They have access to obscene bank accounts and a team of glam experts, but when a celebrity finds a good beauty buy they’re happy to spruik it – without even being paid for it.
And quite frankly, we’re happy to hear their recommendations because if it’s good enough for future royal Meghan Markle, then it’s certainly good enough for us.
Scroll down to see the celebrity bargain beauty buys…
Keira Knightley is a busy jet-setting actress with little time to care for her complexion. But, instead of spending a small fortune on top-shelf products, this English rose keeps her skin glowing with what some call the holy grail of skincare, affordable Rosehip Oil.
“I completely fail to keep myself on an even keel with my skincare when travelling, but I have just discovered Rosehip Oil, which a friend of mine recommended,” the actress recently told British Vogue. “Flights are so hard on your skin and they make it so dry, so I gave this a go and it really worked. Now I always travel with it.”
Try Essano’s Certified Organic rosehip oil, $20/20ml, from The Warehouse.
Speaking with Beauty Banter recently, Meghan Markle spilled on the beauty products she uses to achieve that infamous ‘Markle sparkle’, and lucky for us, they’re budget buys you can find at the chemist.
When it comes to keeping her skin hydrated, the Suits actress revealed she uses Nivea’s $11/400ml, Firming Body Lotion Q10 Plus “religiously”. The American beauty added: “It’s honestly my favourite lotion on the market, it’s so affordable, and makes my skin look and feel amazing. I would buy a case of this at a time if I could find it.”
Also in her beauty bag are Biore Daily Deep Cleansing Wipes which Meghan says she keeps beside her bed for “those horribly lazy nights that the thought of getting up to actually wash your face seems unbearable.”
During her press tour for Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson opted for natural and cruelty-free beauty brands including Sukin’s Hydrating Mist Toner which is only $15.90.
Emma is also a fan of INIKA Organic, and wore their Lip & Cheek Cream while in London to promote the film.
When Duchess Kate caught up with then-First Lady Michelle Obama, she shared a few beauty tips. Kate recommended Biotulin Supreme Skin Gel – which is a natural alternative to Botox – as well as the her favourite eyeshadows – the cult Naked Palette.
Biotulin Supreme Skin Gel, $109, Biotulin and Urban decay Naked Palette, $91, Mecca.
Self-confessed beauty junkie Drew Barrymore cannot get enough of Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo.
“If you are trying to preserve a blow dry or just like slept-in hair, this is the best dry shampoo. Poof and marvel. Spray in at roots and then comb out with a thick brush,” she wrote on her Instagram review, praising the product.
Like us, Olivia Wilde takes a no-fuss approach to beauty.
“I use the cheapest possible skin care — not because it’s cheap, but because it’s the best,” she told Popsugar. “Dermatologists have recommended it for years and I’ve never paid attention. But recently I started using Cetaphil cleanser and CeraVe moisturizer. They’re gentle and simple.”
Cetaphil cleanser, $24.99; and CeraVe moisturizer, $26
At 41, Drew Barrymore found her holy grail beauty product after a trip to Korea.
“I just took a trip there and came back with moving boxes full of masks,” she told Us Weekly. “I don’t do anything invasive on my face, so this is the most exciting thing that’s happened to a mum like me. I was feeling 41 and tired, and I need something and the Korean masks have actually changed my life.”
TRY: Dr.Jart+ Soothing Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask, $7, Sephora.
Beauty chameleon Nicole Kidman is all about a space-saving, multi-purpose product these days.
“I’m a mum, so I don’t have a lot of room in my bag, but I always try to have an all-in-one product. I use Benefit Benetint on my lips and cheeks,” she told Allure. Benefit Benetint Rose and Cheek Stain, $57.
Star of La La Land, Emma Stone has sensitive skin so has to pick her prods wisely.
“I’m really allergic to a lot of stuff, so I can really only use products with one thing in them,” she told Style Caster. “So I use Burt’s Bees cleanser.” Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser, $23, Burt’s Bees
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her wild and slightly unattainable natural beauty standards but she actually does use more products than her own natural skincare line, Goop.
For foundation (organic, of course) she turns to a nifty tool to get a flawless finish: “With the foundation I use one of those little Beautyblenders.” she tells IntoTheGloss. “My daughter gave it to me—she’s very into beauty products.”
Beauty Blender, $34, Sephora
When it comes to details, Victoria Beckham keeps things simple but well, posh.
“I love CND’s Shellac Nude Knickers, which goes with everything and lasts for ages,” she told The Telegraph.
CND Shellac Nude Knickers, in salon only, CND.
Aquaphor cream has the tick of approval from not one but FOUR celebs:
“It costs nothing and it’s amazing for dry skin, which I have,” Nicole Kidman told Allure. Charlize Theron agrees: “I realised it’s one of the best hand creams ever. Great on lips too,” she said to InStyle. Beyonce admits she smears it all over her face before bed: “I go to bed looking totally greasy.” Lucy Lui agrees: “It keeps your skin looking fresh.”