Illamasqua, NARS, ghd... There are beauty brands you'll always spot in the kits of industry professionals while backstage at Fashion Week. There's a reason why they are beloved by the likes of Guido Palau and Val Garland: the shade ranges are impressive, the formulas are on point and more importantly, the products – from foundation to liquid liner and hairspray – have the ability to last through sweaty backstage conditions, bright lights and hours on the catwalk.
But if we've learned anything from snooping behind the scenes, it's that you don't have to spend a fortune to achieve model-worthy skin, hair and makeup. Ahead, find all the bargain beauty products and tools we spotted the pros using at LFW AW19, all under £10.
Spied backstage at Richard Malone, Mario Badescu's cult facial mist drenches skin in dewy moisture, making it the perfect precursor to foundation, and alleviates any tautness with aloe vera.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe Herbs And Rosewater 118ml, $7, available at Beauty Bay
Depending on the look, artists apply foundation with both their hands and makeup brushes, so sanitiser is necessary. Spotted in makeup artist Pablo Rodriguez 's kit, this eliminates bacteria without stripping skin. Plus, it smells great.
Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitiser, $4.99, available at Dr. Bronner's
As seen backstage at JW Anderson, these soft, skin-friendly wipes are great at whipping off makeup and starting again when you've made a mistake.
Kiko Cosmetics Pure Clean Wipes, $5.99, available at Kiko Milano
We eyed up this lash glue at Richard Malone but it's used by makeup artists all over the globe. It adheres false lashes gently and allows for speedy, painless removal at the end of the day.
Duo Striplash Eyelash Glue Clear White 7g, $5.79, available at Superdrug
Hair at Pam Hogg was all about the drama, so lashings of shine spray was non-negotiable. This imparts glossiness without making strands sticky or rock hard, and works on all hair types.
label.m Shine Spray, $3.95, available at label.m
Gentle yet effective, we saw this micellar water at virtually every station backstage. It melts away makeup in seconds, including mascara, and doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or stripped.
Garnier Micellar Water Sensitive Skin 400ml, $3.99, available at Boots
If Boots' own-brand cotton wool pads are good enough for international models, they're good enough for us. Soft, not scratchy, they won't leave your skin red raw.
Boots Cotton Wool Pads 100 pack, $1.85, available at Boots
Avène's Eau Thermale soothes irritated skin, primes skin for makeup and sets foundation in place.
Avene UK Eau Thermale 150ml, $8.5, available at Boots
The original and the best, makeup artists at Richard Malone and Emilia Wickstead primed lips with a slick of Chapstick to prevent creasing and dryness before applying lipstick.
ChapStick Original SPF 10, $1.29, available at Lloyds Pharmacy
Backstage at Hanger AW19, lead hairstylist Anna Cofone at The Wall Group veiled hair in this super strong-hold hairspray to keep the gravity defying looks in place. It might be industrial strength, but it's easy to brush out.
Fudge Professional Unleaded Skyscraper Hairspray, $8.75, available at Beauty Bay
At JW Anderson, makeup artist Lynsey Alexander sculpted cheeks by swiping this under the cheekbones and blending it into skin with a fluffy brush. "It's not bronzing, it's invisible shading," she told R29.
Kiko Cosmetics Sculpting Touch Creamy Stick Contour, $6.9, available at Kiko Milano
Yes, another sanitiser. But the alcohol-free credentials mean the foaming formula is kind on both skin and brushes.
Bentley Organic Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer, $3.5, available at Victoria Health
A staple in pretty much every makeup artist's kit, paw paw ointment is the solution to ragged cuticles, chapped lips, rough elbows, frizz and flyaways. Slicked over eyeshadow, it makes for an expensive-looking glossy eye, too.
Dr. PawPaw Tinted Ultimate Red Multipurpose Balm 25ml, $6.95, available at FeelUnique
At Ports 1961, Guido Palau spritzed Redken's Wind Blown 05 into the roots to achieve lived-in texture and volume while creating his effortless chignon bun.
Redken Wind Blown Dry Finishing Spray (250ml), $9.44, available at Mankind
Spied backstage at Rejina Pyo, this makeup sponge is a snip of the price of others, and blends makeup into the skin seamlessly. Just make sure it's slightly damp before you use it.
Glamher Booth Hour Glass Blending Sponge, $4.5, available at Beauty Bay
No-makeup makeup reigned supreme at JW Anderson, where MUA Lynsey Alexander patted lips with Kiko's Smart Fusion Lipstick in 401 (cashmere beige) and followed with shade 433 (light, rosy brown).
Kiko Cosmetics Smart Fusion Lipstick, $3.99, available at Kiko Milano
This moisturiser smooths away parched patches and provides just the right amount of dewiness under foundation.
Embryolisse Cicalisse Restorative Skin Cream 40ml, $8.99, available at FeelUnique
This is proof you don't have to splash out on a good nail polish remover. It does the job of lifting off colour without drying out nails or making them go flaky.
Superdrug Beauty Essentials Nail Polish Remover 250ml, $0.98, available at Superdrug
If your current micellar water just isn't cutting it, pick up this oil-infused version. MUA Pablo Rodriguez uses it to chip away at waterproof mascara, gel liner and matte lipstick. Give it a shake before use.
Garnier Micellar Water Oil Infused 400ml, $3.99, available at Boots
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