Beauty-loving recessionistas know that a tiny price tag doesn't necessarily equate to poor results when it comes to make-up. Just because you're cutting back doesn't mean you need to cut out on new cosmetics.
I've been testing out some bargain beauty products and have been amazed at some of the results. And the best news is they all come in at £5 or less!
Eyes
MUA Undressed eye shadow palette
MUA (available at selected Superdrug stores and online) offer an incredible selection of products with the standard range costing a mere £1 and a professional range of primers and palettes that cost £4. One of their standout products is their Undressed palette, which consists of nude shimmers and mattes. The shades are great quality, highly pigmented and should suit any skin tone. This palette offers enough variation to create both daytime and evening looks.
Soap and Glory Smoulder kohl
It can be difficult to find an inexpensive black eyeliner that is rich in colour and really stays put. Soap and glory's Smoulder kohl, £5, has amazing staying power and is waterproof. It also comes with a built-in sharpener.
Collection 2000 Supersize mascara
For thicker, fuller lashes, Collection 2000's Supersize mascara is a must-have if you're watching the pennies. At £2.99, it's affordable but it still delivers what it promises. It doesn't clump or flake, unlike some other cheap mascaras.
EyeCANDY false lashes
No party, wedding or special occasion make-up, in my opinion, is complete with a set of fluttering lashes. One thing that can put me off, however, is heavy-feeling falsies that become uncomfortable after a couple of hours of wear. eyeCANDY's strip lashes, £4.49, are lightweight, handmade and after a couple of minutes, I forgot I was wearing them. Exactly what a good set of false lashes should feel like!
Lips
E.L.F. SPF lip balm
E.L.F. is another great budget brand. Their collection of make-up brushes start from around £1.50 and they have a huge selection of products to choose from - their eye primer, £1.50, is a great product, too. I like to wear their SPF 15 lip balm, £3.75, when I want something soft, natural and light for daytime.
Miners lip gloss
For subtle, daytime wear I like Miners Crystal Crush lip gloss, £3.99. The champagne shimmer shade is pretty to wear alone or over the top of lipstick.
Complexion
Sleek blush
I'm a big fan of high street brand Sleek because their products are fabulous quality yet really affordable. The stand-out product for me is their blusher, £4.30, which come in ten different shades.
Lacura concealer
There are lots of products that mimic the YSL touché éclat but one of my favourite budget versions is the Lacura pen, £3.59, from Aldi. It has light-reflecting particles to disguise under-eye dark circles and a push-button pen applicator to make it super easy to apply.
Collection 2000 concealer
I've had varying levels of success with inexpensive concealers but I swear by Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection concealer, £4.19. Its rich, long wearing, full coverage formula blends effortlessly into the skin. It's great for covering up under-eye circles and blemishes and at less than £5, this product rivals many of its pricier counterparts.
Miners Beauty Brilliance multipurpose highlighter
I adore multi-tasking products and Miners Beauty Brilliance highlighter, £2.99, can be used in many different ways. I like to use it as a shimmery base for eye shadows and to highlight my cheekbones. It's great for highlighting your brow bone, too.
