THE CURVE'S GUIDE TO BEAUTY ON A BUDGET

We love a good investment piece—like a timeless handbag or the perfect pair of boots that just get better with age. But when it comes to beauty products, some things are meant to have a shorter shelf life. Makeup and skincare have expiration dates, which means sometimes it’s smarter to save than to splurge.

The good news? Drugstore beauty is better than ever. With so many amazing, budget-friendly brands out there, you can achieve that flawless, high-end look without the hefty price tag. From skin-loving foundations to mascaras that won’t budge, the aisles are packed with affordable gems that rival their luxury counterparts.

To make your beauty shopping even easier, the Curve team is spilling our go-to drugstore makeup must-haves. These are the tried-and-true favorites we reach for again and again—because looking glam shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.

MCoBeauty Instant Contour Wand ($20 NZD | £9)

Get that sculpted, snatched look in seconds with this easy-to-blend contour wand. Effortless definition, no pro skills required!

Available at Chemist Warehouse NZ, Woolworths AU, and MCoBeauty online.

MCoBeauty Flawless Glow ($24 NZD | £11)

A budget-friendly dupe for that viral glow, this skin-enhancing liquid gives you a radiant, dewy finish that screams "healthy skin days only!"

Available at Chemist Warehouse NZ, Woolworths AU, and MCoBeauty online.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($19 NZD | £8.5)

Lightweight but mighty, this cult-fave concealer covers dark circles, redness, and blemishes while keeping things fresh and natural.

Available at Farmers, Chemist Warehouse, Countdown NZ, Superdrug UK, and Boots UK.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($19 NZD | £8.5)

Sun-kissed skin in a swipe! This velvety bronzer adds warmth and a soft glow without looking muddy or cakey.

Available it at Farmers, Chemist Warehouse, Countdown NZ, Superdrug UK, and Boots UK

Garnier BB Cream ($20 NZD | £9)

Skincare meets makeup! This multitasking BB cream hydrates, evens tone, and gives a natural tint for effortless, everyday radiance. 

Shop it at Farmers, Chemist Warehouse, Countdown NZ, Superdrug UK, and Boots UK.

Mecca Max Ink Wink Mascara ($24 NZD | £11)

Lashes for days! This jet-black mascara delivers instant volume, length, and definition—no clumps, just drama.

Exclusively available at Mecca NZ, Mecca AU, and Mecca UK online.

Mecca Max Off Duty Liquid Blush ($24 NZD | £11)

A dreamy flush in a bottle! This liquid blush melts into the skin for a natural, dewy pop of color that lasts all day.

Shop at Mecca NZ, Mecca AU, and Mecca UK online.