I’ll always love my luxury beauty bits, but they sit side-by-side in my makeup bag with my favourite bargain buys. And when it comes to affordable beauty, we’ve never had it better. Here’s a round-up of my top ten picks – do add your own suggestions in the comments!
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation
Hands down, my favourite budget foundation. Read why here.
Isadora Glowstick in Rose Bud
This illuminating blusher from Swedish beauty brand Isadora is a bit of a cult classic. There are a few available shades now but my favourite, Rose Bud, is a flattering, peachy pink that lights up the face and gives a natural, pretty glow. So, so lovely – and at €15.50 it’s reasonably priced too. Read our full review.
Collection Lasting Perfection concealer
If you don’t own this, you should. I find it a little drying round my eyes, but to cover imperfections, it’s pretty much faultless. It’s about €6.99.
Rimmel Match Perfection concealer
My weapon of choice for covering dark circles. Lightweight and light reflecting, it doesn’t crease and lasts all day. It’s in the same price bracket as the Collection product and they make the perfect team.
ELF Studio Powder Brush
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I have you lot to thank for this discovery – the ELF Studio Powder brush is one of the best foundation brushes going, and a big hit among beaut.ie readers, who tipped me off to its hardworking and versatile ways. Read all about it or order now from eyeslipsface.co.uk – it’s an absolute snip at €4, and I’ve now bought 6 of them!
Batiste Dry Shampoo
What can I say about Batiste that hasn’t already been said on the site a million times or more? I keep buying and trying new dry shampoos and nothing comes close. The Coconut & Exotic Tropical one is my fave – it smells delish.
L'Oréal Elnett Hairspray
Another oldie but goodie, Elnett is the only hairspray I buy. It’s not sticky, I can’t feel it in my hair and I love the scent. The brand have recently extended the range by bringing out some styling sprays – for straight hair, waves or volume – and they’re all definitely worth a punt as well.
Kate Moss for Rimmel Matte Lipsticks
Velvety and pigmented, these are just as good as any MAC lipstick I’ve ever tried, but a fraction of the price. It’s just a pity that they only make 5 shades – I’ve bought them all. They’re in and around €7.
Revlon Lip Butters
What can I say? I’m addicted. The perfect partner to some BB cream and a smudge of cream blush. I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir, but if you’re not a fellow convert, read all about ‘em here. Candy Apple and Tutti Frutti are my favourite two. They’re €11.25.
Catrice Made To Stay Longlasting Cream Eyeshadow
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Metallic cream shadows in a range of earthy neutrals and metallics. Brilliant on their own for a one second smoky eye, or as base for powder shadows. They don’t crease or smudge and they stay put all day. Plus they’re just €2.99. I wrote about ‘em here.
Right so, those are my picks – now it’s over to you! To the comments!