17 beauty products (under $50) that changed the lives of the Mamamia team this year.

Because it’s the end of the year and we all need to spend a bit more money, let’s talk about beauty products.

Whether you bought it because you heard about it on a podcast (Mamamia’s You Beauty podcast is pretty excellent FYI) or because a friend recommended it to you, finding a beauty product that truly loves you back can be life changing.

Sure, it might be just a lipstick or just a cleanser, but if it makes you feel great about yourself, that’s a big deal.

It got us thinking about the beauty products we adore and rave about, which led to this handy list of the 17 products that have changed the lives of the Mamamia team this year.

We’ve kept it under $50 – well, mostly – and the cheapest will cost you a whopping $2.

WARNING: Impulse purchases ahead.

Mud Cosmetics Lip Defining Pencil in Nude Interlude, $5.50.

Why Leigh loves it:

"This liner is perfect for wearing underneath a clear lip balm, looks like your lips but better. It makes my lips looks fuller and more shapely, it's my everyday lip look."

MECCA MAX Liquid Light, $25.

Why Polly loves it:

"I mix this in with my foundation and use it every day for an extra glow. A friend recommended I do it, and I love it!"

Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask, $7.99.

Why Eloise loves it:

"It's fun and literally makes your face feel like a new face the next day."

Lajoie Skin Calmmé, $24.95.

Why Amy loves it:

"There is no pain quite like thigh chafe - or worse, outer vag lips chafe - and this product helps with that so I can wear skirts without waddling home. The packaging is pretty (I love Neat 3B Action Cream but the packaging is a bit naff) and it was created by an Aussie Lady Startup chemist. Oh, while we're at it, Megababe Thigh Rescue ($14US) is also great for the chafe and is a Lady Startup too."

Kmart Australian Cotton Face Washer, $2.

Why Jess loves it:

"I use it to wash cleanser off in the shower (cos it's easier), it gives your skin a deeper cleanse at night and I love the feeling of doing a DIY steam compress at night, too."

Weleda Skin Food, $22.95.

Why Tanya loves it:

"Weleda Skin food is my go to cream for everything… hands, face, body, feet and has been for the past decade."

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Lite Bronzer, $52.

Why Amy loves it:

"Sorry, this is $2 over the $50 limit but it's the first bronzer I've used on my fair but freckly complexion that doesn't look muddy. I sweep it under my cheekbones, along my hairline and jawline, down the bridge of my nose and over my eyelids everyday. I also use it as an all over powder if I want to warm up my base in summer."

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30+, $38.

Why Tina loves it:

"I put it under my makeup and it's not thick or smelly like other sunscreens. I know I'm still probably not getting enough SPF but I feel better about using it."

Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash, $11.

Why Adam loves it:

"This is only $11 and it always freshens up my skin before or after a long day."

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara, $41.

Why Kee loves it:

"It's buildable so I can go natural for work, and layer for a more glam look. It's super long-wearing but is a tubing mascara so drys around the lashes and easily removed with water!"

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood 3-in-1 Advanced Treatment Cleanser, $19.95.

Why Briony loves it:

"This cleanser makes my skin behave more than anything else I've ever used, which literally is life changing."

OXX Mask Queen Rosewater Extract Face Mask, $3.

Why Peta loves it:

"It's $3. It feels like a bit of me time when I put one on. Also... It's $3."

Dior Backstage Dior Addict Lip Glow in shade 001, $49.

Why Talia loves it:

"It's perfect for when you want some colour but don't want to make a bold statement. It's really moisturising too. I keep shade 001 in my bag at all times, as its the perfect shade of pink that goes with everything."

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation, $24.99.

Why Jess loves it:

"It's medium to high coverage which means I don't need to go in with concealer, and it leaves my skin matte but still glowy. It also lasts a very long time. I can wear it for a whole day at work and then just do a light powder if I've got something on at night."

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Contour Pro, $55.

Why Amy loves it:

"SORRY me again - I willingly sacrifice by morning coffee to sneak this one in because this brow pen has changed my life. In a very small way, yes, but having the two different shades in one pen makes it easy to fill my brows in regardless of when I last had them tinted, and the pomade, waxy finish stays all day. Hot tip: Benefit's Head Brow Artist Hannah Mutze told me to trace around the outline of my brows and brush upwards with a spoolie rather than colouring in for a defined but natural finish. She was right."

Side note - read the full Benefit Brow Contour Pro review here.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $33.

Why Emily loves it:

"Better Than Sex is my go-to mascara (very basic, I know) but it gives me that fake eyelash look I wish I had naturally."

Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Leave-in Conditioner, $18.99.

Why Amy loves it:

"Truthfully, I love The One Signature Shampoo and Conditioner too (read about why here), but if I have to pick one product that's changed my hair routine, it's the leave-in conditiooner. I spritz all over straight out of the shower, wrap up in a towel and then blowdry about 10 mins later. Hair always feels silky and touchable afterwards."

Is your favourite beauty product on the list? What was your favourite beauty product (under $50) this year? tell us in the comments.

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