Forget the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ or ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ because there are some seriously good beauty buys out there that won’t melt your credit card. That’s right, while it’s nice to have a designer this or a designer that you don’t need to pay those sorts of prices to get quality makeup.
Essential beauty buys that will break a ten pound note? Here are some of the best...
The Body Cream Every home needs a pump-action body lotion in the bathroom to soothe those ‘my skin feels a bit rough today’ patches or just to slather on post shower every morning. Mixa Restoring Body Lotion,€8.95, is a generous bottle of lotion that soothes, calms and nourishes skin - the sensitive variety is a must-have if you find lotions irritating or uncomfortable.
The Cleanser A suits-all formula that’s often seen backstage at fashion week because it’s so efficient at cutting through makeup and prepping skin for an entirely new look. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £8.99, is great for all skin types not least because it’s soap-free and fragrance-free.
The Foundation If it’s a natural-looking foundation you’re after then Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, £6.99, gives a translucent finish with ultra-lightweight pigments in a bottle you can find on the high street for well under £10.
The Eye Cream Whether you use an eye cream daily or are starting out with an anti-ageing regimen the Garnier UltraLift Eye Cream, £9.99, is a great way to look after that delicate skin.. You could notice a visible difference in just eight days.
The Brow Pencil If it’s defined brows you’re after then rest assured you don’t have to pay the price. Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush, £8.50, comes in three high pigment shades and leaves your brows looking thicker, fuller and natural.
The Tool Any item that can help accommodate all our products and tools is a winner, especially if it comes in at under £10. The Real Techniques Single Pocket Expert Organizer, £7.38, provide instant beauty storage wherever you need it. It sticks to bathroom surfaces, glass, mirrors, marble and shiny surfaces, meaning your brushes have a home, whether you're on at home of jetting off on holiday.
The Blusher The range of colours the NYX Ombre Blush, £9, comes in means that you can find something prettifying for the apples of your cheeks and something that could work as a contour or highlight. Wanderlust is our stand-out shade…
The Contour Kit Creating that subtle hollow and flattering highlight has never been easier and a wonderfully purse-friendly option is Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit, £6.49. Other than the soft powder textures and skin-friendly shades we’re a big fan of the instructional stickers that teach you the all-important placement to get your contour on point.
The Powder The final step in application and a brilliant way to help makeup last longer, powder is an essential component of every beauty bag. Rimmel Clear Complexion Translucent Powder, £3.99, is a firm favourite and is a great choice if skin is reactive or prone to breakouts.
The Brow Palette A little bit of brow grooming makes a huge difference and a brow kit in your, erm, kit, is vital if you don’t want to look undone. Bourjois Brow Palette, £7.99, comes in two shades that’ll make the most of your brows whether you want to add a little shape or fill in any sparse patches.
The serum When it comes to hydrating your skin, nothing works quite as well as a decent dose of hyaluronic acid. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £5.90, delivers moisture to the deepest layers of your skin, leaving it visibly plumped, comfortable and hydrated.
