Makeup is expensive at the best of times but makeup is REALLY expensive in Australia.  I don’t really understand why that is, but I am presuming it has something to do with the way our government taxes cosmetic products.  Whatever the explanation it is a serious bummer.  My point is that there aren’t that many really good makeup products that we can access from Australia that are good quality, cruelty-free and less than AU$5 but I am determined to find all the good ones that I can and share them with you.

So here are five great products that are under AU$5!!

5 under $5 – Product Number 1:

First up on the list are the Makeup Revolution ‘amazing’ lipsticks.  These retail for about AU$2 (depending on the exchange rate).  These are great, easy-wear lipsticks.  They are moisturising and creamy and the pigmentation is quite good.  These don’t have a long-wearing formula but they are perfect to throw on as you walk out the door to the shops and if you are happy to reapply within an hour or two they are just fine.  If you want them to last longer a lipliner really helps.  I have two lipsticks from this range and love both these colours.  My only tip is to make sure you exfoliate your lips to get a really smooth application.  These two shades are glossy but NOT frosted which I prefer.

5 under $5 – Product Number 2:

My second excellent budget product is the E.L.F. eyebrow kit.  I have reviewed this product here before as one of my holy-grail brow products and I continue to use this a number of times a week.  It is just so easy and gives a nature look and at about AU$4 from iHerb.com these are a steal.

5 under $5 – Product Number 3:

Next up on the list are the Essence Lipliners.  I can’t say enough good things about these little bargains.  I have a review and swatches of the range here but these really are great quality and super value for money at just AU$2!

5 under $5 – Product Number 4: 

My next bargain buy are the Makeup Revolution powder blushes.  I have reviewed these in more detail here, but these guys are a GREAT buy at just AU$2.  I love these shades and they last so well on the skin and blend really nicely upon application.  Such a deal!

5 under $5 – Product Number 5:

Lastly we have the Freedom Makeup London Mono Eyeshadows.  Oh my goodness.  These little guys are good and more than worth the AU$2 you will spend on them.  I love all the colours that I own from this range and have another handful of these in my wish list on the Freedom website.  If you want to see some swatches I have previously reviewed these eyeshadows here.

A final word on international shipping…

Now, to be fair, if you order from Makeup Revolution or Freedom Makeup from Australia you are going to pay shipping which obviously adds to the cost of the products.  The good news is that the shipping cost is fixed for both websites so it doesn’t matter how much you order you will pay the same.  For both stores the international shipping from the UK to Australia costs about AU$16.  So I suppose the bad news is that if you go onto either of these online stores and only want to buy one AU$2 blush you are going to pay through the roof to get that shipped to you!  I feel like this situation acts as a real enabler to me as I want to make the shipping ‘worth it’ and thus order more than I probably need.  But seriously, if you can get on and off the Freedom or Makeup Revolutions online stores without ordering a tone of things, well then, the force is strong with you!

Have you tried any of these awesome budget-friendly, cruelty-free products?  If you have other products under $5 to recommend then PLEASE share in the comments below 🙂

Have a great day!