How to build an entire beauty routine with $150.

If there's one thing I love to do, it's peruse the chemist beauty aisles and check out all the latest skincare and makeup. Because while I love big beauty stores like Sephora and Mecca just as much as the next beauty lover, the truth is – expensive doesn't always mean better.  

But with so many options, it's hard to know what's worth spending on. So when a lovely listener by the name of Felicity asked You Beauty podcast hosts Leigh Campbell and Kelly McCarren what they would buy on a budget, you're going to bet they delivered with some savey (but still amazing) products. 

Watch: Speaking of shopping, here's shop assistant talk, translated. Post continues below.

Armed with $150 each – here's what makeup Kelly would buy from Chemist Warehouse and the exact skincare products Leigh would buy from Priceline.

Best affordable makeup routine.

Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation, $14.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

First on the list? Foundation. And Kelly chose one of my personal savey favourites. In fact, I actually like better than my expensive Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Formula. Yes, really!

"I'm going to go to Flower Beauty," said Kelly. "That amazingly affordable Drew Barrymore brand that is just exceptional – and I'm going to get the Light Illusion Liquid Foundation for $13.99 – full price. It is just so good."

And she isn't lying. Comfortable and lightweight, it offers a hefty serving of radiance, making your skin look even, healthy and fresh. Get on it!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser, $20.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

When it comes to a savey concealer that really pulls its weight, Kelly recommends reaching for the cult classic Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser. It's a favourite for good reason. 

Perfect for under-eye circles and dark spots, it's a multi-use concealer that works to highlight, camouflage and contour. We love a multi-tasker!

Flower Beauty Lift & Sculpt Contouring Palette Light to Medium, $14.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

Good, cheap, contouring products can be notoriously tricky to find – but Kelly really rates this guy, from Flower Beauty. While you'd be forgiven for considering powdered makeup an enemy for dry skin, the beauty queen herself (who also has dry skin) said "they're buttery and beautiful."

Ooft. Get in my basket.

Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Color Drops for Cheeks in 'Bubbly', $10.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

Kelly also opted for the affordable Flower Beauty liquid blush to add a pop of colour to her cheeks. And you guys, I've tried it and can confirm: it's beautifully pigmented, blends well and I love how you can also use it on your lids and lips! (Multi-tasking products for the win!).

Covergirl Clean Colour Eyeshadow Quad, $17.50.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

For eyes, Kelly recommends the CoverGirl Clean Colour Eyeshadow Quad – four wearable shades in matte, shimmer and metallic finishes.

"They are so pigmented and such good quality. They're perfect for someone that's entering into their eyeshadow era. It's not too overwhelming," she said. 

So, if you're not much of an eyeshadow gal and still wanna zhoosh up your makeup look with a little shading on the eyes – this one's perfect for you!

Ardell Demi Wispies in Black, $11.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

Yes, Kelly's even doing a lash. The girl's got some spare change! She rates Ardell Demi Wispies.

"They're just so good," said Kelly.

As someone who is terrible at applying lashes, I've been trialling the Ardell Naked Lashes – and have found they're lovely and lightweight and easy to apply. Trust me, if I can apply them so can you!

L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara in 'Black', $15.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

When it comes to mascara, everyone knows expensive does not always mean better. And there are some high-quality chemist formulas that you can pick up for less than half the price. 

Kelly's recommendation? L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara – an excellent mascara for adding both volume and length. The best part is that it's formulated with castor oil - so you don't have to deal with flaking or panda eyes. Yay!

Revlon Colorstay Suede Ink Lip in 'Hot Girl', $20.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

To finish her chemist-bought makeup look, Kelly said she would opt for the creamy, matte Revlon Colorstay Suede Ink Lip in 'Hot Girl' for a pop of colour on the lips. 

Now, while I'm not much of a matte lip girl, I've tried this myself and can vouch for the amazing staying power. Taylor Swift, eat your heart out!

Best affordable skincare routine.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Cleanser, $12.

Image: Priceline/Canva.

If you must know anything about Leigh Campbell, it's just how much she loves Bioderma Micellar Water – it's a staple in her skincare routine and she uses it for cleansing on the daily. So, of course she's popping that in her basket first!

"I'm only getting this small size. It's $12, but that's all I need for now."

Bioderma Micellar Water is a fab option for any skin type – even sensitive skin – and works to remove dirt and grime gently yet effectively, while keeping the skin barrier happy. Goals.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, $43.99.

Image: Priceline/Canva.

On the all-important morning serum front, Leigh's product of choice is CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. She said, "It's fantastic. It's taken a big chunk out of my budget but I've used it and it's great. All of CeraVe's products are fantastic."

Truth.

If you're a beginner who's looking to dip their toes into the vitamin C game but don't know where to start – this is a great option. As someone with sensitive skin, I find this formula to be lovely and gentle – but at the same time, it actually comes through with the results when it comes to brighter and more even skin tone. Love!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Face Gel, $35. 

Image: Priceline/Canva.

Next up? A trusty daily moisturiser. And according to our friend Leigh, you can't go wrong with this cult favourite formula from Neutorgena. 

"My moisturiser will be my day cream and my night cream," said Leigh. "If you've not listened to the [You Beauty] show before, then you've probably missed me rave about it about 7,000 times – it's the Neutrogena Hydro Boost. I literally go to Priceline and buy it all the time. I love it."

If Leigh Campbell re-purchases it on repeat – you know it's good!

Bondi Sands Baby Face Retinol Serum, $23.

Image: Priceline/Canva.

Retinol is one of those products we usually spend more money on – and it can often be tricky to find an affordable option that actually works. "Retinol is where it got hard because I wanted a vitamin A to use at night – so obviously it's my vitamin C in the morning and I'm using a vitamin A at night," said Leigh. "I wanted the No7 because I love their stuff – but it didn't fit into the budget."

Enter skin scientist Hannah English's savey retinol recommendation.

"But then I listened to a You Beauty episode the other week with Hannah English, and she recommended the Bondi Sands Retinol. And it's $24."

Ooft! We'll take five. 

Leigh said she pairs this with an affordable sunscreen that she uses every morning. Because you should always wear sunscreen – especially if you're using retinol (it makes your skin even more sensitive to the sun). 

There are plenty of affordable chemist options out there, like Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SPF 50+ Invisible.

Natio Skin Brightening Liquid Exfoliant, $19.95. 

Image: Priceline/Canva.

For a brighter, glowing complexion (without the irritation), Leigh's exfoliant of choice is this Liquid Exfoliant from Natio. "I like to exfoliate once or twice a week," she shared. With ingredients such as orange bilberries, it promises smooth and even toned skin, while locking in moisture and helping to balance oiliness. Sold!

Olay Eyes Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream, $10 (for 8ml).

Image: Priceline/Canva.

Last but not least? "I've got a bit of money left for an eye cream," said Leigh. "So I'm getting the travel size of the Olay Retinol 24. It's a mini-eye cream, and it's 10 bucks."

Affordability aside, it's just a really great formula. I use the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream and love how it's gentle on my irritation-prone skin, and the perfect intro into vitamin A if you're a newbie.

So there we have it! Whether you're looking for an affordable skincare routine or makeup routine – bring this list with you on your next chemist shopping trip, and you're sorted!

While we have you, have you voted in the 2024 You Beauty Awards yet?! Click the link below to nominate your favourite brands and products.

What chemist beauty products do you rate? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Canva/Chemist Warehouse