9 Best Makeup & Beauty Buys on Amazon Australia for 2024
Said to be eerily similar to the cult-fave La Mer Cream, we decided to put the $6 bargain moisturiser to the test.
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There’s no better feeling than discovering a budget-friendly beauty pick that works just as well as your ol’ fave that probably costs three times the price tag.
So allow me to tempt you with Amazon Australia’s amazing beauty offering.
Did you know the online giant stocks popular brands like Paula’s Choice and Olaplex, including a bunch of budget-friendly products that are similar to your favourite high-end products?
The news.com.au checkout team put our faces on the line and tested all the best beauty products available at Amazon right now.
With prices starting from as little as $6 for a “holy grail” moisturiser, your wallet is going to absolutely love this.
BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS AT AMAZON AUSTRALIA
NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream, $6 (down from $12) at Amazon Australia
Similar to: The Moisturising Soft Cream, from $185 at La Mer
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
So this has been my secret holy grail moisturiser for a few years now, and I recently found out it’s similar to the iconic La Mer Soft Moisturising Cream – so now I love it even more.
While I’ve never personally tried the La Mer Cream, there’s been plenty of whispers online in the beauty community how the two are eerily similar.
And there’s just something about the Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream that makes it so damn good.
It’s lightweight and sits comfortably on the skin, perfect to wear under makeup or to really hydrate your skin overnight.
It’s also thick enough to where it feels like it’s really protecting your skin, while not feeling too greasy or oily.
The best part? I can usually pick it up on sale for about $6 for the 200ml tub – that’s a massive difference when you compare it to the La Mer Cream (sits at $925 for a 100ml bottle).
NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip, $16.99 at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Dior Lip Glow Oil, $64 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ juicy lip oil? I’ve tried my fair share of what’s available on the market, including the cult fave Dior Lip Glow Oil, and let me tell you, this one takes the cake for $16.99.
The NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip is everything you want in a lip oil. It gives you that super glossy look, while also feeling super comfortable. I also find that this one is not as sticky as others I’ve tried – so big tick in my books!
But one of my favourite things has to be the applicator – it’s soft, big and comfy so you can really work it in and line your lips at the same time.
Erinde Liquid Cream Blush, $15.99 at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $45 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Partnerships Writer
I’m right into liquid blush at the moment and love Rare Beauty’s Liquid Soft Pinch Blush.
The packaging is almost identical and it comes with the same handy applicator brush inside the lid to apply a small blob to each cheek. I found it has a lightweight yet very creamy consistency that’s easy to blend – I started with a little and added in stages until I achieved the perfect finish.
And I have to say, I was impressed. This blush, much like Rare Beauty, offers the exact pretty pink colour that suits me, as well as a soft dewy finish needed for my ageing skin. I put it on the other day and my thirteen-year-old daughter said, “Mum! You look so pretty!” Massive compliment from a beauty-conscious teen.
For me, Erinde Liquid Blush is lightweight ideal for everyday wear, going to work or anytime I want a bit of colour or a fresh bright look. I probably wouldn’t use it at night as I usually need a stronger colour. However I’ve found I can mix it up with some powder blush to custom the shade and give a little more definition for after dark.
I will keep using this product and will definitely get it again rather than forking out $45 for the OG version. Highly recommended if you’re after a reliable everyday blush that looks and feels every bit as good as more expensive brands.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, $21.50 at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, $66 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Producer
When it comes to makeup, my biggest concern has always been my oily t-zone. I could spend hours perfecting my look only to have it all melt away within hours, so great primers and setting sprays are a non-negotiable.
The name of the product gave me hope - ‘power grip’ sounds exactly like the kind of strength someone with my skin would need. It’s a gel-based primer that goes on clear and sets within minutes (make sure you allow for this drying period before applying makeup). It’s also packed with hyaluronic acid and is non-comedogenic so it’s working overtime to not only grip your makeup, but also add a little glow to your face.
My first reaction was the texture, it’s much stickier than I expected but I believe this is what also creates the ‘power grip’ element. It’s also what makes it so similar to the iconic Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer.
Rest assured, the stickiness does ease once the primer has dried and you’re left with a smoother, plumper canvas for your makeup.
Full transparency, I did have to add a little extra translucent powder to my face around 3pm but given that’s eight hours after initial application, that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. I would definitely recommend e.l.f Power Grip Primer to other oily girls out there.
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, $15.99 (down from $17.99) at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Spray, $104 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Producer
I don’t play when it comes to my setting sprays. I need heavy-duty, reliable, quick-drying sprays that will help my 7am makeup application last through from hot studio lighting, messy lunches and all the way to 7pm dinner reservations (I do not enjoy re-application).
I’ve always longed to try the super popular Urban Decay All Nighter Spray - it’s won countless awards with thousands of five-star ratings.
But then this $16 pick from NYX came along, and it’s advertised as being ‘ideal for oil-prone skin’ which is right up my alley.
My first reaction is how dense the liquid feels compared to its counterparts - prepare to feel like you’ve just splashed a bucket of water on your face. However it does dry quickly and as long as you don’t touch your face while it’s still wet, it will create the perfect barrier between your makeup and the rest of the world.
My little hack would be to apply your eyebrow pencil straight after spraying your face as the wetness combined with the pencil creates a smooth crayon texture that I really loved for my brows.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, $13.69 (down from $22.99) at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $72 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I’ve been using the iconic Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder for probably six (or more) years and never did I think it could be replaced – until now.
Who was going to tell me this genius find from Maybelline was going to work just as good?!
I know the Fit Me Range from the budget-beauty brand has been around for ages, but this is the first time I’ve tried the Loose Powder and it’s fantastic.
The mineral-based formula helps to provide coverage, control shine and smooth your skin’s texture.
I will say the shade range can be improved, but at the $13 price point versus the $80 price point, I can’t complain too much.
L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara, $12.99 (down from $25.99) at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $48.95 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Partnerships Writer
I wear mascara everyday, it’s one of the beauty items that I cannot go without. However having the right one is vital when you’re a busy mum-on-the-go. I don’t have time for a lot of make-up application, so I need it to be smooth and hassle-free. Plus I don’t want to spend a lot of money.
I had the opportunity to try the L’Oreal Paris Mascara and I have to say I was impressed. Much like other expensive brands – it’s said to be most similar to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – this product claims to lengthen and volumise your lashes – and in this case, I would have to agree.
It goes on easily and I found my lashes instantly looked thicker and more noticeable. I usually need to go over my lashes to make sure the mascara is even and hasn’t come out in lumps however this one goes on smoothly as well as thickly and needed little attention after. And when I’m in a rush to get out the door – which I always am – this is heaven. A great mascar if you want luscious lashes for a budget-friendly price.
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick, $17.45 at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Nars Multi-Purpose Blush Stick, $81.20 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Producer
A three-in-one makeup hack? Sign me up!
Also helps that it looks insanely similar to the cult Multiple Stick from Nars.
This blendable cream-to-powder stick is the product you want in your handbag on a night out, especially when you have limited space.
I found the Sparkling Rose shade to be quite pigmented so my words of wisdom here would be to start with a little and build from there. I applied the stick to my eyes, cheeks and lips and really loved the cohesive look of having the same colour throughout my makeup look.
For a little extra staying powder I lightly swiped some translucent powder over the top of the cream, which not only helped to keep makeup in place but also worked to blend the product to create a more seamless aesthetic.
BS-MALL Makeup Sponge Set Blender Sponges, $12.99 for seven-pack at Amazon Australia
Similar to: Beautyblender Original, $34 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’ve yet to use a sponge to do your makeup, be prepared for your life to change. Say goodbye to streaks and unwanted patchiness with this sponge that perfectly blends your foundation in seconds. A cheaper version for the more famous beauty blender, I love the material of this sponge. It’s not as porous as a regular sponge which means less makeup sinks in and there’s less wastage involved. I also find that it gives a really nice finish on your skin. Plus, perhaps best of all, they’re super easy to clean. Just wash in the sink with some soap and your makeup will come right off.
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