We're all looking for money-smart solutions at the moment and while none of us want to give up on our cosmetic fetishes, one approach is to look for diffusion lines from big name brands - but that's a much easier prospect with fashion than it generally is with beauty.
Tara Smith's haircare for Tesco and Good Works (aromatherapy brand This Works' cheapy Boots line) are two that make luxury a little more affordable, but makeup's a bit harder. Ok, so makeup artist Pat McGrath developed the luxe Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics lines as well as lending a hand to purse-friendly Max Factor, but it's generally a rare enough occurrence.
One place where you can sometimes bag expertise at bargain prices is with perfume. Or to be more specific, body spray. Did you know, for example, that Impulse's new Romantic Spark was designed by crack-perfumer Ann Gottleib? Juiced up with white wood and wild violet roses, the body spray fits into a repetoire that includes Marc Jacob's Daisy, Calvin Klein's CK1 and Sarah Jessica Parker's Covet.
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Not a bad pedigree - and you can bag a bit of her scents and sensibility for yourself for a mere €3.59 at yer local supermarket. Result!
