Working in the beauty industry has many, many perks, but if you ask any member of staff at BEAUTY BAY, they’ll tell you the samples are the biggest plus of the job, and it’s even better if they are affordable… From an under-£6 shampoo to an affordable gloss that gives the high-end brands a run for their money, the BEAUTY BAY staff know a good beauty bargain when it comes their way, and they’re always willing to share their favourites.
Keep scrolling to meet January 2023’s talk-of-the-office, affordable beauty products.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss
“I love this lip gloss because it’s really long lasting and is a nice dark neutral shade that matches so many different looks. I also get really dry lips so usually gloss doesn’t sit well on my lips, but this one glides right over and feels comfortable to wear.”
Charlotte, Marketing Executive – Search & Shopping
Bondi Sands Spf 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion
“The Bondi Sands SPF 50+ lotion has quickly become my favourite daily SPF. It is fragrance free so perfect for sensitive skin like mine and also has high protection which is needed everyday. It is very moisturising without being oily so it is a perfect base for makeup and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and moisturised all day. This product is very affordable and glowy for everyday use, I recommend Bondi Sands skincare for all skin types and since adding SPF into my everyday skincare I have noticed a massive difference in the health of my skin and it has become the most important step in my routine!”
Hannah, Influencer and PR Assistant
The Beauty Crop Vitamin Babe Concealer
“TikTok trending for a reason, The Beauty Crop’s Vitamin Babe Concealer is so easy to apply, is full coverage, blends seamlessly and doesn’t break the bank! I love using this on its own for a quick base or over foundation for full face glam.”
Emma, Trading Executive
Nyx Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil
“This lip liner is the perfect shade match for a natural lip colour with a slightly rosy tint. The mauve shows up slightly pinker/brighter for me, whilst still being cool-toned with no grey-ishness – which is exactly what I wanted. I think the beauty of these NYX liners is that they are pretty universal shades for a go-to natural or nude lip and they apply super smoothly and don’t really budge once on. A really great soft-lip, everyday makeup staple.”
Amirah, Senior Paid Social Executive
Revolution Pro Miracle Cream
“I was a little sceptical about the Revolution Pro Miracle Cream, but it does live up to the hype, and yes it is a dupe for that famous magic cream! It instantly gives my skin a boost transforming it from dull to radiant, and it also has longer-lasting benefits; it’s hydrating and brightening. It is quite rich so might not be for you if you have oily skin, but if you have combination/dry skin like me then you need this in your routine. It’s also the perfect base for makeup!”
Chloe, Marketing Manager
Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo
“I have been on the hunt for a shampoo to replace my high end one and I think I’ve found the one! I look for a shampoo that leaves my hair silky and shiny and this does just that!”
Helena, Social Media Assistant
Cerave Sa Smoothing Cleanser
“Absolutely love this cleanser! This is really good for dry and sensitive skin and left the texture of my skin so smooth! Would definitely recommend!!”
Asha, Junior Graphic Designer
By Beauty Bay Powder Blusher
“I’m a blush girly, and this is one of my go -to blushers. A little goes a long way with this blush as it blends out so easily, I use the shade bloom which is a cool toned pink and has a shimmer to it which leaves a glowy finish. I wear it on its own or layer it on top of my liquid blush to set it in place.”
Mhairi, Brand Marketing Executive
Glisten Cosmetics Split Liner
“It’s been years since I last used eyeliner and I was worried about doing it again, but the Glisten Cosmetics Split Liner made it so simple. Just wet the brush, dip it into the pot, and away you go! I thought with them being metallic shades they may not provide much colour; however, I was wrong because they stood out so well and were just as metallic on my skin as they were in the pot. They’re so easy to use and it’s nice having two colours available that can be used both alone or together as I can just do what I feel, and it gives me more options. A makeup must-have honestly.”
Catherine, Content Assistant
E.L.F. Cosmetics Brow Lift
“When it comes to brow gels, soaps and pomades, I have tried them all. The one thing I steer clear of is when the product applies with a white film over the brows and dries down like glue. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift does none of this and so much more. It’s so easy to apply and work into the brows, and leave them with that laminated look, without leaving them feeling crispy and dry, and a little goes a long way. I use this everyday and don’t see myself ever switching to something else!!”
Ashleigh, Content Executive
Revolution Skincare Revolution Skincare X Sali Hughes Eye Make Up Remover Pads
“I’m no stranger to reusable cleansing pads, but what I love about the Revolution Sali Hughes Makeuo Remover Mitts is how they’re super soft and, unlike most, they’re cushioned! Usually when I remove my makeup with a reusable cleansing pad, it can feel abrasive on my face, but these glide off your makeup like a DREAM without being rough on the skin.”
Scarlett, Social Media Executive
