If you’ve heard of the Lipstick Index, you’ll be familiar with how economists predict our response to uncertainty: we buy ourselves a treat. Not a big ticket purchase. Just enough to unleash some life-affirming dopamine without setting you back more than, let’s say, the odd sneaky post-work Marg. And why not? Life need not spiral into a cost of looking good crisis too!
“Affordability isn’t always about choosing the cheapest products, it’s about finding the ones that deliver exceptional value,” says makeup artist, Neha Hobson. “I look for versatile formulas. They’re also a more conscious choice, helping to reduce excess consumption without compromising on performance.”
Save face
Socials have long gone ga-ga over French pharmacy hauls but good skin doesn’t require travel – there are some excellent derm-approved skincare goodies at your local chemist that will set you back less than a tank of petrol (and last a whole lot longer).
“Is it simply a case of the grass is greener elsewhere?” asks registered pharmacist Alyssa Dimaggio. “It goes without saying that French pharmacies have set the standard for accessibility to innovative and for elegant skincare products, but I think the narrative needs to shift. Australian pharmacies are a one-stop destination for affordable, efficacious products, backed by evidence.”
So, what should you prioritise if money is tight? A basic routine of cleanser, moisturiser and SPF is a good starting point. “I am a firm believer that a simple, yet consistent, skincare routine will always outperform a 12-step complicated routine with a myriad of active ingredients that may result in sensitivity and irritation,” says Alyssa. If you can stretch to adding a serum to target a specific concern (like niacinamide for pigmentation, or hyaluronic acid to plump up fine lines), you’re on the home run.
- Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser, $23, leaves naked skin feeling comfy.
- Weleda Skin Food, $28, is unbeatable as a heavy-duty moisturiser and make-up primer (and will fix dry spots from cuticles to heels). There are lighter spin-offs in the range if you’re blessed with the kind of glowy skin that might find this formula too tacky.
- The Ordinary GF 15% Solution, $27, isn’t their cheapest serum, but there are brands charging hundreds for the same growth factor technology. Their single-ingredient approach to skincare is dependably good.
- Dermal Therapy Overnight Lip Repair, $8.99, isn’t sexy, but your lips don’t actually give two hoots about pretty packaging.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, $38, offers light hydration for oily skin types or in humid weather.
- Hada Labo Moisturizing Facial Sheet Mask, $6.95, is an instant frazzled face fix (and on sale, it’s less than the price of a flat white).
In the salon
If fluctuating fuel prices are prompting you to stretch time between salon appointments, be honest with your hairdresser – they want you to walk out happy, and a good stylist will be full of ideas on how to best adjust a high-maintenance routine. For starters, instead of a full head of blonde that needs constant touch-ups, you could try softer blending that grows out more naturally or opt for just a few highlights around the face.
At-home hair heroes
What you do at home between visits matters. “Expensive hair is all about the quality of the shine,” says Josh Wood. “Focus on products that multi-task. A great colour-specific shampoo and conditioner, followed by a multi-purpose oil applied from mid-lengths to ends on damp or dry hair.
- Josh Wood Colour Hair Gloss, $44, might be a bit of a splurge, but it erases brassiness and delivers high-shine salon-fresh vibes for a fraction of the price.
- Yours Only Face, Hair + Body Oil, $55, truly delivers on a cost-per-use basis (you only need a couple of drops and the bottle is massive. It’s a multitasking head-to-toe wonder!
- Hairification H24 Complex Leave-In Repair Hair Mask, $20, is a total steal if your locks are looking frizzy. Fine-haired gals might like to rinse it off, though.
Pretty Simple
Put down the dirty brush or makeup sponge (they soak up product!) and use your fingers. You can make a striking difference with just two or three multi-taskers: a subtle highlighter for cheekbones, a matte bronzing stick for definition and a creamy blush (or even a glossy lipstick or lip oil if you have one) can do wonders for a sallow complexion with a few targeted swipes. “It creates that fresh, lit-from-within glow,” says makeup artist Nicola Johnson.
- Morphe makes fabulously affordable products including the Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio, $31, a creamy blush, highlighter and velvet powder in one go-anywhere palette.
- Maybelline Cloudtopia Lip and Cheek Tint in Pink Daydream, $24.99, is highly pigmented and deftly doubles as a lippie.
- Mecca Max Off Duty Glow Stick, $22, and L’Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, $30.99, are both a good match for the fabulous Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Highlighter Stick, $62.
- e.l.f. cosmetics Sheer For It Blush Tint in Pink Positive, $16, feels as light as a feather on cheeks and lips.
- Milani Cosmetics Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer in Hey Honey, $26.99, melts on to skin like you woke up that way. The brand’s Baked Blush, $26.99, is also brilliant (Luminoso gives off Nars Orgasm vibes).
On your body
If it’s not staying on your body, ask yourself this: are you literally washing money down the drain? A basic body cleanser that lifts dirt, sunscreen and sweat without stripping natural oils is all you need in-shower. “I always have the QV Ceramides Cleanser in my skincare cabinet because it can be used on both face and body and cleanses without drying the skin,” says Alyssa. Don’t skip body moisturiser though (lizard limbs will ensue). A little The Body Shop Shea Body Butter, from $35, goes a long way.
Fragrance
Perfumes have always been a splurge item – eye wateringly so currently, as prices have risen sharply over the past year. If you lust for a fragrance ‘wardrobe’, a set of minis or a roll-on will go surprisingly far. Luxury brands like Jo Malone, Kayali, Tocca, Bvlgari, Tom Ford and Maison Francis Jurkdjian do fabulous discovery sets, but if you prefer to spritz your heart out with a full size, there is an alternative to a pricy eau de parfum – hair and body mists have grown up, reclaiming their place in the fragrance conversation.
- Maison Louis Marie Fleur de Vanille Hair and Body Mist, $52, is delish (so are the mini perfume oils that come in under $30).
- Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair and Body Mist, $43, smells all grown up with hints of pink pepper and sandalwood.
- Kayali Freedom Discovery Eau de Parfum Layering Set, $27, gives you all the versions of musk you could hope to play with.
This article originally appeared in the September 2026 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
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