Get Simone Ashley’s Glow With These Budget-Friendly Makeup Swaps

When it comes to date night glam, you’d expect a Bridgerton star like Simone Ashley to have an elaborate, multi-step beauty routine. But surprisingly, she keeps things simple—almost too simple. At first glance, her approach seems almost bare-bones, especially in an industry where layering on products is the norm. However, once you see her final look, it’s clear that her minimalist philosophy is actually genius.

Ashley, known for her glowing skin and stunning features, recently broke down her go-to makeup routine in a Vogue “Beauty Secrets” video. Though she admits she never grew up following a strict skincare regimen, she’s found a few key staples that make all the difference.

From a luxurious (and pricey) La Mer cleanser to drugstore gems like L’Oreal Paris mascara, her routine is a mix of high-end and budget-friendly finds. The best part? I’ve got affordable swaps for every single step, so you can recreate her effortlessly chic look without breaking the bank.

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Skincare Prep: Stripping It Back to the Basics

Like many of us, Ashley initially underestimated the power of skincare. “I never grew up doing a skincare routine,” she admitted in her Vogue video. And honestly? You can tell she prefers a no-fuss approach—there’s no 10-step Korean beauty routine here. But instead of skipping skincare altogether, she’s honed in on a few essentials that prep her skin without overwhelming it.

She starts with La Mer The Energizing Gel Cleanser—an ultra-luxe face wash that leaves skin feeling refreshed, but at nearly $100, it’s a splurge. For a more budget-friendly alternative, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser offers a similar deep clean without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier.

Next, she uses the Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub Exfoliator to target rough patches around her nose and lips. This brightening scrub is packed with microcrystals, but if you’re looking for a gentler (and cheaper) option, the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% works wonders without being too harsh.

Despite having combination skin, Ashley doesn’t overload her face with heavy creams. Instead, she opts for the lightweight La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion, a dermatologist-approved hydrator that works for all skin types. If you want an even more affordable alternative, Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion provides similar nourishment at a fraction of the price.

Finally, she applies Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40—a step she once thought she could skip because of her darker skin tone. “I was very naive,” she admitted, but she’s since learned that everyone needs sunscreen. If the price tag is too steep, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ is a fantastic K-beauty alternative with a velvety finish.

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Base Makeup: Barely There but Perfectly Polished

Ashley’s foundation routine is almost shocking in its simplicity—she starts by applying L’Oreal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluronic Lip Oil before any base makeup. “I like to see the vision as it’s developing,” she explains, skipping foundation entirely at first. While this technique might seem unconventional, it helps her achieve a fresh, natural look without piling on product.

Instead of traditional blush, she dabs Armani Beauty Lip Power Long-Lasting Lipstick onto her cheeks, blending it in for a soft flush of color. If you don’t want to splurge on Armani, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream or Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick - both offer the same finish.

For coverage, she swears by the Urban Decay Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator—a lightweight, dewy foundation that lets her skin breathe. A solid dupe? L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, which provides the same luminous finish at drugstore prices.

She then applies NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer—a makeup artist-approved pick that she discovered on the Bridgerton set. If you need a more affordable alternative, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer or the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Eraser Multi-Use Concealer delivers a nearly identical smooth, brightening effect.

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Eyes & Brows: Smudged, Lived-in Glam

Ashley’s brows are naturally full but a little unruly—something she doesn’t shy away from. She fills them in using L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner and Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. For an affordable dupe, NYX Micro Brow Pencil offers the same precision for a fraction of the price.

For eyeshadow, she skips traditional powder formulas and instead sweeps Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick across her lids. This creamy bronzer melts into the skin, creating a soft, sculpted effect. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Physicians Formula Sculpting Bronzer delivers a similar warm wash of color.

Ashley defines her eyes with L’Oreal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara—a volumizing formula that gives her lashes a lifted, fluttery effect. A great drugstore alternative? Essence Lash Princess Mascara, which has a cult following for delivering dramatic lashes at just $5. You could also go for Maybelline's Lash Sensational Intense Black Mascara.

To tie everything together, she subtly lines her lips with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner before topping them off with her lip oil. If you’re looking for an affordable dupe, Milani Color Statement Lip Liner provides a creamy, long-lasting and it might just be the one you need to keep your eye on.

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Final Verdict: The Beauty of a Less-is-More Routine

At first, Ashley’s routine might seem almost too simple. No elaborate contouring, no overdrawn brows, no baking techniques—just a handful of well-curated products that enhance her features rather than masking them. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. It’s proof that you don’t need a million steps to achieve a radiant, polished look.

Even better? With affordable alternatives for each product, you can recreate her signature date-night glam without spending a fortune.

Love,

Rae