Beauty Finds: Face Makeup Products Under $50

Are you just getting into makeup and have zero clue on where to begin? Perhaps you’re looking to get the beauty junkie in your life some new products but are overwhelmed with the choices available. Not to worry! We’ve rounded up the best face makeup products under $50. Who says you need to break the bank when it comes to beauty? No matter your skin type or preference, there’s something for everyone!

When it comes to ensuring the longevity of your foundation, a primer is a no-brainer. A primer creates a smooth and perfect canvas for foundation application. Think of it this way, good primers are like shapewear! The other bits that go on top of your shapewear will look flawless. That’s why it’s essential to find the right face primer.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
This primer has become one of the most highly coveted products in the beauty world and it’s not hard to see why! It’s become so popular that Smashbox decided to come out with a range of alternative products to suit every skin type. Although there are other variations available, the original is second to none. It’s suitable for all skin types and it creates a velvety canvas for foundation application with a silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extracts, and green tea. Plus, it also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. Wear it under your foundation and watch it work its magic!

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
If you’re looking for something that’ll keep your natural oils at bay, the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is your best bet. It’s an ultra lightweight formula that minimizes the appearance of large pores. It also helps to control shine for up to 8 hours creating a soft, perfectly matte complexion. So if you often find yourself looking like a greaseball at the end of the day, this primer could just be your saviour!

Typically, after the primer comes the foundation and you want your foundation to be of the best quality. Just like everything else in this world, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all foundation. So here’s a tip for choosing the right foundation - take into account your skin type and your undertone. If you’ve got oily skin, it’s best to opt for foundations with matte finishes, whereas those with dry skin would look best in dewy finishes. Unsure of your undertone? Have a look at the underside of your wrists in the sun. If you have peachy, yellow or golden hues and your veins are green, you have warm undertones. If you have pink or red hues and mostly purple or blue veins, you have cooler undertones. However, if you have both pink and golden hues and have purple and green veins, you have neutral undertones.

Let’s talk about foundation application! Foundation can be applied with either a foundation brush or damp makeup sponge. Different tools will have different finishes. Typically, foundation brushes have a flat or round edge with densely packed bristles. The packed bristles offer fuller coverage. On the other hand, if you’re after something more natural, opt for a makeup sponge such as a BeautyBlender sponge. Now that we’ve covered how to determine your undertones and apply foundation, it’s time to check out the best foundations under $50!

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation
This foundation is an absolute gem! It provides a medium coverage with a natural satin finish. While it does control shine, it isn’t a super matte formula. It won’t cling to your dry patches. In fact, it'll give you the natural glow you desire! It does an excellent job at hiding your blemishes while also enhancing your natural beauty.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
If you’re on the hunt for a longwearing foundation, no one does it better than Estée Lauder. Their Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation has been a cult favourite for decades and for good reason too! It provides maximum coverage, evens out skin tone and hides blemishes whilst feeling lightweight and comfortable on the skin. No matter what the day throws at you, whether it’s the blazing sun or the winter chill, this foundation will stay in place as the name suggests.

The right concealer can be an excellent weapon in your beauty arsenal, as it can help you look fresh and wide awake to take on the day. Concealers are exceptional at covering your dark circles if you’ve been restless the night before. If you’ve got blemishes and hormonal acne that takes up residence on your cheeks every month, adding a concealer to your makeup routine wouldn’t hurt.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Choosing the right concealer can be an overwhelming task, as they come in a variety of forms, consistencies and finishes. There’s a ton of factors to think about when choosing the right concealer. A big tip is to find the right formula for whatever you’re trying to hide. When it comes to concealing undereye dark circles, the key is to find a lightweight hydrating formula that has a radiant or luminous finish. Dryer formulas tend to accentuate the fine lines under the eye, making you look older. It’s also best to look for a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone, as it’ll help brighten your face. A great lightweight concealer is the highly sought after Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer! This unbelievably affordable concealer offers excellent coverage and superb blendability. Its lightweight formula won’t crease into any fine lines, resulting in a smooth finish.

Laura Geller Baked Radiance Cream Concealer
If you’re concerned about acne and blemishes, opt for a concealer with a heavier consistency like a cream or stick concealer. A great option is Laura Geller Baked Radiance Cream Concealer. Because of its creamier texture, it’s not recommended to be used all over the face, as it can make you look greasy. Typically, creamy concealers work best on those with normal to dry skin. The best way to apply cream concealers is by using your fingertips or a small concealer brush. Be sure to look for concealers that are oil-free, alcohol-free and non-comedogenic if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts.

Bellápierre Colour Correcting Concealer Palette
Have you ever heard of colour correcting? If you’re ready to take your makeup game to the next level, it’s time to introduce colour correction to your routine. But first, you need to determine 3 things before you begin: (1) where you need to correct, whether it’s your undereyes or around the nose and lips, (2) what you need to correct, like hyperpigmentation, dark circles or redness, (3) the right shades to use. Peach, yellow and orange shades neutralise purple and blue tones, meaning they’re great to cancel out dark undereye circles. Green neutralises red, making it perfect to hide any redness, whereas lavender cancels out any unflattering yellow tones or dullness on the skin. The Bellápierre Colour Correcting Concealer Palette contains all the shades essential for colour correcting. Banish imperfections in your complexion with one handy palette! It even includes a step-by-step guide on how to use the product making it ideal for beginners!

Although there are no ‘rules’ to makeup, it’s absolutely necessary to set your liquid or cream products with a setting powder so that it stays in place all day. Not only does it lock in your makeup, a good powder also helps ensure skin stays matte for hours. Plus, setting your face with powder allows other products to sit on your base seamlessly. Even if you have dry skin, don’t be afraid to add a setting powder to your routine! The right powder will keep your makeup in place without clinging onto dry patches.

Maybelline Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Loose Powder in Translucent
This Maybelline setting powder works amazing on all skin types. Its finely milled texture will set makeup, mattify, blur and smooth the face for a seamless finish. This powder enhances the wear of other products. Whether it’s your blush or bronzer, the hard work you’ve put into your base won’t go to waste when you’ve got this Maybelline setting powder in your kit! Plus, it can also be worn on its own to keep skin looking fresh and oil-free as you go on about your day.

MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Loose Finishing Powder
A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup and control shine. Think of it this way, a setting powder is the icing on top of the cake. It just makes your makeup look better! The MAC Prep+Prime Finishing Powder is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and oil-free, so clogging your pores is the least of your worries!

It’s safe to say that we’re all aware of the harmful effects of tanning beds, sunbathing and even spray tanning. That doesn’t mean you should kiss your dreams of being a bronzed goddess goodbye. With the right bronzer, you can achieve the sunkissed look you’re after! Knowing how to apply bronzer is just as important as choosing the right one. A foolproof way of applying bronzer is by lightly brushing the sides of your face in a ‘3’ motion with a big fluffy brush. Look in the mirror and see where the light naturally shines on your face. Typically, it’s the perimeter of the face! That’s where bronzer should go! You can also apply bronzer all over the eyes for a natural eyeshadow look. It’s a must-have in every makeup lovers’ collection.

Too Faced Natural Lust Bronzer
This is for all fair-skinned girls out there! There’s no need to worry about looking muddy with the Too Faced Natural Lust Bronzer, as it’s light enough for fair skin. Taking the "your skin but better" concept and running with it, these luscious shades are incredibly blendable and creamy. This warm two-toned bronzer is in an oversized pan to ensure you don't run out of your new holy grail product. Use the shades separately for a warm flush, or swirl them together for a perfectly sunkissed look.

Chi Chi Viva La Diva Bronzer Palette
If you’re looking for something more versatile, check out Chi Chi Viva la Diva Bronzer palette. It comes with three beautiful buttery shades that you can either wear on its own or swirl together to create the perfect golden shade. Not only is it unbelievably affordable, it’s cruelty free too! Sounds like music to our ears, if you ask us!

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous flush on the cheeks. Whether it’s a natural peachy shade or a bold fuschia, blush can transform the face and enhance the features. It’s just one of those products that can make you look radiant and more awake! If you want to look more youthful, lightly apply blush on the centre of the nose. When it comes to picking the right blush, it all comes down to the formula. Is it blendable? Can you dial down the pigmentation if you put on too much? Is it longwearing? These are just some of the factors to take into account when shopping for blushes.

Ofra Cosmetics Pressed Blushes
These blushes are so pigmented they’ll make you blush. This blush by Ofra Cosmetics comes in a variety of shades that’ll suit a range of different skin tones, making it perfect for both makeup enthusiasts as well as first time makeup users. Not only are they extremely blendable and long-lasting, they’re also vegan.

Etude House Berry Delicious Cream Blush
For a soft, natural look, opt for a cream blush. Its creamy texture will give you a lovely flush on the cheeks. To apply, use a stippling blush or a damp makeup sponge and dab it across the cheeks. For a more natural and effortless look, use your fingertips. Experts say fingertips are the best tools when it comes to applying cream and liquid products. Warm up the blush with your fingertips and dab it all over the cheeks. Don’t forget the centre of the nose too!

If you’re all about the glow, then a highlighter is a must in your makeup kit. A highlighter is used to accentuate the highest points of the face such as the bridge and tip of the nose, inner corner of the eyes, brow bone, cupid’s bow and everyone’s favourite, the cheekbones. A highlighter will also look stunning when applied onto the collarbones and shoulders. The best way to apply a highlight is by using a small fluffy brush or a fan brush.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle
Ask any makeup lover or artist, they’ll tell you that this product is one of the best highlighters ever made. It’s a slow-baked highlighter that features a multi-mineral complex with subtle pearlised pigments that yield a naturally beautiful, satin finish. The shade Soft & Gentle in particular, is one of MAC’s best-selling products. It’s buildable, which means you can apply as much of the product as you like without looking like you’ve just dipped yourself in a tub of glitter. But hey, if that’s the look you’re going for, there’s nothing wrong with it!

TheBalm The Lou Manizer’s Quad
Get the best bang for your buck with TheBalm The Lou Manizer’s Quad. It features four of beautiful highlight shades at an unbeatable price. Two of the shades, Mary-Lou and Cindy-Lou, are the brand’s best-sellers while the other two, Penny-Lou and Emma-Lou are available exclusively in this quad. Together, they form the most wanted highlight quad of the century!

Setting sprays are one of those products that people don’t seem to think too much about. Some people can go without it, while others swear by it. Setting sprays set and lock your makeup in place so that it lasts all day. When using one, make it the final step of your makeup routine, the cherry on top of the sundae.

Maybelline Facestudio Master Fix Wear-Boosting Setting Spray
Achieve an instantly luminous complexion with Maybelline’s ultra lightweight Facestudio Master Fix Wear-Boosting setting spray. This oil-free and translucent mist boosts the wear of makeup to prevent melting and colour fading.

Palladio 4 Ever + Ever Makeup Setting Matte Finish Spray
Get oil and shine under control with Palladio 4 Ever + Ever Makeup Setting Matte Finish Spray. Formulated with long-lasting ingredients like green tea and aloe, this gem will hold your makeup in place all day. Whether you’re going to work or are running errands around town, oily skin will be the least of your worries! With this in your arsenal, you’ll wonder how you’ve gone so long without it!

So there you have it - the best face makeup products under $50! There’s no need to break the bank to get a flawless base. Check out these makeup products and more online at Catch, Australia’s #1 superstore!