Hello lovelies!
Who said that you had to be filthy rich to afford nice beauty products?
If someone told you that, well it’s false! Indeed, you don’t have to be rich to have a beautiful skin, fluffy hair, and a nice body. Rather, some affordable beauty brands really do the job better than some luxury brands. If you’re on a budget, stick to effective products within your means and your skin will thank you!
Consequently, I’ve decided to present a list of affordable beauty brands I swear by. Some are specialized in African hair. Others are generic and can found in drugstores, especially here in France. And finally, others are quite surprising, even for me!
Are you ready to discover the affordable beauty brands I enjoy? Let’s go!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to help me support this blog. I may earn a commission whenever you click on the links and purchase the products, with no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance for your support!
Palmer’s
Usually, I’m not so enthusiastic about a beauty brand. But Palmer’s is one of these exceptions that break the rule! Founded more than 175 years ago, Palmer’s brand is currently a subsidiary of the family-owned company E.T. Browne Drug & Co. Palmer’s include several products for hair care, skincare, and body care made with natural products. Among these ingredients, you have cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil.
Moreover, these last 20 years, Palmer’s has committed in delivering sustainable and high-delivering products at affordable prices. Thus, Palmer’s is the ultimate testimony that you can have extremely performing products that are cheap as well!
My favorite products
Everything with cocoa butter, especially Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Jar. These products are just what my dry skin needs!
Maybelline New York
Maybe you’re born with it. If this is your case, then Maybelline must be one of your favorite brands. Founded in 1917 by Thomas Lyle Williams, Maybelline has become of one the most recognizable beauty brands in the world. Currently, Maybelline New York is a subsidiary of L’Oréal Group, a French cosmetic conglomerate.
Moreover, it offers extensive lines of make-up products for all skin types and colors. This is one of these make-up brands that offers a real value for money! If you are on a budget and that you need good products, I’ll definitely recommend you try Maybelline New York!
My favorite products
- the mascara Great Lash Big
- Maybelline Express Manicure Growth Serum for short and brittle nails (this one doesn’t exist everywhere, unfortunately).
Garnier
Since its inception in 1904 with the Garnier hair lotion, this brand has greatly developed its expertise in beauty and care. Their hair and body care products are deeply appreciated in France, meaning that Garnier is one of the leading drugstore brands here!
Moreover, its dedication to use natural and sustainable products is one of the reasons I really like this brand. Avocado, maple syrup, shea butter, camellia oil…all these natural wonders are contained in Garnier products!
Also, since the last 20 years, Garnier has made tremendous efforts to be more appealing to a diverse audience. Beauty has no borders with Garnier! Like Maybelline New York, Garnier is a brand owned by L’Oréal Group.
My favorite products
I like all the hair products dedicated to dry and damaged hair. In particular, I really like Ultimate Blends Coconut Milk Hair Mask.
L’Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Paris comes straight from the imagination of a young French chemist named Eugene Schueller. Indeed, he created the first hair dyes and sold them to French hairdressers. Since then, L’Oréal has become the worldwide leader in cosmetics.
But L’Oréal Paris stayed true to the vision of its founder and continues to be one of the most sought after drugstore brands in France. Since its first hair dyes, L’Oréal extended its offer to skincare, hair care, and make-up. And I can guarantee you that some products from this brand have nothing to envy to the high-end or luxury brands out there!
My favorite products
I like all the make-up products from True Match Collection. For instance, I’ve tried the True Match Tinted Serum, Foundation, and Powder. And the result was always fabulous, as if it was really a luxury brand like Lancôme!
Here is a trivia: one day, my sister and I went out to the restaurant; and I was wearing True Match Foundation. My sister has always been a hardcore fan of luxury products. And she believed that brands like L’Oréal Paris couldn’t do anything for her.
But she was amazed because my complexion was flawless! And when she asked me what foundation I used, she was shocked! And since then, she also goes to French supermarkets to try some products! Unbelievable!
Luster’s Products Inc
If you don’t know this brand, it’s quite normal! Luster’s Products Inc is a black-owned beauty corporation established in 1957. Since its creation by Fred Luster Sr, the Luster family has continued to carry on with his vision.
In particular, they are dedicated to create high-quality products to serve the needs of African hair. Also, they have products for both for men and women. My favorite styling products come from this brand, and I swear that I wouldn’t change it for nothing!
And do you know what’s best? Their products last and are cheap!
My favorite products
- Luster’s Pink Oil Moisturizer: helps me to style my hair without hassles
- S-Curl Moisturizer: one the best moisturizer I’ve ever used in my life!
Blue Magic
Blue Magic is another affordable beauty brand that is mainly used by black people. Indeed, they have greasy hair conditioners matching dry hair’s needs. Consequently, these products are mainly used by people with afro hair. And their products remind me of my childhood because my cousin used to use it to condition my hair before braiding it.
With the pandemic, I’ve reassessed my hair needs and I decided to start over with my childhood hair regimen. And since then, I’ve never been so happy! My hair is fluffy and I don’t need to spend lots of money to have beautiful hair anymore!
My favorite products
- Blue Magic Hair Dress the Original (the blue grease)
- Blue Magic Coconut oil Hair Conditioner (its smell is divine!)
Sephora Collection
Sephora Collection is the affordable beauty brand launched by the French high-end perfumery Sephora. If you don’t have the budget to buy high-end products there, don’t worry! Sephora Collection is there for you. Also, this is an innovative brand that offers skincare, make-up, and hair are products with fabulous ingredients.
Also, their products are cruelty-free and rely a lot on sustainability. Do you want affordable beauty products with environmental awareness? Then, you should try Sephora Collection! And their products are the bomb!
My favorite products
- Ultra Glow Serum with vitamins C and E
- Sugar Body Scrub (your body will be soft and smell like heaven!)
The Ordinary
Founded in 2016, The Ordinary took the beauty industry by storm. Indeed, the founders believed that you could sell affordable beauty products that could be highly qualitative. They understood that quality didn’t necessarily mean “expensive”.
Thus, they launched many products including active ingredients that you would find in high-end products. For instance, they have democratized niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides in cheap products! That’s one of the main reasons I love this brand.
My favorite products
Nivea
Created in 1922, Nivea is famous for its cream within its iconic blue box. Since then, Nivea has extended its offer and is currently a giant in hair care, skincare, and sunscreens! Nivea is so famous that it has even found its way in royal families. For instance, the current Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex are fans of Nivea’s products.
For instance, if you don’t know what to buy, Nivea will always have the product you’ll need. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about!
My favorite products
- all the lip balms
- Nivea Sun UV Sunscreen Face Shine Control Cream (excellent for my combination skin)
Summary: what should we favor more affordable beauty brands in our routines?
All these affordable beauty brands made me aware of one thing: cheap doesn’t mean low quality. Indeed, after spending lots of money in cosmetics in my younger days, I’ve come to realize that. I guess this is the way of wisdom!
Anyway, you should always strive to get the best quality you can afford. And this applies to cosmetics, fashion, or anything else. Believe me, you don’t want to be in debt or neglect your children just to get your luxury products. I’ve known a woman like that and she was a mess!
Moreover, if you’re on a budget, you shouldn’t be ashamed! Once you have the products that match your needs, stick to them! Instead, you should use your money for more useful things in life: your bills, your kids, your projects…
Well, that’s it for today? What do you think of my favorite affordable beauty brands? What are yours? Feel free to share in the comments!
Take care!
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I absolutely loved your post on affordable beauty brands! Your recommendations are not only budget-friendly but also deliver fantastic results. I completely resonate with your praise for e.l.f. cosmetics; their quality for the price is truly remarkable. Have you come across any stand-out products from e.l.f. that you’d recommend?
Your mention of The Ordinary caught my eye as well. Their minimalist approach to skincare is not only refreshing but also effective. Have you personally seen significant improvements in your skin since incorporating The Ordinary into your routine? I’d love to hear about any specific products you’ve found particularly game-changing. Your insights are incredibly valuable for those of us looking for affordable yet high-quality beauty options. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the article and found it helpful! Affordable beauty brands are a lifesaver for many of us. It’s interesting to hear that you had a positive experience with Blue Magic products. As for Nivea, it’s a reputable brand known for its quality skin care products, and many people have had great results with their products. It might be worth trying out, but individual experiences can vary, so it’s always a good idea to read some reviews or maybe even request a sample to see how it works for your skin. Happy beauty shopping!
Thanks!
There are indeed several affordable cosmetic brands available for those that have to watch their pennies. And being affordable doesn’t make them less effective.
I first started using L’Oreal facial products more than thirty years ago when a good friend was working for L’Oreal in the UK, and gave me several cleaning and moisturizing products to try. And I quickly found that they were great to use, made my skin look good, and I could afford them. So I am still using L’Oreal for my face.
Granier has been my go-to brand for hair care products. I love their shampoos and conditioners, and although I occasionally try something different, I always go back to Garnier as a reliable and affordable brand.
And when it comes to lip care, Nivea has the best lip balm. You mention several brands here that I am not familiar with, but I am happy to be using affordable beauty products, that also work.
Thanks for your comment Line!
Beauty by Elodie celebrates affordable beauty and wellness, proving that luxurious beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. In her blog post, ‘9 Affordable Beauty Brands I Swear By,’ Elodie introduces us to a range of budget-friendly beauty brands, emphasizing that quality products are accessible to everyone. From Palmer’s with its natural ingredients to Maybelline New York’s makeup magic and Garnier’s dedication to natural and sustainable care, these brands provide effective solutions without the hefty price tag. Discovering these gems can revolutionize your beauty regimen, showcasing that beauty and affordability can indeed coexist.
Exactly! Thanks for your comment!
This is so true. I don’t understand why most people take beauty as an expensive thing. yeah, there are great brands but also DIY’s! Shopping takes skill. Shopping under a budget takes IQ. Lol. There are stores like TJ Max, Ross or Marshalls where everyone can find expensive brands at a cheap cost. Most importantly, the products you’ve suggested are priceless!
Thanks Linda !
I’m ready to discover affordable beauty brands! This is the perfect time. I just went through my beauty supplies and need a few things. I haven’t heard of Palmer’s before. I like the idea of sticking to one brand for most of my hair and skincare needs. I love cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil too. I will definitely give these items a try.
Nivea is a favorite of mine! I love the skincare and sunscreen. I’m also addicted to their lip balm. I agree; cheap doesn’t mean low quality.
One question I have is: what product is best for skin that is prone to skin cancer? I have to use sunscreen all the time, even when going on a shopping trip with the girls. I can’t take any chances. What would your recommendation be for something inexpensive that works well?
Thanks, Carol
Hello Carol I take your quedtion and I answer in a next article…
I love this article! I’m always on the lookout for affordable beauty brands that offer high-quality products. I’m particularly interested in the brands that you mentioned in the article, such as e.l.f. Cosmetics, NYX Professional Makeup, and L’Oreal Paris.
I’ve tried a few products from each of these brands, and I’ve been very impressed with the quality. For example, I love the e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer and the NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream.
I’m curious to know what some of your favorite products from these brands are. Do you have any recommendations?
I’ve been using affordable beauty brands for years, and I’ve found that there are many great products available. I’m always happy to share my recommendations with others.
I think that affordable beauty brands are a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. There are many great products available from affordable brands, so you can easily find everything you need to create a complete beauty look.
Yes indeed! Thanks for your comment !
Girl, Palmer’s is SO amazing and underrated for sure! When I was pregnant I slathered in this stuff on my tummy to keep the stretch marks and dry skin at bay and it worked so well and it was budget friendly! Have you tried Vanicream facial cleanser? Super gentle! I like it better than Cetaphil (and I think it’s cheaper too)!
Never tried it, I will!
Product reviews typically don’t capture my interest, and I’m more of an impulse shopper. However, I found myself engrossed in every word of your review, which made me ponder the idea of seeking out more product reviews before making a purchase. Although I don’t personally use makeup products, the level of detail you provided was so compelling that it prompted me to reconsider a purchase. Well done!
Thanks!
Your post on “9 affordable beauty brands I swear by” in Beauty by Elodie is very informative. I can attest to the wonders of Garnier’s products which are mostly made with natural and sustainable materials. Their product is truly magical in its effectiveness in my body from their body cream and shampoo. Importantly it is very affordable and of good quality. Thank you for outlaying other affordable products in your post. I believe I would want to try them sometimes.
Thanks for your comment !
I can attest that affordable beauty brands can deliver fantastic results without breaking the bank. From Palmer’s to Maybelline, these budget-friendly options offer quality skincare and cosmetics. My advice is don’t overlook them – you can achieve beautiful skin, lush hair, and a great look on any budget. Great read!!!
Thanks !
Ive always wanted to try the Ordinary products. Ive heard nothing but good things about them. Your article has a lot of the things I love as well. Garnier smells divine and I didn’t realize the Sephora line was actually affordable so I am definitely going to check that out. Thanks for the great read!
You’re Welcome Christina !
Thank you for sharing your insights and recommendations on affordable beauty brands in your article. Your positive and enthusiastic tone is both engaging and informative, making it an enjoyable read.
It’s wonderful to see your emphasis on the fact that quality beauty products don’t have to come with a high price tag. Your personal recommendations for each brand and your favorite products provide valuable insights for readers who might be on a budget or simply looking for cost-effective options.
Thank you for your insightful recommendations, and I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Thanks Leila!