor & Features Editor

Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin, £5.99

As someone who struggled with my skin all through my 20s, I've become religious about taking my make-up off the minute I get home from work. This gets the job done in seconds. It's not a substitute for a proper cleanse – that comes later – but to get the surface grime off without causing irritation or stinging, it doesn't get better (or more affordable) than this.

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara, £8.99

Over the years, I've had people ask me if I'm wearing false lashes and the answer is always no. I've worn this mascara for the best part of a decade – it's the only one I find doesn't transfer.

ONLYOILY Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, £6.99

If you're looking for a waterproof eyeliner that just won't budge – this is it. The felt tip pen applicator makes it easy to use, too.

 

Sherri Andrew

Junior Writer

Witch Overnight Clearing Serum, £6

This has to be my favourite night cream of all time. It's quite hard to track down so I like to stock up on a few bottles at a time. A thin layer calms your skin overnight, reduces any redness and leaves it feeling moisturised thanks to niacinamide, witch hazel and shea butter – ideal if you're prone to breakouts. It's gentle, non-sticky and sinks in quickly.

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser, £4.99

I really rate Superdrug’s own-brand skincare, especially its Vitamin E range which is gentle enough for sensitive skin. This hot cloth cleanser is a great alternative to pricier options on the market as it’s moisturising and removes all your make-up with a double cleanse. As well as vitamin E, it also contains cocoa butter, biotin and chestnut seed extract – plus, it comes with a handy muslin cloth.

NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil, £10

In my experience, affordable brow products tend to do a better job at creating a natural finish. With the tiny nib on this NYX pencil, you can easily fill in your brows by drawing on small hairs, before brushing them through using the spoolie. I love that it comes in a range of dark colours too – there are five shades for brunettes so you can match it to your exact brow colour.

 

Mia Luckie

Marketing Director

Avène Very High Protection Tinted Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry Sensitive Skin, £13.50 (was £18)

A recent discovery, this tinted sun cream gives more coverage than your regular BB cream. It’s super hydrating and contains SPF 50+, making it a perfect all-rounder for ‘no make-up make-up’ days.

Weleda Skin Food Cream, £13.50

Scrap the expensive primers and use this before applying your make-up. Lots of make-up artists swear by this product for dewy, fresh skin. 

WetBrush Original Detangler Brush, £9.74 (was £12.99)

This is the only hairbrush I use. Detangling my hair wet and dry, it's gentle but really gets the job done. I even love it for creating a soft blow dry as it smooths out the frizz and creates a little extra body on the ends too.

Sapna Rao

Junior Fashion & Beauty Writer

Fresh Beauty Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Facial Scrub, £12

I’ve been using this for just over a year and the results are impressive. Ideal for pesky bumps on the skin, it works by lightly exfoliating and buffing away any rough texture. When you add water, it melts into a balm which softens the skin. I love the strawberry scent, too.

Wild Deodorant, Coconut & Vanilla, £15

I’ve never been one for a deodorant stick but Wild has converted me. Available in a range of scents, each one keeps you fresh all day, without the tell-tale powdery finish or smell of an aerosol. The coconut and vanilla scent is my favourite. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, £19

This is such a treat to apply each night. Its buttery, jelly-like formula is perfect when my lips feel extra dry. Pop it on overnight to lock in hydration.

 

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