With new beauty brands and products seemingly launching every day, it can get tiring to stay abreast of the latest trends and viral items blowing up across social media. Sometimes, we just want to pare down our beauty routines to the tried-and-true, holy grail products that we know work well.
If that is you, we’ve rounded up a list of skin, body and makeup products from the US, Japan, Korea and France that have achieved cult status around the world.
The best part? We’ve kept it budget-friendly. Everything on this list is less than $30. You’re welcome.
The Beauty of Joseon serum contains almost 60 percent propolis extract that touts anti-inflammatory properties. The formula is then bolstered with two percent niacinamide to balance skin as well as 0.5 percent betaine salicylate to keep pores clean.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
$26.43
Coconut oil works in conjunction with coconut milk, acacia and other plant oils to nourish parched tresses. The formula also protects against heat while detangling and reducing frizz.
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-in Treatment
$18.60
Wet Brush’s IntelliFlex bristles are tough enough to smoothen hair while also being soft enough to glide through without tangling or snagging. The comb can be used on both wet and dry hair and across all hair types and textures.
Wet Brush Original Detangler Brush
$13.12
Sun protection is key to staving off damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This Nivea sunscreen has a lightweight gel texture and is unscented. More importantly, it doesn’t contain physical filters so it wouldn’t leave a white cast, regardless of your skin tone.
Nivea Sun Protective Water Gel SPF50/PA+++
$23.35
Also available at Lazada and Shopee
From the K-beauty label Cosrx, the snail mucin essence is well-loved for its potent hydrating qualities as it employs the namesake ingredient alongside hyaluronic acid and soothing allantoin. Use it after cleansing to prep skin for further skincare steps.
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
$18.50
Also available at Shopee
This Neutrogena iteration is for those who want a lightweight gel moisturiser that doesn’t weigh skin down in Singapore’s humidity. Hyaluronic acid works together with prebiotics and antioxidant-rich olive extract to continuously hydrate skin for up to 72 hours.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
$25.90
Also available at Shopee
Olive oil works as the main driver to break down makeup, dirt and excess sebum before emulsifiers combine with water to remove all of them. Hyaluronic acid is also present to hydrate and maintain skin balance.
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $20.90
Also available at Lazada and Shopee
Powered by hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin – all of which are hydrating ingredients – the non-foaming Cerave cleanser cleans without stripping the skin. It is also free of fragrance and parabens so sensitive skin types can use it too.
Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$26.48
Struggling with body odour but don’t want to use aluminium-containing deodorants? Then tap on Vanicream which uses only five ingredients to combat sweat and odour. It doesn’t contain alcohol, talc or baking soda as well.
Vanicream Aluminum-Free Gel Deodorant
$14.14
Those who struggle with dry, dull skin or keratosis pilaris (or “chicken skin”) should incorporate a scrub into their body care routine. The Dove body scrub contains crushed macadamia and rice milk to polish and nourish the skin.
Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub
$15.55
The fastest way to let a pimple heal without leaving a scar is to not touch it. And here is where the Nexcare acne patch comes in. The hydrocolloid gel material absorbs sebum and pus while providing a waterproof and breathable layer to prevent contamination and infection.
Nexcare Acne Patch
$8.90
Also available at Shopee
The PanOxyl wash uses four percent benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria. The pH-balanced formula also contains various humectants and emollients so that the cleanser doesn’t dry out the skin. You can also double up the cleanser on your armpits to combat odour-causing bacteria.
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
$15.66
Honest Beauty is a beauty label founded by actress Jessica Alba, and is known for its clean formulas free of potentially harmful ingredients. This cream blush leaves a soft, dewy flush of colour and can also be used on the lips to create a monochromatic look.
Honest Beauty Creme Cheek Blush Plus Lip Colour
$22.16-$23.41
Makeup brushes don’t have to be expensive to work. Many times, makeup tools are often overlooked, but thoughtfully-crafted pieces can really amplify the beauty routine and results. This EcoTool set contains two brushes for the face and three for the eyes, all while being made with synthetic bristles housed in recycled aluminium ferrules and bamboo handles.
EcoTools Cruelty Free Start the Day Beautifully Kit
$17.41
Also available at LookFantastic
A favourite among skincare aficionados and makeup artists alike, the Embryolisse cream moisturises and softens the skin with its blend of waxes and oils. Use it as a moisturiser, makeup primer or apply a thick layer as a mask.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
$18.93
Looking for a lightweight and hydrating matte lip tint that doesn’t transfer even onto masks? The Etude House Fixing Tint hits all these criteria while containing vitamin E.
Etude House Fixing Lip Tint
$12.71-$17.21
Also available at Shopee
With a hydrating formula to nourish the delicate undereye area, e.l.f’s full-coverage concealer can also be used to cover blemishes. At such an affordable price point, you can afford to buy a few in different tones to highlight and contour with too.
e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer
$10.57-$15.90
Formulated with a built-in primer that promises all-day wear and zero creasing, the Rimmel cream eyeshadow blends and builds easily to create any eye look you want, and dries down to a powder finish. It is available in five wearable shades. We recommend Spiced Petal, a pinky-brown shade that is perfect for a flattering subtle, everyday look.
Rimmel Wonder’Cloud Eyeshadow
$12.77-$17.36
Also available at LookFantastic
The white shade in Milk specifically, is the most raved-about among the Nyx eye pencils. It can be used on the waterlines to make your eyes appear bigger, or as an eyeshadow base to let other colours applied on top look even more vibrant.
Nyx Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
$10.32
The Essence Lash Princess mascara has gained a cult following for being affordable and efficacious. This waterproof formula does the same to provide volume and length without flaking, fading or smudging.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
$27.32
Text: Ho Guo Xiong/HerWorld
All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.