20 cult beauty products under $30 that totally work

1. A glow-boosting serum to get glass skin

Credit: Beauty of Joseon

1/20

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

2. A leave-in conditioner that doesn’t weigh hair down

Credit: SheaMoisture

2/20

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

3. Lightweight, invisible sun protection for the face and body

Credit: Nivea

3/20

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

4. A K-beauty staple to flood skin with hydration

Credit: Cosrx

4/20

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

5. A hydrating gel moisturiser to supercharge your skin

Credit: Neutrogena

5/20

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

6. A Japanese cleansing oil that removes makeup without stripping skin

Credit: Hada Labo

6/20

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

7. A gentle facial cleanser for all skin types

Credit: Cerave

7/20

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

8. A hair brush that detangles without snagging

Credit: Wet Brush

8/20

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

9. A body polish to buff away dry, rough skin

Credit: Dove

9/20

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

10. Pimple patches to help breakouts heal

Credit: Nexcare

10/20

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

11. A set of high-quality makeup brushes

Credit: EcoTools

11/20

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

12. A French pharmacy moisturiser that doubles up as a makeup primer

Credit: Embryolisse

12/20

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

13. An aluminium-free deodorant to keep body odour at bay

Credit: Vanicream

13/20

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

14. A matte lip colour that doesn't transfer onto your mask

Credit: Etude House

14/20

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

15. A full-coverage concealer to cover all sins

Credit: e.l.f

15/20

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

16. A 2-in-1 cream blush and lipstick to get that healthy, dewy flush

Credit: Honest Beauty

16/20

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

17. An antibacterial cleanser for the face and body

Credit: PanOxyl

17/20

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

18. An easy-to-blend creamy eyeshadow that dries down to a powder finish

Credit: Rimmel

18/20

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

19. An eyeliner that doubles up as eyeshadow

Credit: Nyx Professional Makeup

19/20

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

20. A waterproof mascara for fluttery lashes

Credit: Essence

20/20

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