I've tried a lot of beauty products, and the one thing I've learnt is that 95% of the time, you don't have to spend a lot of money to look good. The problem being, you might have to spend a lot of money finding the products that really work. With the aim of saving you a bit of wonga, I've put together my ultimate budget beauty kit, and later this week, we'll be starting a new set of polls (like the Kiss and Makeup holiday suitcase) to find your best loved budget beauty products. Until then, here's my picks...
Moisturiser: Olay - This actually beat higher priced moisturisers in independent tests and contains SPF 15 (a must have for wrinkle-defying).
Foundation: Max Factor Colour Adapt (or Max Factor Age Renew for older skins). The former evens skin tone without looking like there's anything there, the latter gives a lit-by-candle-light soft focus to skin.
Light reflecting pen: No 7 Instant Radiance is very, very similar to YSL's Touche Eclat.
Concealer: I use mineral makeup to conceal. Apply with a small brush and you can build up coverage seamlessly. You only need the tiniest amount and samples are 99p at Lily Lilo.
Makeup brushes: The Body Shop's brushes win hands down for quality without huge price tags. But try your local art shop for an even cheaper option. I've excellent eyeliner brushes that cost as little as 70p.
Mascara: Max Factor Masterpiece has yet to be outdone for me, even by much, much more expensive mascaras.
Lipgloss: Jelly Pong Pong's lipglosses are affordable and non-sticky, and Tesco Barbara Daly does a Stila Lip Glaze alike gloss.
Pen eyeliner: Pens are easier to use than liquid, and Colorsport and Playboy both give a nice line that Amy Winehouse would be proud of.
Liquid eyeliner: Bourjois Clubbing Liner. Great colours and amazing staying power.
Blusher: Loads of credible budget options here, a couple of favourites include the Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain (like Benefit's Benetint) and 17 Get Cheeky Cream Blush.
Nail Polish: Bourjois 1 Second for ease, and Revlon Colourstay for a long lasting polish.
Eyeshadow: Now then, this is a sore point, as I've yet to find budget eyeshadows that I'm suitably impressed with. For colour, Barry M's Dazzle Dust does a good job, and for easy-peasy smouldering eyes, The Body Shop Shimmer Smudgers are awesome. But I've yet to find the budget alternative to MAC when it comes to shadows, so I'll be looking to you for help with that one!
Lipstick: I'm not really a lippy girl, so again, you'll be the guides when it comes to lipstick!
Check back later in the week to vote on your favourites!
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