It’s time to stand (or sit) for diversity from the comfort of your dressing table – Revolution Beauty, formerly known as Makeup Revolution, enters its sixth year as a challenger brand, bringing a combination of affordable prices and boundary-pushing products. It’s the reason why it’s one of the best cheap makeup brands around.
Over the coming weeks and months, we’re going to be shining a light on brands that represent and align with what we stand for at mamabella – brands that offer great products at low prices; brands that champion inclusivity and diversity; clean, sustainable and ethical beauty brands, and brands that are challenging the beauty industry hierarchy.
We’ve previously taken a look at The Ordinary and Carbon Theory, both affordable but science-led skincare brands offering fantastic products. Elsewhere, we’ve outlined what we consider to be the best cheap makeup brands on the market.
In 2014, Revolution was founded with a clear mission – to challenge existing standards and democratise an industry that plays a key role in defining society. Originally thought up over a kitchen table by founder Adam Minto and pushed along by entrepreneur Tom Allsworth, it took only six months for products to be stocked by its first retailer.
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On its website, Minto says: “Five years ago, Revolution was created out of a vision for a better beauty company, a ‘new normal’. We have now grown to become a global brand that still stands for the same values.
“We believe everyone should have access to quality makeup if they want to, and that every definition of beauty deserves to be celebrated.”
The brand’s business model is what makes it different from its competitors. The company has a “fast beauty” concept, where it launches products weekly – all of which are always PETA-certified cruelty-free, never tested on animals. According to the company, 76% of its products are vegan.
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When looking at makeup, it often feels like we compromise between good quality and accessibility. But not when it comes to Revolution Beauty. Stocked at Superdrug,, Beauty Bay and ASOS, it’s never been easier to buy a Revolution product – whether you’re into its PRO range, its skincare or its ‘basic’ range.
In terms of affordability, there’s nothing to complain about. With concealers starting at £3, foundation starting at £4 and eyeshadow palettes at £4, it means that buying essentials doesn’t need to cause a dent in our bank balance.
Its colour range is also impressive – whether your skin is pale, medium or dark, Revolution has a shade for everyone.
£12 | Buy now from Revolution
Who’s it for?: Anyone who wants a variety of eyeshadow shades without the needless expense.
Why we love it: There are enough colours in this palette to match any occasion, with 45 matte and shimmer shades. The high pay-off pigments also mean they’re easier to blend. At the time of writing, Revolution also has an offer on all of their products – buy two, get a third for free.
How to use it: Use an eyeshadow brush to apply either cream, beige and coral tones as a base and then add deeper shades to the socket and blend out.
Buy now from Revolution
Who’s it for?: Anyone who wants to cover dark circles but wants to build-on gradually.
Why we love it: Part of the Revolution Fast Base range, use this concealer to gradually build up your coverage, making sure that your base remains natural. The range of shades is incredible – fairer skin tones start at C0.5 with darker tones going up to C16. What’s more, you can regularly find this ridiculously inexpensive product on offer, saving us even more pennies!
How to use it: Twist the bottom of the cylinder and dab a few dots under the eye with the small cushion applicator. Gently blend with a blending brush. Repeat as needed to build coverage. It’s recommended for eye concerns, but it can be used anywhere on the skin.
Buy now from Superdrug
£7.99 | Buy now from Superdrug
Who’s it for?: Anyone who needs a cheaper makeup brush set with multiple uses.
Why we love it: This set contains two cruelty-free and vegan, synthetic brushes, which can be used for both eyes and face, and a clever colour switching sponge, for those of us who struggle to find time to wash our brushes regularly. While there are numerous Revolution brush sets, this one is small, inexpensive and great for blending beginners.
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How to use it: The fluffy blending brush can be used for blending eyeshadow into the crease of your eye, as well as blending in your concealer, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Use the flat brush to lay down glitter, cream or powder eyeshadows. When it comes to the colour switching sponge, once you’re done with one shade, give it a few swirls and you’re ready for the next colour.
Buy now from Superdrug
Who’s it for?: Anyone who wants the perfect pout.
Why we love it: It’s such a rich product with a velvety finish. The liquid formula combines the pigment of a lipstick with the glide of a gloss and dries matte. Perfect for people who need a bold finish but prefer using a ‘gloss’ stick. It comes in 24 different shades, meaning that there’s something for everyone or any occasion.
How to use it: After applying lip liner, which can prevent the colour bleeding out, use the applicator to apply on the lip. Start in the centre of your bottom lip and swipe outwards, before repeating on your top lip, starting at your cupid’s bow.
Buy now from Revolution
Who’s it for?: Anyone who wants their makeup to look flawless, hydrated and last all day.
Why we love it: Everything from the finish, the smell and the feeling on the skin. This product contains Cannabidiol and Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil leaving skin feeling hydrated and moisturised as well as prolonging the staying power of your makeup, enhancing it for the day ahead.
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How to use it: Close your eyes and hold the bottle 20-25 cm away from your face spritzing all over. Use before or after your makeup and throughout the day to rehydrate and extend makeup wear.
Buy now from Beauty Bay
Sophia is an international journalist covering technology, healthcare, culture and lifestyle. Her words appear in outlets such as Newsweek, Forbes, Metro UK, New Scientist and more
