Latest news with #affordablebeauty
News24
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
4 beauty tips to look expensive without breaking the bank
_________________________________________________________________________ It doesn't take much to go from looking like you just rolled out of bed to a put-together queen ready to take on the world. And it's more affordable than you might think. For many, investing in your looks - be it maintaining your nails, skincare and hair monthly - can feel like a shlep or an unnecessary expense, but looking great doesn't have to break the bank or make you keep up with the latest trends. Oratilwe Makgale - a lash and beauty technician at Johannesburg salon Lash and Dash, which boasts clients like actress Lesego Khoza and media personality Tshepi Vundla - tells TRUELOVE all about how investing in timeless beauty essentials will have you looking polished and put together effortlessly without even putting on any makeup. 'Start with beauty essentials like brow lamination or shaping, lash extensions or mascara, and regular gel manicures or nail care,' Oratilwe says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zikhona Sodlaka (@zikhonasodlaka) Easy and inexpensive beauty hacks 1. Invest in your scent Little things like waxing or threading your eyebrows and even a spritz of your favourite perfume will elevate your whole look. Somila, a 27-year-old marketing content coordinator, says, 'My grandmother, may her soul rest in peace, always said, 'Looking good and smelling good is a sign of good manners'. And that stuck. Scent is power. It enters the room before you do and lingers long after you've left. 'So, whether my nails are in acrylics or just filed to perfection, clean, moisturised and neat, the brief is always the same: 'Present yourself like you're stepping onto a global stage,' as Bonang Matheba would say. Because when you look good, smell divine and hold yourself like the lead in your own story? The world has no choice but to treat you accordingly.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by FORVR MOOD (@forvrmood) 2. Transform with a good set of lash extensions When it comes to lash extensions, Oratilwe says the right volume can make a world of difference. 'For a natural look, classic lashes - where one extension is applied to one natural lash - are a great option. For added drama, volume lashes, which involve multiple extensions applied to one natural lash, can create a fuller look, while mega volume lashes take it to the next level.' Mellissa, 30, says her go-to beauty regimen is definitely lashes. 'Listen, lashes, clear skin is the go-to. You can't go wrong with that. Just have a good set of hybrid lashes of which I spend no more than R400. I think because I stay in Durban as well and in Durban things are relatively cheap. So, R400 to R600 for a set of hybrid lashes as well as clear skin,' she she says. Classic or soft volume lashes can elongate round faces, while volume or mega volume can create the illusion of more space on hooded eyes. If you're busy, classic lashes are often low-maintenance, while volume or mega volume can add glamour for special occasions or everyday wear. Oratilwe Makgale, Joburg-based beauty tech View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tshepi Vundla (@tshepivundla) 3. Upkeep your brow shape If the eyes are windows to the soul, then eyebrows are the angelic curtains that frame them. 'Luxury beauty is quiet to me,' says Zandile, a 30-year-old account director. 'That's why the simple upkeep of threading my brows every two weeks (that's R100 max) and adding a swipe of lip gloss (R30 to R150 depending on the brand) always makes me feel put-together and elegant. It's in the little details - not the flashy trends - that timeless beauty shines.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thando Thabethe (@thando_thabethe) Simple and affordable lifestyle pleasures Simple steps in personal grooming - like a consistent skincare routine, using smart shopping strategies like looking out for end-of-season product sales, hydration and a genuine smile with loved ones - could be just what you need to look and feel good. Dr Lindi, a 65-year-old pharmaceutical PhD graduate, emphasises exercise and takes a different approach to beauty and selfcare. She says being intentional about surrounding herself with people who also take pride in their appearance also helps. 'It's important with whom do you mix with, that is me. Because it's even worse, there are certain people you'll find that they're younger than me. I even tell them, 'You didn't put on your Vaseline, your lips are dry, your what what [is] dry. Kanti your friend doesn't have a lip gloss?' So, those things, whom do you mix with counts as well,' Dr Lindi shares. Tumi, 21, tells us, 'Selfcare Sundays are where it's at! I take the everything shower - exfoliate, shave and pamper my skin (no fancy facials needed). I make a simple sugar scrub with coffee and brown sugar, and steam my face the traditional way: head over a bucket, blanket over me. 'I also do my own cluster lashes at home - quick and affordable! All this is affordable, easy and makes me look feel and look expensive every time.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rami Chuene (@ramichuene)
News.com.au
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Ultimate life hack': What Gen Zers are willing to line up for in 2025
A gaggle of Gen Zers braving the cold in Melbourne has exposed how seriously the youngest generation take dupes. Millennials were all about brands, to the point that there was a moment when they were buying track pants with the word 'Juicy' written across the bum. The cost of living crisis, though, has sent Gen Zers in a different direction. They're always trying to get a look for less. Dupes are similar to expensive products but cost way less and have become increasingly popular, as have the brands that produce them. This is why, over the weekend, shivering Gen Zers turned up rugged up in coats but still willing to line up in Melbourne's cold to snag free samples from the MCoBeauty brand. A brand that is affordable and stocked at the chain Chemist Warehouse managed to capture Gen Zers notoriously short attention spans. MCoBeauty has become popular not because it is exclusive but because it sells affordable alternatives to pricier products. For instance their Golden Glow Lip Oil for $5 has been compared to Dior's Lip Glow Oil for $65. Similarly, the brand's Super Glow Boozing Drops at $12 have been compared to Drunk Elephant's Sunshine Drops, $68. According to an industry insider, Gen Zers lining up for a budget brand speaks to a big shift in how young people consume. 'It's less about the logo and more about the aesthetic, the function, and what's trending online. Platforms like TikTok and the influencer culture have democratised taste, and brands that understand this are cutting through,' she said. 'Gen Z isn't just looking for a bargain, they're looking to participate in a moment or trend without the price tag commitment, especially within this economic climate. 'Dupe-led brands are winning because they give permission to experiment, without the guilt.' Gen Zers instead of embracing brand names have fixated on finding dupes of more expensive products. The hashtag 'dupe' has been viewed over a billion times on TikTok, and some creators solely focus on showing their followers where to find affordable alternatives. Zaine Hetherington, 21, is one of those Gen Zers who is less interested in buying into trendy brands and far more focused on looking like she's on-trend. 'Dupes are my ultimate life hack to staying on trend without blowing the budget,' she told 'I get to explore different looks without committing to something super pricey and it is fun discovering new products.' Ms Hetherington explained that she probably saves around '50 per cent' every time she buys a cheaper product over an original. 'It is unaffordable especially the amount of make-up I go through. I go through my products too fast, and my dupes are a real lifesaver,' she said. Ms Hetherington is not shy about her quest to find more affordable products. In fact, she's always thrilled when she can find a cheaper alternative and tells her friends about it. She said her friends often say 'wow' when she shows them how much less she can spend on a product that looks the same as a pricey one.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I tested Aldi's 7 new beauty buys all for under £5 – a cult Charlotte Tilbury dupe is back but the blusher was my fave
AFFORDABLE beauty products have a special place in my heart. While I love testing luxury launches, there's nothing more satisfying than finding a gem for less than a tenner. This year, more budget products than ever before have impressed me by far out-performing their price tags. When Rimmel Thrill Seeker Lip Ink Pen, £9.99, landed on my desk in January, I put it to one side while I continued working. But to my surprise, a few days later I realised I'd reached for it before every meeting that week to look more polished, and the colour had stayed put all day. It's not patchy or sticky, and the slimline nib means I can trace my lip line, then tilt the pen on its side to fill in the bulk of my lips. Similary, I bought Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Eye Concealer Color Corrector Pink, £9.99, on a whim with low expectations after a passport photo left me looking like I had two black eyes. The original version is my favourite budget concealer – even though I hate the sponge applicator, the formula and coverage is unrivalled. The light-pink hue is perfect for my blue-toned shadows and it applies smoothly. The sponge (for all its unhygienic flaws) helps control how much product is applied so you don't overload the delicate under-eye area. Plus, it layers well with my concealer, and makes my under-eyes look far less tired. They're just a couple of the affordable beauty products to have made it into my regular rotation over the last six months, and I'm always on the hunt for more. So, when I heard Aldi were launching not one, but seven new beauty dupe products this week - all under £5 - I had to put them to the test. Here's how I got on... LACURA LIP BALMS, £3.49 It only takes one look at these new balms to guess who Aldi used as inspo. Drum roll please... it has to be Summer Fridays. The tasty flavours are right out of the viral brands playbook - although Aldi's are £19.50 cheaper - and sure to be a hit with those who love sweet treats. Having tried all three, the 90s brown Dulce De Leche variety is my favourite, because of the pout perfecting sheer tint it delivers. On application, all three of the shades melted across my lips quickly, so didn't take any blending out, and felt buttery soft, with a gloss that isn't sticky or greasy. Aldi promise the formula is packed with Shea Butter and Murumuru Seed Butter to deeply hydrate and soothe lips - although I found they wore off quickly, and left my lips feeling tight and dry. LACURA SCULPTING BRONZING STICK, £4.49 When I first opener the Sculpting Bronzing sticks, I was worried. There's very little variation between the two shades, and they're both very warm hued - bordering on orange. On skin, they're very pigmented, and you have to work quickly to avoid them going patchy. After some trial and error, I found using my fingers - rather than a brush or sponge - worked best, as the warmth helped melt the product into my skin. I'm extremely pale, so they're both too dark for me, but if you aren't paper-white, you'll have better luck. The formula layers well over foundation, and once it's set, it doesn't budge, which will be great for hot summer weather. I swatched both sticks on the back of my arm to work out which shade I should apply to my face, and despite removing both within a couple of minutes, they left a stain that withstood a bath and a shower! LACURA WATERMELON BRIGHTENING AND BRONZING SERUMS, £4.99 EACH I'm a huge fan of Glow Recipe's Watermelon Serum, £32 - both the untinted and bronzing variety - so as soon as I saw the packaging of these serums I knew they were a dupe. Niacinamide is one of my favourite skincare ingredients - thanks to it's ability to reduce inflammation and redness, balance oil control and soothe skin - and both brand's hero it in their formulations. In fact, the first five ingredients are exactly the same across the two, so on paper you'd expect them to be similar. Unfortunately, that's not the case. The bronzing serum is extremely glittery, and very orange, giving me flash-backs to the Geordie Shore style fake tan of my teens. Thankfully, the untinted version was much better. It has a thick serum formula, that instantly cools the skin soothing any irritation. I used it for a few days, and my skin felt softer and more plump - although it does have a strong watermelon scent, so that's something to note if you struggle with fragranced products. LACURA SHIMMER HYDRATING FACIAL MIST, £4.49 When this landed on my desk, I immediately question when I'd ever have an occasion to wear it. If you haven't already worked it out - I'm really not a fan of glittery products on my face. My skin is oily enough as it is, and I don't think the vampire look is very in. Formulated with antioxidant ingredients including Vitamin E, Chamomile, and Green Tea, the formula definitely leaves skin brighter and feeling refreshed. It took a few minutes to dry down, during which time the glitter transferred to everything I touched. I can't get past the school-disco levels of shimmer, but if that's your thing, you'll love the face mist! LACURA BLUSH, £3.99 As far as I'm concerned, blush is the most underrated make-up product. So many people worry about where to apply it, or going to far and looking like a clown - but get it right, and it's the quickest way to add life to your face and revive your complexion. There's two shades of blush; coral - which has a peachy orange hue and candy, that's more pink in colour. Again, they're both extremely glittery - I'd love to meet the Aldi boss who's obsessed with the stuff! Supposedly, they're dupes of the iconic Nars Orgasm blusher - and while the packaging certainly looks similar, the OG formulas are not nearly as shimmery. Thankfully, after a few uses the glitter isn't quite so prominent - in future, I'd scrape the top layer of product off to get rid of it rather than apply it to my face. The blush has the perfect level of pigment, so you only need to dip your brush in once for enough pay off, but not too much that you risk over-doing it. You'd be hard pressed to find a better blusher for the price. LACURA LUMINOUS FILTER FOUNDATION, £4.99 Last time this was on shelves, shoppers went wild - calling it a dead ringer for Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. I'd not tried it before, so I had high hopes. The product description claims it 'creates a flawless base and blurs imperfections' which sounds right up my street. The consistency is thinner than I expected, so I have to wear foundation on top to get enough coverage - which means I then loose out on the glow. As you can guess, it's also more sparkly than the £39 version, although I went in expecting as much so I wasn't too offended. Having experimented with it a few times now, it works best if you mix it with your foundation, or use your fingers to apply to the high points of your face rather than as an all-over primer. If you want a Flawless Filter dupe that's more like the real deal, I prefer E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow, £15. LACURA MICROBLADE EFFECT PEN, £3.49 Tiktok goes wild for micro-blade effect brow pens, but in all honesty, I've never quite understood the hype. This one has three distinct tips, which do help to create hair like strokes, but the ink formula quickly spread into the fine lines and texture of my skin - so the definition quickly disappeared. With this kind of formula, it's really hard to control the pigment load you apply to skin, so you can quickly end up with brows that're far too dark. If you want to try the trend, £3.49 isn't too much of a risk, but be warned it'll take a lot of patience to get right! Wine expert shares her view on Aldi's Whispering Angel dupe WINE culturist Amelia Singer hails 'The Chassaux et Fils Rosé' as a "really savvy move from Aldi". Here, she gives Fabulous her verdict... Sainte Victoire is my favourite part of Provence to find personality filled yet great value Rosé. Thanks to the altitude of the Sainte Victoire hillsides, the grapes get exposed to plenty of sunshine during the day but their ripeness is moderated by cooler evening temperatures. This enables the wine to brim with intense, complex fruit which is balanced by elegant acidity and herbal finesse. I am delighted that Aldi are highlighting an actual area of Provence as quality and flavour profiles can vary greatly – however I always know with Rosé from Sainte Victoire that I will not be disappointed. Amelia Singer's podcast, 'Ameliarate Through Wine', which pairs celebrities' personalities, core values, and careers with wine. Available on Apple & Spotify.
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
DB Cosmetics Review: High End Skincare Dupes For Under $30
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more When you hear the words ' premium skincare' it's often followed by a price tag that makes you wince. Or do a double take. But a new skincare range from an established Aussie beauty brand is turning that expectation on its head. Not only that, but it's a dupe for a high end skincare brand at a quarter of the price. The unicorn in question is the new skincare collection from Designer Brands (DB) Cosmetics. WHAT ARE DB COSMETICS KNOWN FOR? I first tried DB Cosmetics makeup as a beauty writer almost a decade ago, and was impressed by the quality given the price tag. My overzealous use of their contour kit may have softened (it was the Kim K circa 2016 era, after all) but the brand's ability to deliver solid products at an affordable price apparently hasn't. They're now taking the same approach – high-quality affordable alternatives to top tier products – to skincare. And with every product no more than $28.99, it's certainly appealing. The elephant in the room? Yes, the range is inspired by another brand, Trinny London. There's lots to be said about dupe culture but I appreciate that DB Cosmetics, as one of the original 'inspired by' beauty brands, is upfront about which brand and even specific products they have taken inspiration from. These are clearly displayed in the product descriptions on the website. I've used Trinny London skincare before and love it but it is on the more expensive side (from double to quadruple the price). If that's out of your budget, then this could very well be an alternative worth exploring. WHAT ARE THE STANDOUT PRODUCTS? In a world of complicated skincare regimens, the Australian-made range is a welcome streamlined three-step offering designed to cleanse, brighten, hydrate and nourish. Start with the Revitalising Cleanser with Glycolic Acid ($24.99), boost with either the Plumping Serum with Hyaluronic Acid or Brightening Serum with Vitamin C (both $28.99), then finish with the Nourishing Moisturiser with Peptide Complex ($26.99). It's simple, effective and a great option for anyone starting their skincare journey or making some more affordable swaps. The cleanser is thorough without stripping the skin, and carries a subtle, citrus-y scent. Formulated with Glycolic, Lactic and Hyaluronic Acids, ceramides and bilberry and citrus extracts, it brightens and hydrates. My skin has been feeling a little lacklustre of late so I definitely noticed a difference after a few consistent uses. Massaging it into the skin also helps get rid of any stubborn or lingering makeup or residue in tricky areas like around the nose. The Plumping Serum is great for dry or mature skin, while the Vitamin-C packed Brightening Serum tackles dull-looking skin with added antioxidant protection. Simply apply 1-2 pumps on to clean, dry skin daily. Both are great options but I opt for the brightening one to get some much-needed pep back in my skin. While they boast plenty of active ingredients, they're a gentler version so suitable for sensitive skin too. The Nourishing Moisturiser, which helps to hydrate, boost elasticity, enhance the function of the skin barrier and lock in all that moisture and hydration, is also lovely to use and provides a smooth base for makeup. It's a relatively light moisturiser that absorbs quickly so you're not left with that sticky or heavy feeling but may not be quite heavy duty enough for those who like it thick and creamy in the colder months. I was back and forth with travel while I was trialling and loved how easy it was to just take the three products and have a full skincare regimen. The twist and pump packaging is also great for reducing spillage – home or away. HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO TRINNY LONDON? Given it's openly inspired by the brand, there are a lot of obvious similarities. The products promise the same results and share a lot of ingredients although the formulations are not identical. The eye-catching packaging is also very close to Trinny London's signature style although I do love the brighter, two-tone colour ways that DB Cosmetics has dialled up compared to the original. The big test is whether the results you see in your skin stand out enough in their own right. And I wasn't disappointed. WHAT ELSE IS WORTH TRYING FROM DB COSMETICS? If you're also looking for some affordable cosmetics to add to or update your makeup bag with, there is no shortage of options from the cruelty-free and vegan beauty brand. Their Luminous Hydrating Foundation has a 4.6/5 rating from almost 450 reviews thanks to its similarity to the cult NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, while their Blur Primer – inspired by the Lancome Absolute Perfecting Primer – is also a customer favourite. I've always thought highly of their lipsticks, with the range now expanded to include dupes for the Dior Lip Oil (Colour Burst Glossy Lip Oil) as well as bestsellers from Fenty and Rhode. Who said premium beauty products had to break the bank?
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I tested Kmart's $59 gadget against Dyson's $850 Airwrap - and I couldn't believe the results
Savvy Aussie shoppers on the hunt for an affordable hair tool have discovered a $59 item from Kmart that works just as well - if not 'better' - than a Dyson Airwrap. Lisa Davenport has put the budget-friendly Air Styler to the test to see how it compares to the hugely popular, high-end brand priced between $599 to $849. The lifestyle and beauty content creator, also known as the Hampton Housewife on social media, filmed herself curling one side of her hair with the Kmart model and the other with the Dyson. Much to her surprise, the bouncy curls from the Kmart styler appeared to hold up better than those from its pricier rival. 'I did a side-by-side comparison… and I'm shocked at the result,' the Aussie mum said in her Instagram Reels. 'One side styled with my Dyson the other with the Kmart dupe with results I didn't expect.' Lisa said the Kmart tool was a perfect, affordable alternative - especially for shoppers who can't afford to fork out hundreds of dollars on big name brands. 'I love that there's an affordable option for this sort of style and it's good,' she said. 'I couldn't believe how good it was.' Her video has been viewed more than 310,000 times - with many Kmart shoppers confirming it's the 'best' hair styling tool. 'I have the Kmart one and it is fabulous. Now everyday is a good hair day... I can do it in 10-15 minutes... go to work and it's still fab when I get home,' one raved. 'It is an absolutely amazing product - I love it,' another revealed. Many said they couldn't wait to give the tool a go after seeing Lisa's glowing review - while others revealed they have been struggling to find it in stock. 'Everyone is running to Kmart there will be none left,' one said, laughing. Many agreed the cheaper version was 'better'. 'Wow! I actually like the Kmart one better, it gives more bounce,' one said. 'Kmart wins,' another shared. 'Wow - great comparison,' one suggested. 'Wow that's crazy - go Kmart,' another added. She filmed herself curling one side of hair with the Kmart model and the other with the Dyson The sell-out Air Styler from Kmart has been flying off the shelves, with some fans claiming it's 'giving Dyson a run for its money' after achieving bouncy, wavy curls for a fraction of the price. The hair tool comes with four attachments: left side curler, right side curler, 32mm brush and hair dryer nozzle. It features three speed and heat settings, a self-clean function, and a three gear temperature display lights. With a near perfect rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, it's safe to say customers are obsessed with the Kmart product. 'I was super surprised! I was very skeptical... (but) I love it. It's amazing and easy to use,' one said. 'Great Air Styler and gives my daughter's Dyson a run for it's money, brush is wider but shorter... There's a nozzle and two curling attachments, three temperatures although the hottest is too hot. Works well and great price. Brilliant,' another shared. 'The Kmart Air Styler is amazing. As good if not better than the Dyson. If you can find one buy it,' one revealed. 'I was looking for a styler that automatically sucked the hair around as I am useless with trying to curl with a straighter. After 10 minutes of trial and error, I mastered this one. It works well on my thin, medium-length hair, takes less than 10 minutes to do and lasts all day. I have bleached hair and have not noticed any damage or dryness from using this, although I do protect my hair well and only use it maybe once a week,' another added.
