23 beauty products to buy on the cheap

Studio West Pure Passion lipsticks, Rs 295 onwards
“Their super flattering nude and red shades are making me swear off expensive lipsticks forever. Plus, they hydrate with just the right amount of creaminess.” - Veronna Parikh, fashion assistant

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Rs 345
“What it lacks in glamour it makes up for in effectiveness. Plus, if you’ve got sensitive skin, Cetaphil’s the most inoffensive product on the shelf.”- Kavita Mohandas Rao, contributing writer

Nivea Smooth Milk Body Lotion, Rs 120
“Nivea Body Milk made with almond oil is quite effective, and soothes sensitive skin. I like that it has a non-greasy texture.” - Sharmistha Ray, contributing writer

Vaseline Pure Skin Jelly, Rs 32
“This life-saver is not just for chapped lips. I use it for everything: to soften toe cuticles (a tip I learned from a nail spa), remove make-up, treat chafed skin or fix a stuck zip.” - Saba Imtiaz, contributing writer

Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion, Rs 265
“Once I’ve spent a few minutes working it into my skin, I don’t have to worry about moisturising, white streaks or even sweating it off — it stays on all day.” - Deepa Menon, contributing writer

Livon Hair Serum, Rs 115
“I tried this on a whim, but return to it every few months because there’s really nothing else that can manage my frizz without the oily after-effects.” - Cheryl-Ann Couto, deputy editor

Kama Ayurveda Kokum and Almond Body Butter, Rs 1,195
“It’s like diving into something honeyed and smooth every time you open the lid. You can be spare or generous with it, depending on the dryness of your skin, but it’s lush and it lasts and lasts.” - Tishani Doshi, contributing writer

Maybelline New York Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara, Rs 350
“While two coats of most mascaras make my lashes clumpy and spikey, this one still looks natural with just a little added drama.” - Devika Wahal, fashion assistant

Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam, Rs 99
“It gives my face a heavy-duty cleanse by literally sucking off the grime (hello, activated charcoal) and leaving behind softer, fresher skin.” - Bahaar Peshawaria, junior graphic designer

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick, Rs 955
“It’s the simplest way to nail matte lips. It sets in like a powdery stain and I can forget about it for the rest of the day.” - Mamta Mody, features editor

Epique Express Brightening Facial, Rs 700
“This sheet mask lightens, brightens and hydrates the skin in just 20 minutes. Best part: I can do this at home!” - Supriya Dravid, contributing writer

Bio Oil Skincare Oil, Rs 450
“Nothing works for my dry skin like this light oil. It’s also good for reducing pigmentation and marks.” - Karuna Laungani, contributing stylist

Rimmel London Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder,  Rs 250
“Don’t expect coverage from this translucent powder, instead let it be your trustworthy ally in the fight against a shiny T-zone.” - Arshie Chevalwala, features writer

Sephora Sheet Mask, Rs 430
“It makes your skin as soft as a baby’s bottom — what could be better?” - Malini Banerji, fashion director

Gillette Venus Razor, Rs 199
“I can’t wax because I get horrible ingrowths, so it’s either this or full-on gorilla. Keeps me all smooth and acceptable in society.” - Aishwarya Subramanyam, editor

Garnier Fructis Oil-in-cream, Rs 100
“It’s like a hydrating sleeping mask for my hair minus the sticky residue. And it fits in perfectly with my low-fi hair routine.” - Anjan Sachar, beauty assistant

Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam, Rs 99
“It gives my face a heavy-duty cleanse by literally sucking off the grime (hello, activated charcoal) and leaving behind softer, fresher skin.” - Bahaar Peshawaria, junior graphic designer

Put away the plastic. Team ELLE picks their favourite budget beauty buys that deliver results. 

The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom EDT, Rs 1,695
“Never judge a perfume by its price tag, especially when it creates a dreamy balance of tarty cherry and fresh magnolia.” - Vatsala Chhibber, junior features editor

ColorBar Nail Polishes, Rs 110 onwards
“Very few brands get bright neon nail colours right, especially ones that don’t chip or leave yellow marks on your nails.” - Reshma Rajiwdekar, art director

Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Crème, Rs 1,510
“I massage this cream into the soles of my feet and slip on a pair of socks a few nights a week — it’s the only way to manage my rough, cracked heels.” - Mihika Pai, contributing writer

TRESemmé Climate Control Hair Conditioner, Rs 171
“When my hair freaks out from the humidity, I rely on this creamy conditioner to wrangle the frizzy mess into a calmer state.” - Ritika Singbal, graphic designer

Emolene Dry Skin Face Treatment, Rs 190
“This lesser-known gem is my solution to all skin issues. I religiously wear it every night since my dermat recommended it, and I’ve never woken up to dull itchy skin.” - Manasi Sawant, contributing photographer

Lakmé Absolute Blush Duos, Rs 750
“Impossible to OD on, these dusty rose shades blend to brighten up yellow skin tones.” - Sonam Savlani, digital editor

L’Oréal Paris Nutri-Gloss Shampoo, Rs 75
“I’ve sworn by this shampoo for years and I won’t stop anytime soon. It smoothens hair and amps up shine without the tell-tale heaviness of conditioning formulas.” - Nidhi Jacob, fashion editor

Photographs: Manasi Sawant, Make-up and hair: Avni Rambhia, Art director: Reshma Rajiwdekar, Styling: Veronna Parikh