9 great beauty buys under $20

The world of beauty is sometimes seen as a lifestyle that only the rich can afford, but surprise surprise, if you know where to look, there are quality beauty products available that won't break the bank.

The common misconception about bargain beauty products is that they don't work as well as the more expensive ones; or that they aren't as effective compared to a product that costs twice the price. I have to admit that luxury beauty items feel like they can offer you more, but this doesn't mean that some economically priced products aren't effective.

The products that I've picked aren't just here because they're a bargain, they also give you a bit of bang for your buck. So if you're on a budget, I give you the beauty buys that have stood by me (and my wallet).

HAIR AND BODY CARE

Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar, $15

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If you've ever had a scalp analysis, you would know that hair products (shampoos included) clog hair follicles from time to time. The effects of clogged hair follicles don't usually show, but if you start to realise that your hair products aren't as effective, or if you're experiencing rapid hair loss ━ it's time to give your hair a good clean.

Yves Rocher's Rinsing Vinegar is a great option as it claims to rid your hair of limescale (icky stuff that shouldn't be there in the first place) and other hair clogging bits. Before you get scared of having your hair smell like vinegar, don't worry, your hair won't smell like a xiao long bao restaurant after using this. The brand uses certified French Raspberry vinegar, and it claims the smell is so delectable, you'll be coming back for more!

Sephora Smoothing Body Scrub, $12

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Like most of my discoveries, I found this beauty gem by chance (it was on sale!) ━ and I haven't stopped using it since. If you're familiar with Sephora's store layout, you would know that the bath and beauty collection is a rainbow on the shelves, with each colour representing a different fragrance.

Apart from its price, there are three reasons why I love this product: Firstly, it smells great and the smell lingers long after the shower. Secondly, the product comes in a handy tube making it easy to use in the bathroom. And lastly, the big granules give your skin a really good clean. The price is also extremely decent for a body scrub, so really, there isn't a reason not to love this.

Essential Intensive Hair Mask, $9.90

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For days when my hair feels like it needs an extra pick-me-up, or when I've got a date ━ I usually rely on Essential's Hair Mask to smoothen out frizziness and simply make my hair look and feel awesome. The extremely moisturising hair mask works by using an advanced technology that claims to repair and replenish damaged hair. This mask is extremely buttery, that I have to douse my bathroom floor with hot water after using it, as the floor becomes slippery every time I use this mask.

SKINCARE

Hada Labo Whitening UV Milk, $19.90

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One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a beauty writer is: What is a cheap, but good sunblock? My answer has always been the same: Hada Labo Whitening UV Milk. I've been religiously using sun protection since my secondary school days, and when I was old enough, I started experimenting with the different varieties available. When I started using Hada Labo, I kind of just stuck with it.

This sunblock provides decent broad spectrum sun protection (SPF50/PA+++) and is infused with whitening and moisturising ingredients such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid so that this sunblock works to protect you from the sun while giving you skin benefits too.

Nip + Fab Spot Fix, $19.90

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I have a love/hate relationship with pimple creams. On one hand, I am really glad that they exist, and on the other, I hate that I've got to use them. Most pimple creams I've used just aim to dry up my pimple in the shortest time possible, Nip + Fab's spot fix however, works to calm and purify my skin while removing the zit. According to the brand, it uses a mixture of eucalyptus and tea tree oil to purify the skin.

This means that while it dries up your pimple using salicylic acid (a known anti-inflammatory agent), the gel also works to downsize the swelling and redness of your pimple. It helps me hide my zit while it goes away.

Skinfood Egg White Pack , $12.90

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Not everyone can tolerate pain. When my girlfriends tell me that they diligently squeeze out their blackheads whenever ━ I wince. Skinfood's Egg White Peel Off Pack works in taking out the gunk without the pain of squeezing. Like all Skinfood products that are food-themed, the key feature in this product is egg white. The reason? The brand claims that egg white is a great exfoliant and works well in refining pores and controlling excess sebum. Unlike your usual blackhead pore packs that are one size fits all, this blackhead remover comes in shapes for your forehead, nose, and chin. No more painful squeezing!

MAKEUP

Collection Cosmetics Lasting Perfection Concealer, $14.90

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A newcomer in our beauty aisles, Collection Cosmetics is a famous drug store brand from the UK. Previously known as Collection 2000, the brand has cemented its position as a bargain favourite amongst makeup fanatics. The Lasting Perfection Concealer is a heavy duty concealer that promises to mask your imperfections for up to 16 hours. The concealer bears a lightweight creamy formula, and its so good that it has been compared to famous (and more expensive) alternatives. The brand even touts this product as being water resistant and transfer proof, hiding your flaws while you face each day.

L'Oreal Paris Gentle Lip & Eye Makeup Remover, $14.90

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As a vain pot, I've tried enough mascaras and eye liners to last me a lifetime. Naturally, this also means my eyelashes and the sensitive areas around my eyes have taken a toll over the years. From makeup removers costing $5 to ones that cost $50, I've tried them all. A friend recommended this product and I couldn't be happier. An oil-free formula that claims to cleanse without leaving a greasy film after, the unassuming makeup remover melts my toughest mascaras with ease. And its price tag is friendly enough for excessive use without me feeling the pinch.

Bourjois Colour Boost, $18.50

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A lipstick in the form of a crayon, Bourjois' Colour Boost packs a punch for a lippie. Providing a glossy finish that doesn't skimp on colour, the brand claims this crayon will hydrate your lips for hours on end. The lip crayon makes it handy to apply with no sharpening needed. Available in an array of colours and sun protection of SPF15, this lipstick makes you chic while it guards against lip darkening.

Bourjois Colour Boost, $18.50, is available at selected Watsons and Sa Sa stores and leading departmental stores. For more information, visit www.bourjois.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Collection Cosmetics Lasting Perfection Concealer, $14.90, is available at the Collection pop-up store in Cineleisure, selected Watsons stores, and BHG departmental stores. For more information, visit www.collectioncosmetics.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Essential Intensive Hair Mask, $9.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.kao.com/sg/essential and follow the brand on Facebook.

Hada Labo Whitening UV Milk, $19.90, is available at Watsons stores. For more information, visit www.hadalabo.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

L'Oreal Paris Gentle Lip & Eye Makeup Remover, $14.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.loreal.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Nip + Fab Spot Fix, $19.90, is available at Guardian Ngee Ann City, selected Watsons stores, Sa Sa stores, John Little outlets, and online at www.nipandfab.com.sg. For more information, visit www.nipandfab.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Sephora Smoothing Body Scrub, $12, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.sephora-sea.com and follow Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Skinfood Egg White Pack (Peel-Off Pack for Nose, Forehead & Jaw), $12.90, is available at all Skinfood stores. For more information, visit www.skinfood.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar, $15, is available at Yves Rocher stores in West Gate and Ngee Ann City. For more information, visit www.yves-rocher.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

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