Metro Beauty Awards 2021: Best Budget Buys
You don't need to break the bank to look like a million bucks!
Beauty junkies, rejoice! It's that time of the year when we at METRO celebrate all things beauty and bring you some of the best we've ever tried. The 2021 Metro Beauty Awards aims to highlight the power of beauty to help bring a much-needed boost despite trying times.
Truly, there's nothing like spending a little more time on your skincare routine in the morning and at night, or finally receiving that much-awaited new fragrance in the mail after ordering online, or swiping on a bold shade of red lipstick to brighten up one's day. These seemingly little acts of self-care, when added up, make up for a lot. As the year soon comes to a close, let's celebrate all there is to be grateful for, and acknowledge the empowering effect of beauty!
No, dear reader, an effective beauty routine need not be pricey! You absolutely do not need to break the bank on your quest to finding the skincare routine that works for you. In the same way, a beautiful makeup look can cost you very little, but still make you look like a million bucks! In this Best Budget Buys list, we round-up some of our finds from skincare, to body care, to makeup, and let you in so you can have your own personal cheat sheet next time you're doing some shopping. You're welcome! Swipe through the gallery below:
Best Budget Buys
Best Budget Buys
Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation Tube, P249
Most of us don't get to really finish our foundation down to the last drop, so buying a small tube of a really good formula is a great idea. This one mattifies, covers completely (no need for concealer), and stays on the entire day!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Oxecure Sulfur Soap, P89
Looking for a pocket-friendly, tried-and-tested way to treat breakouts? This sulfur soap bar is specifically made for acne-prone skin, both for the face and body. It has 2.5% sulfur that aids in cleansing, reducing oil, accumulation of bacteria, de-clogging of pores, and prevents formation of new zits. This bar also contains Mangosteen extract, Tea Leaf extract, and Soy Protein that helps fade dark spots while healing old acne too. A must!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel, P807
Sun protection has always been important, so we're grateful that brands have put extra attention to creating amazing formulas that are effective, comfortable to use, and pocket-friendly too. We love Cetaphil's new sun product, the Sun SPF50+ Gel, a lightweight formula for daily use. Cetaphil prides itself in being good for sensitive skin, so that's a plus. It has no fragrance, is water-resistant, and protects from both harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Day-Night Cream Duo, P1,980
This is one of the day and night creams we've fallen in love with this year! It's fragrance-free, and it's a fuss-free way to brighten skin with its GentleBright Technology—a blend of skin-lightening ingredients of Niacinamide and Sea Daffodil. Again, it's great for sensitive skin, and can already last you for a couple of months' use.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Avon Care Antibacterial Body Wash, P149
It's a no-nonsense product that cleanses your entire body with its easy-to-lather formula. We love using a shower puff or a loofah to upgrade the bath experience even further! At just P149, and with this size, you're getting a real bang for your buck.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
blk Cosmetics Holiday All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick, P149
What woman doesn't need a good matte lipstick in her kit? We love the ease of use of the All-Day Intense Matte line by blk not just because it's so affordable and it has pretty packaging, it has a formula to beat too! Intense pigments, long-wearing, and a real matte finish!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Careline Graph-Ink Liner, P220
This one's a cult favorite, not just because it's so pocket-friendly, but because it seriously gets the job done! A standout for creating beautifully lined eyes—whether you're the type to draw a subtle line or go all out with the graphic cat eyes. It's waterproof, smudge-proof, and absolutely long-wearing. Truly a great buy!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Blythe Stardust Palette, P275
Highlight your way to a glowing face, care of Andrea Brillantes' Blythe Stardust Palette! Three flattering shades you can play around with, depending on your color palette of the day. It's buildable and has the right amount of shimmer to create that superstar glow.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, from P139
No beauty awards list would be complete without an icon for facial cleansers! The original Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is a staple in our kits, since most of us have sensitive skin issues. This non-drying facial wash is most prescribed by licensed dermatologists, for good reason! It is able to cleanse, hydrate, and ward off irritation, while keeping skin healthy and supple. The best part? You can use it even without water!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Human Nature Radiant Skin Mineral Foundation, P975
We'll confess: we were immediately drawn to its pretty paper packaging, but we were smitten by its formula too! This kind-to-the-planet package is a godsend for your face, if you're looking to freshen up your complexion, even out your skin tone, and treat it with TLC all at the same time. The mineral formula has kaolin clay that absorbs excess shine, and has bamboo silk that keeps sebum under control. Its jojoba oil moisturizes and maintains a healthy look throughout the day. Grab it now while it's on sale, at P695!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Human Nature Sunflower Eye Cream, P295
Our eyes are often exhausted, but it rarely ever gets the care it needs. Don't skip eye care just because you think it's expensive! This great pick from Human Nature de-puffs, nourishes, hydrates, and smoothes the eye area with its Jasmine and hawthorne, as well as Sunflower Beauty Oil, a powerhouse for taking care of delicate skin areas.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Jergens Oil-Infused Hydrating Coconut Lotion, P375
Is Jergens body lotion a classic or what? We revisited our love for the classic beauty items and found out that Jergens has released a new oil-infused line that's just a vacation in a bottle! We absolutely love its coconut scent care of its Coconut Oil and Coconut Water components, plus its reliable formula for deep moisturization and hydration. A daily must-have!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Naturals by Watsons Argan Revitalising Lip Balm, P119
Lip balms are a dime a dozen these days, but we love a special formula when we see one. This one's infused with certified organic Argan oil that obviously moisturizes lips, preventing chapping. Lips stay supple and healthy all day!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
Max Factor Real Brow Fill & Shape, P495
Two brow products in one trusty item? Yes please! Creating beautiful brows is a breeze with its angled pencil edge, and a powder applicator edge to shade and fill in the gaps. A great buy!
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
L'Oreal Revitalift 1.5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, P1,299
It's dubbed the no. 1 serum in the US, and continues to prove amazing for Asian skin. A bottle is great for a couple of months' use, proving its pocket-friendliness. It's an anti-aging formula that specializes in plumping and hydrating skin, warding off pesky signs of aging. We love its lightweight, fast-absorbent formula that is a breeze to add to an existing skincare routine, too.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW