Sally Foran: Budget buys I happily choose over expensive alternatives

Some products just are not worth the big splurge says beauty editor Sally Foran

Thu, 24 Sep, 2026 - 01:00

Sally Foran

I might be a beauty addict, but there are certain products I simply refuse to spend a fortune on. Take mascara, it should be replaced every few months regardless of how much is left in the tube. With so many brilliant affordable formulas out there, I see little point in splashing out. Cleanser is another area where I choose to save — most of it ends up going down the plughole, so unless you have a specific skin concern that requires something more targeted, I’d rather spend my money on products with active ingredients that are left on the skin. These are the budget beauty buys I genuinely rate and the products I’d happily choose over more expensive alternatives.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum

With similar ingredients to a very famous peptide serum that retails at more than five times the price, this budget beauty buy packs a serious punch. It combines five peptide technologies, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid complexes. It’s got a gorgeous silky texture that sinks in beautifully. It has softened my fine lines, boosted my hydration levels, and left my skin feeling plumper (much needed during the menopause, as my collagen supplies are virtually gone). The best news is that peptides are suitable for all skin types, play well with every other ingredient, can be used AM and PM, and are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

€18.29, Arnotts

Boots Brightening Eye Cream SPF 30

We’re all pretty good at applying SPF to our faces, but a commonly neglected area is the eyes, and skin cancer rates are between 5 and 10% here, which is why I’ve always been vigilant about applying SPF here. I’ve tried countless expensive eye SPFs that have irritated my eyes, with the most likely culprit being oxybenzone, but this doesn’t contain it, so not only won’t it irritate, but it’s also beautifully brightening and blends seamlessly under concealer.

€7, Boots

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Day Cream with SPF 50

When you have to use something every day, you don’t want it to cost a fortune. This bargain beauty product is so moisturising that I use it as my day moisturiser, and that’s also the reason it’s the only one I can get my kids to use — it doesn’t feel like a traditional sunscreen at all. Like all CeraVe products, it contains three essential ceramides that help protect the skin barrier. There are also antioxidants for added protection against UV rays, and the texture is super lightweight and sits beautifully under make-up, too.

€18, Meaghers

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

A brilliant brush and formula combination with an unbeatable price. The brush creates impressive volume that isn’t clumpy or spidery with just one coat. Now available in my favourite shade, brown.

€3.35, McCabes Pharmacy

The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex

Hands down the best glow-boosting serum I’ve tried in a long time, and just as good as some pricier exosome serums. With hyaluronic acid and ectoin for extra hydration, Q10 for antioxidant protection, peptides for improved firmness, and prickly pear flower extract for smoother skin, it really has it all. The exosomes come from cica, which soothes and calms redness, inflammation and irritation, strengthens skin, slows ageing and, if that wasn’t enough, it’s incredibly moisturising, too. It leaves my skin instantly smoother, plumper and with a gorgeous lit-from-within radiance. Not surprisingly, it sold out everywhere upon its launch.

€23, Look Fantastic

Lacura Face Care Hydrating Facial Cleanser

As most of your cleanser goes down the plughole, unless you have sensitive or problem skin, there’s no need to splurge on an expensive cleanser. No longer restricted to Specialbuys, this brilliant budget cleanser is thankfully now a core-range item. I love it because it’s not too thick and not too thin, it’s unscented and mild, and it works well if you want something simple to wash your face with. It’s ideal for both your second cleanse and your morning cleanse. It’s also fragrance-free, gentle, and a fraction of the cost of the name-brand alternatives.

€4.49, Aldi

PS... Skin Retinal Overnight Face Serum

Retinal is typically expensive, so my inner skin nerd jumped for joy when this launched, as I feel it’s important to have a retinal option that everyone can afford. It also has vitamin E and squalene, making it ideal for tackling fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, pores, and texture. Retinal is a more potent derivative of vitamin A than retinol, minus the irritation, so I always advise people to start straight on retinal. With a texture akin to more expensive retinals and very little difference in terms of results, this is an absolute no-brainer retinal.

€6, Primark

Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover

Having tried both expensive and budget eye make-up removers in the past, the fact that I always revert to this one speaks volumes. It has been on my beauty shelf for over 30 years. Not only does it easily and effectively remove even extreme waterproof mascara and long-lasting eye make-up, it’s enriched with biotin to care for your eyelashes, too. It’s so gentle that it’s even suitable for contact lens wearers. An all-round fantastic eye make-up remover.