If there's one thing beauty pros know it's that not all of the best products come in large, expensive packages. In fact, some of the most long-lasting and high-quality items cost a fraction of their competitors while delivering twice the effectiveness. If your pricey go-to makeup or skin care staples are working for you, that's cool, but it's worth knowing that you can cut the cost of your beauty budget significantly with just a few swaps — and without sacrificing quality.
To help find out which products are worth the downgrade on price, we turned to some of the industry's top celebrity makeup artists and hair stylists. Read on for their top 10 budget beauty picks.
Quality face wipes are hard to come by, but their price point isn't the final determining factor. Ann Balaguera, national director of esthetics at Red Door Spa in Stamford, Connecticut, has been using these towelettes for years, which sell for just $10. "They're ideal for removing dirt and makeup morning and night without over stripping the skin," she says. "They leave my skin feeling clean and fresh and are especially convenient for summertime use since the weather is hot and humid."
Tan legs aren't only created at the beach. This in-shower moisturizer is a quick way to keep your skin hydrated and glowy without adding grease, which comes in handy on hot and humid days. "I love applying this moisturizer directly after I turn off the shower—it allows the water to stay on my skin and hydrate longer," says Heather Packer, senior stylist and national hairstyling educator. "I always wipe off the excess with a towel to avoid streaking."
If there's one time of year where you'll need to be on frizz control 24/7, it's the now. When in need of smoothing and a seriously strong hold, Anita Sun, hairstylist at Eliut Salon in New York City, turns to this drugstore hairspray. "First off, it smells amazing but it also has anti-humidity properties that make it perfect for the hot weather," she says. "You can use it sparingly in blowouts to set the style and doesn't flake up when you shake out a style, and it holds all day."
We can thank sunburns and summer pests for the itchiness associated with summer. A good plan of defense is to use a naturally derived bath treatment that's dermatologist-recommended, like this one from Aveeno. Angelina Lucheux, award-winning esthetician and owner of Tailormade for You Skin & Body Care in Long Island City, New York, uses the stuff religiously. "It's a miracle product for any type of skin irritation and also works wonders on eczema," she says. "If you've had too much sun, soaking into a soothing, cool bath will help your skin relax and provide instant relief."
