If You Have $100, Buy These Three Products
October 30 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
But fear not: we're tapping into the beauty bags of MECCA's most savvy to get you the goods for less than a green (the colour of the $100 note, for those not familiar with the artefact called 'cash').
We set ourselves the challenge to find three products for $100 in the makeup, skincare and haircare categories. There’s one golden rule: all three products need to be so good, they’re guaranteed to become the standouts of your daily routine.
$100, endless beauty options. Here’s what made our beauty bags. How’d we do?
Makeup essentials with more impact
There are so many options when it comes to makeup – will it be a face, lips or eyes? We’ll take one of each, thanks.
We had a little crush on Tower 28 before it launched at MECCA and now that we’ve had time to get to know the formulas intimately, we’ll never be without the Swipe Serum Concealer. The weather’s warming up and wearing a full face is optional, and this weightless formula delivers just enough coverage to even skin tone and cover unwanted blemishes or redness.
Meanwhile, we’ve found a worthy companion in MECCA MAX’s Whip Lash Tubing Mascara: the intensely pigmented formula clings onto lashes giving instant length, and stays exactly where you put it thanks to its tubing formula – 10 points!
Finally, we all need a lipstick that doubles as a blush, so we’re picking the Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick. It’s the perfect moisturising matte formula; comfortable and not one bit drying.
Grand total: $96
An entire skincare routine
Call us crazy, but we believe if you choose your products wisely, a streamlined skincare routine can yield the same results as 12 steps.
For this category, we looked for low-effort formulas that deliver big on results for all skin types. We’re starting strong with one of the most famous cleansers of all, Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser. It’s PH-balanced, packed with skincare ingredients and almost as hydrating as your moisturiser.
Speaking of which – as big fans of plump, glowy skin, we chose MECCA MAX’s WATERCOOLER Calming Hydration Serum for its nourishment and instant moisture boost.
Finally, SPF is a non-negotiable – but finding one that doesn’t give us the ick? It’s Go-To’s new Nifty Fifty Fluid for us. It feels like a lightweight, hydrating lotion and delivers SPF50 broad-spectrum protection.
Grand total: $98
Only the best hair days
We go to great lengths to ensure our strands are always at their shiniest, healthy-looking best, because great hair equals a great day!
For an easy, no-fuss shampoo that cleanses deeply without stripping your scalp, opt for the Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo Yucca for Fine/Thin Hair (go for its counterpart, Deep Moisture Shampoo Yucca & Witch Hazel, if you have thick hair). Next, lock in moisture with a conditioner that smells like everyone’s favourite perfume mist – Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Joia Strengthening + Smoothing Conditioner. Infused with nutrient-rich oils, this helps keep hair nourished and smooth, like a hair serum.
Finally, no routine is complete without a trusty dry shampoo and we love this one from ARKIVE – not only to refresh hair between wash days, but also to add volume and texture.
Grand total: $99
