We challenged four beauty experts to pull together key summer looks for £20 or less – and it wasn’t as difficult as you might think. Thanks to the formulas and colour pay-off of more affordable versions, you can do beauty on a budget!
Rooftop cocktails
‘A stay-put statement lip on a budget’
Thembi Mkandla, 35, is a make-up artist who’s worked with celebrities, including Kimberly Wyatt and AJ Odudu
"With holidays back on, I wanted a quick, impactful look to go from beach to bar without breaking the bank. For me, nothing creates a statement look better than a bold red lip. I defined my lips using 1. 17. Lip Define Pencil in Scarlett, £2, followed by 2. 17. Matte Lip in Chilli Red, £3, creating a slight ombré effect. To keep the rest of my look simple, I used 3. Natural Collection Brow Pencil in medium dark, £1.99, for groomed brows, and layered on 4. 17. Another Level Volume Mascara in Intense Black, £2, to make my lashes pop. I let my natural summer glow show through on holiday, so I skipped foundation and sculpted using 5. Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer in C16, £4.99."
Total: £13.98
Wedding guest
‘These products workedhard on my skin’
Jo Good, 67, is an actress, broadcaster and beauty vlogger @middleagedminx
"I love vibrant clothes, but prefer natural, honey-coloured make-up to enhance my face, but not disguise it. I often choose more expensive products as I think they’ll work harder, but these changed my mind! 1. 17. Another Level Volume Mascara in Intense Black, £2, is impressive if there’s wedding tears. I loved the applicator of 2. Wet N Wild Photofocus Foundation, £6.99 (30ml), in Soft Ivory, followed by 3. Revolution Blusher in Peach Bliss, £4, and 4. 17. Shadow Pop in Copper, £2, on eyes. 5. Natural Collection Tinted Brow Gel in Medium Brown, £2.49, was a must for volumising brows. 6. 17. Créme Lip in Copper, £2, is two shades bolder than I usually go for and gave my lips a burst of colour."
Total: £19.48
The picnic date
‘From pigment to versatility, I was impressed’
Ayesha Muttucumaru, 36, is the associate digital editor at Health & Beauty
"My time as a beauty journalist has shown me that the best make-up doesn’t always have the biggest price tag, but a full face for £20? Bring it on. I started with 1. 17. Second Skin Enhancing Concealer in 002 Y, £2, before using 2. Revolution Re-loaded Palette in Velvet Rose, £5, which has endless options for mixing up your look, from shades to finishes. 3. Collection Fast Stroke Defining Mascara in Black, £2.99, added volume and definition to my eyes, while I doubled up 4. 17. High Shine Lip Crayon in Rose Kisses, £4, as both a luminous lip and dewy blush. A few sweeps of 5. Collection Gorgeous Glow Powder Highlighter in Opal, £2.99, served up a splash of sun-kissed radiance."
Total: £16.98
Festival glam
‘The perfect vibe for festival season’
Rachael Martin, 28, is a digital writer at Health & Beauty
"The only thing better than the music at festivals? The make-up! As a hardened gig-goer I lean towards high-end make-up that stands the test of time (and sweat), but these made me rethink. 1. 17. Glow Is Everything CC Cream in 003 P, £4 (30ml), gives lovely, light coverage. Can’t believe it left change from a fiver. More is more with eye make-up, so I packed on 2. Barry M Cosmetics Bio Body Glitter Gold Mine, £4.49. A smudge of 3. Rimmel London Soft Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Jet Black, £2.99, across upper lashes and lower lids defined my eyes, followed by 4. W7 Oh So Waterproof Mascara Blackest Black, £3.50. I finished with 5. Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Tinted Lip Balm Tube, £2.50, and 6. Natural Collection Bronzing Powder in Golden Glow, £1.99."
Total: £19.47
All prices correct at date of publication
Photography: Matt Monfredi. Hair and make-up: Caroline Piasecki
