Hey besties, listen up! You don’t need to splash serious cash to slay those beauty goals. We’ve done the digging across the Middle East to find you the hottest beauty products that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. We’re talking skincare goodies, makeup essentials, and hair treats all for under Dhs50.
Think of us as your beauty bargain hunters, scouring the shelves to bring you the best steals and deals. With these affordable gems, you can slay every look without worrying about your bank account crying for mercy. So, whether you’re prepping for a glam night out or just wanna amp up your everyday vibe, we’ve got the goods to make it happen without spending a fortune.
Say bye-bye to emptying your pockets just to get that perfect lewk. Our budget-friendly picks are here to save the day and your cash stash.
1. NYX Cosmetics Duck Plump Lip Gloss
Price: Dhs48, lookfantastic.ae
Why you need it: Forget spending thousands on lip fillers. Thanks to a generous dose of spicy ginger, you can rock the mega-plumped-up lip look for a fraction of the cost. These vegan glosses come in 16 colours and two transparent shades to plump up your pout.
2. Reach Techniques Mini Multi-Tasker Brush
Price: Dhs45, namshi.com
Why you need it: On the go? Say less. This is one brush that does ~almost~ everything. Whether you need to touch up your blush, bronzer, or highlighter (or all three), this cruelty-free brush has your cheeks covered.
3. Skin Proud Everything Balm Multi-Use Skin Balm
Price: Dhs42, watsons.ae
Why you need it: This do-it-all balm tackles dryness, chapped lips, and even unruly brows. It’s made with conditioning jojoba and soothing coconut oils to keep your body looking and feeling like the nourished goddess you are. Pop one in your bag for the on-the-go touch-ups.
4. Davines The Spotlight Circle Hair Mask
Price: Dhs40, eideal.com
Why you need it: Outshine your selfie lighting and level up your hair game with this lock-loving and radiance-enhancing hair mask. This lightweight mask puts the shine back in your strands and enhances your hair colour with just one use.
5. Lottie London Twisted Heart Duo Lip Tint and Gloss
Price: Dhs39, beautysolutions-me.com
Why you need it: Fidget toys are making their way into mainstream beauty, it’s kind of genius. Lottie London’s Twisted Heart Duo features a deep rose lip tint that doubles as a cheek colour. It also has a clear lip gloss packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing argan oil. We love the packaging and the way it wears on our pout too.
6. Impress Press-on Gel Color Manicure Nails
Price: Dhs46, Carrefour
Why you need it: Skip the pricey salon and opt for these quick ‘n’ easy press-ons. These gel manis are easy to apply as your fav Snapchat filter. Whether you like neutrals, bold colours, or pretty pastels, Impress has you covered.
7. Vacation After Sun Gel
Price: Dhs44.07, revolve.com
Why you need it: Let your skin cool down and keep that glow going strong with Vacation’s After Sun Gel. This alcohol-free gel has a non-sticky, watery feel that quenches and soothes sunburned skin. Taking care of your skin is always a vibe, especially after a day of soaking up those GCC rays.
8. Nivea Soft Freshies Moisturising Cream
Price: Dhs17.50, Choitrams
Why you need it: Who says effective creams need to break the bank? Infused with smoothing vitamin E and nourishing jojoba oil, dry skin is no match for Nivea’s ultra moisturising cream. It comes in a variety of fresh and fruity scents like Peach Blush, Cherry Blossom, and Chilled Mint, making the deal that much sweeter.
9. Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Price: Dhs49, revolve.com
Why you need it: Spritz some of this good karma onto your skin and say peace out to redness and daily damage from environmental stressors. SOS elevates your complexion by strengthening the skin’s barrier and relaxing stressed-out skin. Pop this mini in your bag to bring its calming vibes wherever you go.
10. Wakeup Cosmetics Satin Finish Lipstick
Price: Dhs47, nysaa.com
Why you need it: If you’re a medium to full coverage kinda gal, then this satin lipstick might just be your new pout-perfecting bestie. It glides on as smooth as the jokes coming from these funny Arab TikTokkers. Coming in eight shades to suit all skin tones, these colours will have you ready for group selfies to spontaneous karaoke sessions at Lucky Voice.
11. Kocostar Waffle Mask Strawberry-Skin Resurfacing
Price: Dhs16, 6thstreet.com
Why you need it: Oily gals, this one is for you. Refining skin texture and controlling shine has never been tastier thanks to Kocostar’s gel essence waffle mask. This single-use mask harnesses the powers of beach strawberry extract and ginseng root to balance skin and improve its health.
12. Creme of Nature Perfect Edges Extra Firm Hold
Price: Dhs32.20, ae.iherb.com
Why you need it: For those who suffer with their edges during the humid months, this works like magic on your baby hair. It’s fortified with Moroccan argan oil to tame hard-to-control flyaways so you can rock a sleek ponytail or a bomb twist-out that’s as fierce as your confidence.
13. Max Factor Miracle Pure Cream Blush
Price: Dhs45, lookfantastic.ae
Why you need it: Cream blushes are super popular at the mo, and for all the right reasons. They’re buildable, hydrating, and blend easily into the skin. We love giving our cheeks a pop of playful colour with Max Factor’s dewy formula. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and squalane to keep skin supple and glowing.
14. H&M Beauty Nail Polish
Price: Dhs39, ae.hm.com
Why you need it: Life’s too short for dull tips. H&M is servin’ us a rainbow of possibilities for our claws- and we’re here for it. With so many choices, you can easily match your nails match your mood, your vibe, and even your ootd.
15. Wet Brush Original Detangler Pink
Price: Dhs31.50, glambeaute.com
Why you need it: Broken hair belongs in the past, just like our exes. This pretty pink groomer gently untangles our locks and glides through our tresses without snagging our strands. Its bristles cause 45% less damage than traditional paddle brushes and it can be used on wet or dry hair.
16. The Inkey List Inkey Caffeine Eye Cream
Price: Dhs45, sephora.ae
Why you need it: Fake those eight hours of zzz’s and give your under eyes a wake-up call with this lightweight and hydrating eye cream. It contains caffeine to minimise the appearance of puffiness and also combats dark circles and fine lines. No one will ever know you stayed up on all night binging AlRawabi School for Girls.
17. M.O.T.D. Cosmetics Just Browsing Brush
Price: Dhs40.48, revolve.com
Why you need it: Whether you’re rockin’ a natural vibe or going for something a lil’ bolder and bushier, this vegan brush needs to be your new go-to. It defines, highlights, and shapes your arches to whatever style you desire.
18. Dewytree Green Power Aloe Soothing Gel Body Moisturiser
Price: Dhs29, watsons.ae
Why you need it: Powered with healing Manuka Honey from New Zealand, this non-sticky aloe gel is a refreshing boost of hydration to leave you feeling as cool as a cucumber. It works great on sunburns and as an instant hydrating skin refresher.
19. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum for Blackheads & Whiteheads
Price: Dhs37, nysaa.com
Why you need it: Blackheads and whiteheads are a thing of the past. This quick-absorbing serum unclogs pores, prevents future breakouts, and leaves you with clearer-looking skin. It minimises excessive oil production and gently exfoliates. We call it confidence in a bottle.
20. Kiss So Wispy Tapered Lashes with Aloe Adhesive
Price: Dhs36.1, Spinneys
Why you need it: We can’t stop fluttering these wispy lashes. They’re instant pretty girl drama for our eyes. Not only are they reusable, but they are easy to apply and remove too. Beauty editor tip- Make sure to clean the lash band before setting into them back into their packaging to boost their longevity.
21. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve Tin
Price: Dhs32.39, revolve.com
Why you need it: Pucker up with OG C.O. Bigelow’s Rose Salve. It’s made with nourishing ingredients to soothe lips, cuticles, and dry skin patches. We love its soft rose scent and how it soothes irritation and conditions our skin.
22. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
Price: Dhs45.46, amazon.ae
Why you need it: A shot of espresso for our under eyes? Yes, plz. Created with Brazilian farms committed to zero deforestation and pesticide-free farming, this eye gel contains depuffing caffeine, plumping peptides, and three forms of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter or need a little boost, this eye product is the *perfect* pick-me-up.
23. The Vintage Cosmetic Company Heatless Curling Band
Price: Dhs45, ae.boots.com
Why you need it: This slumber party for your locks gives you dreamy curls without heat. Simply wrap your damp hair around the band for six to eight hours and unravel your strands into effortless waves. Doing our hair has never been so easy.
24. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Price: Dhs40, sephora.ae
Why you need it: Just because you stayed up all night with the stars, doesn’t mean your eyes can’t sparkle like them. Depuff tired eyes and reduce the look of dark circles with this wallet-friendly eye serum. Made with a powerful concoction of caffeine and EGCG, you’ll look refreshed and awake all day long.
25. Maybelline Lifter Gloss Plumping Lip Gloss Lasting Hydration Formula With Hyaluronic Acid and Chilli Pepper
Price: Dhs45, lookfantastic.ae
Why you need it: With shade names like Red Flag and Pink Sting, we know that Maybelline isn’t playing around. Get an immediate plump to your pout and a tingly party on your lips with this chilli pepper-infused lip tint. Our lips looked bolder, felt smoother, and made our selfies look more glam with just one application.
26. Revox B77 Just Vitamin C 20% Antioxidant Serum
Price: Dhs35, watsons.ae
Why you need it: Say goodbye to fine lines, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation with this spotlight-stealing vitamin C serum fortified with calming aloe and radiance-boosting green tea. Apply a few drops to your face and neck every morning to fight free radicals and remedy past skin damage. Remember to always apply your fav SPF on top for maximum benefits.
27. Kiko Milano Lip Volume in Tutu Rose
Price: Dhs45, namshi.com
Why you need it: Volumise your pout with this sesame seed oil and hyaluronic acid-infused cream that melts seamlessly onto our lips. Made to enhance your natural lip colour while adding a shiny and moisturising boost, we love wearing it on its own or pairing it with muted pink lipstick.
28. Catrice Cosmetics Tropic Exotic Eyeshadow Palette
Price: Dhs29, nysaa.com
Why you need it: Can’t afford a trip to the Maldives? Do the next best thing and cop Catrice’s eyeshadow palette that pays homage to all of nature’s tropical hues. These buttery shadows contain shades akin to sandy, golden beaches, sunset pinks and oranges, and deep green lush leaves. Make a habit of visualising yourself on your next exotic holiday and watch your manifestation come to life.
29. Naturals by Watsons Revitalising Shampoo Argan Very Dry, Damaged Hair
Price: Dhs35, watsons.ae
Why you need it: Say goodbye to dull, lifeless hair and hello to locks that are soft, smooth, and restored. Our dry hair received some *major* T.L.C. with this argan-infused shampoo. It’s gentle on our tresses and scalp while restoring shine and bounce to our strands.
30. Starskin Beauty Red Carpet Ready Hand Mask Gloves
Price: Dhs48.59, revolve.com
Why you need it: Don’t sleep on your paws, especially when you’re always maintaining your claws. Starskin’s two-layered gloves nourish, hydrate, and seal hands to red-carpet perfection in only 15 minutes. The inner layer contains nourishing coconut, softening shea butter, and replenishing macadamia nut oil for softening. The outer layer is a warming foil to enhance absorption.
31. Essence Lash Like A Boss Instant Volume & Length Mascara
Price: Dhs17, nysaa.com
Why you need it: Summertime in Dubai is no match for Essence’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and flake-free mascara. Lashes look dramatically fanned out and defined thanks to its ultra-black formula and conic-shaped wand. We think it’s the perfect mascara for your next pool day.
32. Dear Dahlia Blooming Shadow Brush #157 Eyeshadow Brush
Price: Dhs42, faces.com
Why you need it: This small shadow brush (third from left in the above pic) has trimmed smooth bristles that work with both creamy and powder formulas. It’s perfect for applying shadows firmly onto your eyelids before smoking out the colours with a blending brush. This eyeshadow brush is our go-to for creating gorgeous, smoky eyes.
33. SheGlam Sun Sculpt Liquid Contour
Price: Dhs22, sheglam.com
Why you need it: Sculpt your way to sunkissed cheekbones with SheGlam’s liquid contour. Thanks to its built-in sponge tip and melt-into-skin gel-cream formula, precise and streak-free application is a no-brainer. Use it on your nose, cheeks, and jawline for a snatched beat before heading out to the Palm with the girls.
34. Mikyajy Breathable Nail Enamel
Price: Dhs39, mikyajy.com
Why you need it: Coming in 21 glossy shades, these halal-certified and quick-drying nail polishes are permeable to air and water vapour. These clean enamel condition nails and never leave them don’t yellow or discoloured. Whether you love nude shades or bright n’ bold, there is something for everyone.
35. Skin Republic Brightening Biodegradable Sheet Mask
Price: Dhs26, faces.com
Why you need it: Need a radiance boost? This biodegradable sheet mask contains coffee beans, vitamin C, and liquorice root to even out skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and fade dark circles. To use, simply apply the mask to clean the skin for 20 minutes. Afterwards, discard the mask and pat any excess serum into your face, neck, and chest. Be sure to wear SPF during the day as this complexion-brightening concoction makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
36. In Your Dreams Gold Alya Face Jewels
Price: Dhs45, prettylittlething.ae
Why you need it: Before heading to your next festival, accessorise with these lush gold face jewels to channel your inner cosmic queen and sparkle like your favourite stars. This reusable pack contains one straight headpiece design, two eye gems and two brow gems. We’re obsessed.
37. Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lipstick
Price: Dhs25.2, Carrefour
Why you need it: In 2024, matte lipsticks should never be cakey, dry, and uncomfortable to wear. Wet n Wild got the memo and brought us a creamy and comfortable high-performance velvet formula. It comes in 13 cruelty-free shades and contains a host of lip-loving ingredients like nourishing murumuru seed butter and softening passionfruit seed oil.
38. Sephora Collection Hand Balm
Price: Dhs40, sephora.ae
Why you need it: Pop one of Sephora’s moisturising Hand Balms into your bag and you’ll never feel like your hands are as dry as the Liwa Desert. Infused with 97% natural origin ingredients, these luxurious formulas transform our paws from rough and thirsty to supple and silky in no time.
39. Flormar Extreme Tattoo Gel Eye Pencil
Price: Dhs39, glambeaute.com
Why you need it: Flormar’s water-resistant eyeliners are a must-have in your smoky makeup arsenal. They serve fierce makeup lewks with their 12 intense shades that last from morning to night. Simply glide the liner on your upper and lower lash line. Using a small eyeshadow brush, gently smudge and soften the line by blending it upwards and outwards, creating a smoky effect.
40. Hask Biotin Boost 5-in-1 Leave-In Spray
Price: Dhs41, asteronline.com
Why you need it: Thin hair? No problem. Hask has ~the~ solution to your fine hair needs. This thickening spray adds body to your locks, controls frizz, adds shine, prevents breakage, detangles, and moisturises your strands. Phew. If that isn’t enough, it protects against heat damage too. It’s time to fortify and strengthen your hair, sis.
41. Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash
Price: Dhs45, sephora.ae
Why you need it: Everyone’s fav Brazilian-inspired brand has a lil’ something for the under 50s (Dhs50, that is) and we couldn’t be more excited. Douse your bawdy with this brightening body wash that contains clarifying acids to smooth skin. It’s the perfect solution for strawberry skin, ingrown hairs, and congested skin.
42. Dashing Diva Mini LED Lamp with USB Cord
Price: Dhs49, watsons.ae
Why you need it: Level up your nail game with Dashing Diva’s portable LED lamp. It’s perfect for gals on the go and DIY nail parties. This lamp is lightweight, compact and perfect for travelling. It contains two types of timers- a 45-second and 60-second cure for strong gel nails.
43. Doll Smash Beauty Blender Blended Sponge
Price: Dhs38, yellowfairiesfzllc.zbooni.com
Why you need it: We love blenders that don’t cost a fortune. When they work even better than the leading brands, we’re smitten. Doll Smash’s sponge is designed to contour, shade and blend liquid, cream, and powder formulas on the face and body. It gives us a flawless, second-skin finish that cannot be matched.
44. Forever52 Daily Life Two Way Cake
Price: Dhs45, nysaa.com
Why you need it: Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s no cake face here. Formulated for those with oily skin, this face powder gives your complexion a dreamy matte finish. Its long-lasting and water-resistant formula absorbs excess oil and provides medium coverage. Simply apply the powder on top of your cream foundation and enjoy a shine-free beat that lasts for hours.
45. NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Multi-Use Highlighter Stick
Price: Dhs30, lookfantastic.ae
Why you need it: Catch the light from every angle with these six pearl pigment highlighter sticks. This foolproof formula can be used with or without foundation to add dimension to your complexion. We suggest applying the highlighter everywhere the sun naturally touches your skin- from the tip of your cupid’s bow, the high points of your cheeks, and the tip of your nose.
46. Carbon Theory Niacinamide Facial Cleansing Bar
Price: Dhs35, asos.com
Why you need it: Say hello to a healthier-looking complexion with Carbon Theory’s (pink) cleansing bar. It’s formulated with pore-minimising and blackhead-busting niacinamide and skin-renewing citric acid to clear up blemish-prone skin. Lather and leave on your skin for 30 seconds both at the start of your day and when winding at night for maximum benefits.
47. Brushworks Lash Curler
Price: Dhs32, 6thstreet.com
Why you need it: Imagine rockin’ gorgeous, fluttery lashes that rival your fav filter. It’s possible to level up your lash game thanks to Brushwork’s easy-to-use curler. It gently grips lashes without breakage and gives a long-lasting lengthened look. We’re in love.
48. Barry M Fresh Face Foundation
Price: Dhs36, lookfantastic.ae
Why you need it: If you love a dewy finish to your skin, don’t sleep on this Fresh Face Foundation. It’s made with brightening vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and nourishing aronia berry for skincare-like effects while providing light coverage to your complexion. It comes in 20 shades to suit all skin tones and is cruelty-free and vegan.
49. Essence Thick and Wow Brow Mascara
Price: Dhs18, centrepointstores.com
Why you need it: If bushy brows are your thing, amplify your arches with Essence’s fibre brow mascara. This tinted formula adds volume and dimension for a natural and full look. To use, apply in upward strokes until your desired brow density is achieved.
50. CeraVe Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin
Price: Dhs34, binsina.ae
Why you need it: Sensitive and dry skin? CeraVe’s barrier replenishing moisturising cream delivers up to 24 hours of hydration to areas that need it most. This non-greasy and lightweight formula contains softening ceramides to condition and restore parched skin back to a state of suppleness.
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