Nestled between aisles of vegetables and lines of canned foods, there’s a surprising bounty of beauty brands to be found at supermarkets. A haven for budget beauty lovers, Sainsbury’s is leading the charge with enough on offer for a full skincare routine and face of make-up.
While they can be often overlooked, Sainsbury’s beauty aisles are surprisingly chock-full of affordable hidden gems and feature many products our beauty experts rave about, from skin tints to volumising mascaras. I’ve spotted new launches and cult heroes from the likes of Maybelline and Rimmel, decent shade ranges, barrier-repair moisturisers and more amongst its beauty offering.
If you fancy stocking up on beauty while you do your weekly shop, I’ve found the best beauty products you can buy at Sainsbury’s – and they all cost less than £20.
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Rimmel London thrill seeker extreme black mascara
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I’ve spotted Rimmel’s thrill seeker extreme black mascara in Sainsbury’s make-up selection, which went down well with shopping writer Daisy Lester. In her Rimmel London thrill seeker mascara review, she detailed: “It doesn’t go on clumpy, instead, each lash looks individually lengthened for a fanned-out effect.”
“I don’t have naturally long lashes, but Rimmel’s mascara delivers impact with minimal effort,” she wrote. “Though the brand claims it offers up to five times more volume, I’d argue the formula is more lengthening and curling than volumising, working to elongate the eye.”
Maybelline instant anti age eraser eye concealer
If you’re after a concealer for mature skin, this one was our top budget formula. In her review of the Maybelline concealer, beauty expert Sabine Wiesel said: “It’s easy to build up, thanks to the in-built sponge-applicator (which also makes re-applying on the go easy). However, I do find I still have to use my fingers to buff in the product, for the most flawless finish.”
“It offers a semi-matte finish that looks very natural on the skin, whether you’re brightening dark circles or covering up redness.”
Maybelline tattoo liner ink pen matte black
This budget eyeliner gave shopping writer Daisy Lester “a flattering flick in seconds”. In her review of the Maybelline eyeliner, she noted that while the pigment and staying power doesn’t compare to more expensive formulas, “the liner is great for quick application and easy definition.”
Maybelline super stay up to 24H skin tint foundation + Vitamin C
In our team review of the best foundations, this came up as the best budget formula, with high scores across the board. Beauty expert Ateh Jewel noted that it “feels like a breathable second skin”, while senior shopping writer Lucy Smith said: “I found that Maybelline’s sub-£15 formula turned out to be more flattering on my skin than Clé de Peau’s £120+ offering.”
Garnier BB cream oil-free
If you tend to reach for a BB cream over foundation, Sainsbury’s offering includes our best budget BB cream, Garnier’s oil-free formula. When beauty buff Rose Gallagher reviewed the product she said: “The formula feels like a creamy gel, offering moisture but drying down to keep the skin free from shine. It lasted well throughout the day and was the most budget-friendly of the many I discovered.”
CeraVe facial moisturising lotion AM SPF 50
A hero from the skincare brand, CeraVe’s formula is a team favourite with senior shopping writer Lucy including it in her round-up of the best SPF moisturisers. She said: “The brand has somehow covered all bases: tackling shine control with niacinamide, avoiding alcohol for a sensitive skin-approved formula and using two types of humectants (moisture-attracting components) for a boost of hydration.”
Garnier summer body hydrating gradual tan moisturiser
After years of testing fake tan, this budget formula has remained a favourite for shopping writer Daisy Lester. “It’s the best budget gradual tan I’ve tested and it yields impressive results,” she said in her review of the best gradual tans. “Replacing your usual body moisturiser when you want a hint of a tan, the lotion is intensely moisturising. Thanks to the apricot ingredient, it leaves skin soft and supple.”
Aveeno skin relief body oil spray
This affordable formula was named our best body oil overall after beauty expert Helen Wilson-Beevers put it to the test. “The midweight oil makes skin feel silky-soft, and it soaks in well while still leaving a slight layer on the surface,” she said. “Its scent is sweet but subtle, and calming. Because of how gentle the oil is, I’ve used it on my kids’ skin too.”
Read more: The beauty products products under £15 that are actually worth trying
