Some of the products we love most at the studio are also some of the cheapest. They're the ones we keep in our bags, rebuy without thinking, and recommend to clients when they ask what we actually use at home.
We pulled thirteen of those favorites together here, all under $30. They're easy to fit into a routine you already have, and most of them make great small gifts, whether that's a stocking stuffer, a coworker gift, or something for a friend who's hard to shop for.
13 under $30
1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This one went viral a few years ago and has stayed popular because people genuinely like it. It's a lightweight essence you apply after cleansing, and it leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated without any heaviness.
2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+. If you've had trouble finding a daily sunscreen you like, start here. It's light, doesn't leave a white cast, and sits nicely under makeup. We wear SPF year-round in LA, November included.
3. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original. Clear hydrocolloid patches you can put on a breakout overnight. Our favorite thing about them is that they keep you from picking, which is usually what makes a spot worse.
4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. A refreshing face mist that's nice to keep at your desk, especially when the heat comes on and the air gets dry. It smells lovely and makes a nice small gift.
5. L’Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion. You can wear it on its own for a soft, glowy finish or mix a little into your moisturizer for a lighter effect. It's one of those products that looks a lot more expensive than it is.
6. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer. A longtime favorite with a warm, natural-looking color and a light coconut scent. Brush it onto the places the sun would naturally hit for some warmth during the colder months. If you'd rather have an all-over glow, our airbrush tans with @moontan_ are a great option too.
7. NYX The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler. A clear brow gel with a strong hold that keeps brows brushed up all day without feeling stiff. It gives you a similar look to a brow lamination, and it's also great for keeping a lamination looking neat between appointments.
8. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. Lengthening, easy to build, and doesn't clump. A lot of us on the team have tried pricier mascaras and still come back to this one. If you have a lash lift, one coat is usually all you need.
9. Tweezerman Slant Tweezer. A really good pair of tweezers makes a difference, and these come with free sharpening for life. We recommend using them for stray hairs only and leaving the actual shaping to your brow artist.
10. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. A thick, slightly glossy balm you put on before bed. You wake up with lips that feel soft and smooth. The berry flavor is the original and still our favorite.
11. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil. A sheer, shiny lip oil with a hint of color and no stickiness. It's small enough to keep in any bag, and at this price it's easy to own a few.
12. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. A simple, unscented balm that has been around for decades. It's a good everyday option, especially if you don't like flavored or tinted balms.
13. Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Probably the most versatile thing on this list. Use it on dry lips, cuticles, rough elbows, or anywhere that needs extra moisture in the winter. If you're healing from a lip blushing appointment, check with your artist about what to use during aftercare.
A Gift That Lasts a Little Longer
If you want to give something beyond a product, a GBY gift card is a great option. It can go toward a lash lift and tint, a brow lamination, a facial, or a spray tan. These are the kinds of appointments that make getting ready easier for weeks, and they're something people don't always treat themselves to.
