Ever chanced upon an indie band or YouTuber online and think just how underrated they are? Like, why does the world have absolutely zero clue about this gem of a brilliant talent and the top-tier content they’re serving up?
Let’s be honest; while we might feel the occasional gush of adrenaline with our new finds in moments like these, more often than not, we’re likely (sinisterly) reluctant in letting others in on our little secret, lest they become sensationalised pop mainstream acts and it becomes hard to get hold of tickets for their shows.
Turns out Reddit beauty enthusiasts can totally relate.
We found ourselves trawling through this platform on yet another sleepless night and, unsurprisingly, chanced upon threads upon threads of holy grail items the Reddit community has sworn by (and have been hiding from us) for years.
We rounded up some of the most underrated products Redditors are swearing by, ranging from lip balms to pressed powders. The best part? These are all below S$20.
Skincare holy grails according to Redditors
1. Etude Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Struggling with reactive skin that just doesn’t fare well against the highly glorified method of double cleansing? Redditors are confident in this mild wash and its gentle cleansing properties that do not dry out the skin, even recommending it as a second wash for folks with sensitive skin.
One user commented on how their skin survived two hours without toner or any moisturising products. That definitely says a lot about the hydrating powers of this foam cleanser!
Though slightly acidic, majority of the users of this product reported no flakiness or irritation.
Retails for S$17.90 at all Etude outlets.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Showing off her collection of empties, Redditor Perfectly_undone sang praises of this oil and alcohol-free drugstore moisturiser for the intense suppleness it adds to her skin, even making comparisons with high-end brand, Clinique.
Another user BoneGnawerGirl shared how this holy grail item of hers transformed her skin post hysterectomy surgery whereby her skin had started cracking and bleeding dry. She managed to heal her extremely sensitive and painful condition after discovering this unique water gel product and still continues to use it daily.
Retails for S$22.90 at Guardian and Watsons. Yes, it’s slightly over the S$20 budget we’ve set at the start of the article, but if you’d like to keep to it, the brand offers a 15g mini version for just S$5, available at Guardian and Watsons.
3. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Ah, good old Vaseline! It seems like petroleum jelly works for just about anything, from jewelry care to ensuring that your fragrance lasts the entire night.
Redditors discussed their uses of it for skincare, with one sharing her story on how they’ve been using Vaseline for nine years now and have absolutely zero wrinkles around their eyes at the age of 27.
Redditor ProfessorShameless applies Vaseline mixed with vitamin E oil during the day to achieve a naturally dewy look
Redditors showing off their empties
This makes us wonder why we’re spending hundreds of dollars on bottles of eye cream when a tub of this non-comedogenic moisturiser likely costs way less than our regular bubble tea run. Besides, if this Megan Markle-approved product gave her impeccable skin, we’re all for it. Suitable for all skin types too!
Retails for S$2.50 (for 1.75oz) at Watsons and S$4.20 (for 3.75oz) at Guardian.
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream, S$9
Scoring a grand total of 412 upvotes, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Cream seems to live up to the standards set by its distance relative the Hydro Boost Gel Cream.
Redditor Ketchupchipssuck stand by this refreshing gel-based formula due to its lightweight texture that doesn’t come accompanied with a claggy touch, sharing that “It applies easily without much rubbing, and sinks in immediately”.
While some users commented on how this body cream isn’t as moisturising as cream-based lotions, we can see how this will fare well against the Singapore humidity where lighter formulas are favoured.
Besides, if you’re one too lazy to moisturise, hear this. Despite Redditor Menelluinjenna’s deep-seated hatred for body moisturising, they find themselves “automatically doing it without even thinking” simply because this gel is so easy to use as a body moisturiser without any tackiness.
Retails for S$9 on Lookfantastic.
Makeup holy grails according to Redditors
5. Paw Paw: Super Soft Wonder Blender
In a recommendation thread on affordable makeup sponges, the Paw Paw sponges from ShopMissA garnered 102 upvotes, with users loving the extreme softness that accompanies these sponges.
Available in Sculpted, Beveled, and Teardrop shapes, Redditors raved about how these “game-changing” sponges are excellent at blending and have the most consistency amongst pricier crowd-favourites like the Beauty Blender and the Real Techniques’ Miracle Complexion Sponge.
Redditor Dykezilla added that these makeup sponges don’t have the tendency to absorb a whole lot of product unlike others.
If you’re not ready to drop a whole bill for a makeup sponge (like the most of us, honestly) or are just starting out with makeup, we’d recommend this cheap gem that serves its purpose just as well, if not better, than beauty gurus’ usual go-tos.
Retails for S$5.35 on Shopee.
6. Essence Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss
“I don’t know why every single person on earth doesn’t own the Essence Shine Shine Shine Lip Gloss – it is so bouncy and thick… and smells amazing!”
Perhaps the biggest secret we discovered on Reddit is the Essence Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss in clear shade Behind The Scenes 01. This super smooth gloss was emblazoned for its incredible shine and cushiony feel on the lips so much so that Redditors reported sell-outs everywhere!
“Shhh, keep it on the down-low,” Redditor ButrB cheekily commented, sharing her experience about how this powerhouse of a lip gloss is constantly sold out in stores at Ulta, the biggest beauty retailer in US. Another chimed in in agony at how every other shade of the 13-colour range is available except the OG colourless gloss.
Shipping to Singapore on Ulta isn’t the most cost-saving; thankfully, we found two merchants on Shopee offering the Essence Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss in seven shades. Sadly, the much sought-after clear shade (#1 Behind the Scene) is sold out on both retailers too.
We can only wait with bated breaths for the seller to restock ASAP, and if you’re really interested, consider book-marking this page or the merchant links and check back regularly. Alternatively, you can give other shades a shot.
7. Yes to Coconut Cooling Lip Oil
Formulated with a blend of natural oils, including virgin coconut, olive, and cooling eucalyptus oil, this intense lip moisturiser is said to soften and heal any crevices that show up on the lips without overstaying its welcome.
Perfect for the quick swipe of hydration before you don on a mask, this product is hailed for its balm-like texture without any form of grimy greasiness whatsoever. Quench dry lips with this treat that adds a hint of shine.
Retails for approximately S$6.96 on Amazon.
8. Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks, from S$3.90
Thanks to the perfect blend of vitamin E and avocado oil, it’s no surprise this creamy cult-favourite lipstick has been touted an icon throughout America with its high-impact colour.
Said to smoothen out any lines with its non-drying formula, Redditor Roseofjuly claimed they’ll use this over many other higher-end lipsticks with Delightfullydemented seconding this, comparing it to MAC and Urban Decay’s Vice Lipstick range.
Redditor Mtjusticenurse shared that this 91-shade range goes on sheer with the first swipe but can be easily built upon for a heavier pigmented look.
Popular colours range from a deep brown Rose and Shine to the frosty pale pink nude in Silver City Pink while some Redditors stated their preference for the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm series instead, mainly due to the slight scent from the Lustrous range.
Retails for S$18.90 at Watsons, S$14.50 on Lookfantastic, and S$3.84 on iHerb
9. E.L.F. Primer-Infused Blush & Bronzer
If you’re looking for a blush that lasts all day without sliding off your face (especially for those of us with oily skin!), the E.L.F. Primer-Infused Blush has a reputation for its long-wearing quality that doesn’t fade no matter the weather.
“I honestly love it, it’s easy to blend and the color is buildable,” Redditor Littlecheezer commented, stating that despite their usual application on a clean no-makeup face, the fine powder grips onto skin well.
Retails for S$8.23 on iHerb.
In the same vein, the E.L.F. Primer-Infused Bronzer was acclaimed as the go-to product to load up on for definition and to achieve a natural sun-kissed look.
Similar to its blush counterpart, this bronzer received 298 upvotes and is said to be better than all the high-end ones Redditors have tried, which simply disappear as the day passes by.
Retails for S$8.23 on iHerb.
10. Essence Make Me Brow
Under the brow department, the community sang praises of the Essence Make Me Brow, a super affordable brow mascara that delivers a natural neatly-combed look.
“This is the best product, I can’t believe it’s only ~$3,” mega-fan Vashappenin admitted, with another Redditor Breadprincess declaring this product as “the best $3 you’ll ever spend on your face”.
If you need any more affirmation, Redditor KanKan669 has this to say, “(Benefit’s) Gimme Brow is $24. Make Me Brow is $2.99 and there is virtually NO difference in quality.”
Ideal for filling and shaping the brows, get defined wow-brows that look groomed without all the effort in just a quick swipe or two.
Retails for S$6.50 on Shopee.
11. Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil
Yet another treasure we found hidden away from us in the depths of Reddit, the Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil can be found in several recommendation threads with hordes of fans obsessing over this transfer-proof eye pencil.
One user complimented the intense pigmentation of this drugstore product, drawing comparisons with S$40 eyeliners from Marc Jacobs.
Another Redditor IAmTheOneWhoReddits added how they love the smoothness that tags along with this pencil aiding a seamlessly glide-on, as well as how the pigment doesn’t set in at once, allowing some time for smudging to create a smokier look.
Retails for S$4 on Shopee and S$2.75 on Amazon.
12. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
This super popular drugstore concealer is said to refresh peepers and correct under eye circles like you’ve never ever missed an hour of beauty sleep.
Users are satisfied with its crease-proof formula that lends great coverage without appearing cakey throughout the day – all without a steep price point!
Retails for S$19.90 at Guardian, Watsons, and other leading supermarkets and drugstores.
13. Wet n wild Megaglo Highlighter
These highlighters have amassed such a huge following that when Wet n Wild made them a permanent stay on the brand’s collection, Redditors were seen jumping for joy.
“I went to around 10 different stores within a 50 mile radius, stalked the website, emailed customer service twice, and considered paying 10 times the price to get one off Ebay. SOOOO happy they are making these permanent.” Redditor Squirdle commented.
Another fan of this product had similar consensus, “This is by far my favorite highlighter! You can use a little for a subtle glow or go crazy for a blinding highlight. I find myself using this highlighter over every high end one i have in my collection!”.
Redditor Webbpaige13: “Just had to share this bomb highlighter I got the other day.”
Infused with ultra-reflective and micro-fine pearl pigments, this highlighter is sure to deliver intense radiance with its silky-smooth texture.
Two highly recommended shades said to compliment Asian skin tones better are the Blossom Glow and Precious Petals.
Retails for S$7.68 on iHerb and S$8.50 on Shopee.
14. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Another Reddit-favourite on the list, the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is a mattifying, shine-controlling powder that glides over pores easily, making it perfect for a no-makeup makeup look that lasts all day.
Keep everything in place with a light dusting of this fine powder that stays on even if you have oily skin – Reddit testified. Although this product keeps away any form of shine, users have pointed out that all shades have tiny subtle shimmer in them, only visible in strong sunlight.
Available in two shades. Retails for S$5 on Lookfantastic and S$13.90 on Watsons.
