Australian makeup artist Ashlee Day has taken social media by storm with her honest review of Kmart’s budget beauty products. She created a full face of makeup using only the affordable Oxx Beauty range and praised the results.
Affordable and Impressive Results
Ashlee purchased 23 makeup and skincare products, including a 22-piece brush set, for just $184.15. She proved you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality beauty products.
“I think the prices are incredible, it’s affordable,” she said, emphasizing the value of the Kmart beauty range.
Standout Product: Blur Concealer Wand
Ashlee raved about the $6 Blur Concealer Wand, calling it a “dupe” for the $23 Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.
“I’m obsessed with this concealer – it looks so good,” she said, appearing genuinely surprised by the quality of the budget-friendly product.
The concealer offered lightweight, buildable coverage, which impressed the makeup artist.
Skincare Hits the Mark
The Oxx Beauty Dewy Skin Serum, priced at just $6, also earned Ashlee‘s approval.
“It immediately sunk into my skin. Seems like a regular primer, I like it,” she said.
Ashlee highlighted the serum’s ability to leave her skin with a healthy plumpness and glow.
Kmart’s Primer Competes with High-End Brands
Kmart’s $8 primer surprised Ashlee with its similarity to luxury options.
Figure 1: Ashlee Day, while reviewing Kmart’s $8 primer
“It has the same consistency as the Elf – one of my favourite primers in the world,” she noted.
However, she mentioned disliking the scent despite its impressive performance.
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Foundation and Brushes Deliver
Ashlee used the Oxx Beauty Illuminous Skin Tints, retailing at $12. She praised the glow but noted some minor issues.
“I like how it’s blending out, and I like the brushes. It’s given my skin a really nice glow, but it’s enhancing my fine lines and pores a little bit,” she admitted.
The $30 22-piece brush set also impressed Ashlee despite some initial concerns.
“Some hairs came off with application, but they’re very soft,” she said.
Contour and Powder Favorites
Ashlee found the $8 Contour Wand comparable to Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic version but with more product.
“I love the colour, and it looks stunning. It’s very pigmented,” she said.
She also praised the $6 Illuminate and Bake Powder, calling it “a huge yes” while advising a light hand due to its strong pigmentation.
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Highlighter Palette Exceeds Expectations
Ashlee was particularly shocked by the $10 Highlighter Palette, describing it as a standout.
“It’s blinding. I was not expecting that today. It’s absolutely stunning,” she said.
“It has shaken me to my core. I don’t need to be buying expensive makeup when this is performing just as well.”
Versatile Eyeshadow Palette Impresses
The Oxx Beauty Total Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($10) also received glowing feedback.
“It has warm and cool colours – so much you can do with it. It’s unreal and not patchy. You only need one swipe,” Ashlee said.
Final Verdict: Budget Beauty Delivers
After completing her full face, Ashlee was overwhelmingly impressed.
“I’m honest to god speechless by how much I like these products,” she said.
“I use $400 brush sets because I feel like you need good tools to have good makeup – but these are doing the job.”
Her review concluded with high praise for Kmart’s budget beauty line, calling it a game-changer for beauty lovers on a budget.
Kmart Accused of Copying Fluicer Design
Kmart has faced criticism for allegedly copying a unique kitchen tool design from Australian small business Dreamfarm.
Dreamfarm’s Award-Winning Design
Dreamfarm founder Alex Gransbury accused Kmart of copying his award-winning citrus juicer, the Fluicer.
“It’s the most un-Australian thing I’ve ever seen,” Mr Gransbury told the Daily Telegraph.
Mr Gransbury, who founded Dreamfarm in Brisbane in 2003, spent over two decades redesigning household tools for improved functionality.
His Fluicer, released in 2023, received international acclaim, including recognition by Time Magazine and Oprah’s favourite things list.
The product retails between $19.95 and $29.95 and features a foldable design with a pip catcher and anti-spray features.
Kmart’s $5 Counterfeit
Mr Gransbury discovered that Kmart was selling a similar juicer under its Anko brand for just $5.
He claimed the knockoff was a direct copy but lacked key design features.
“The Kmart dupe does not actually include the anti-spray features present in the Fluicer,” he explained.
The smaller size of Kmart’s version also made it ineffective for juicing lemons or even limes, he added.
Patent Limitations in Australia
Mr Gransbury revealed he did not patent the Fluicer in Australia due to high costs.
Patenting would require legal support costing around $30,000, along with annual maintenance fees.
“If I did have a patent, the onus would be on me to take infringement matters to court,” he said.
Calls for Fair Play
Mr Gransbury expressed disappointment over the lack of support for local innovators.
“I wish, in Australia, we supported each other, but when did it become OK to rip each other off?” he said.
Kmart has yet to respond to the allegations.
