Add value to your beauty arsenal without breaking the bank, writes Aoife Reilly

Tear-free

Whether you’re a new mum or have a baby on the way, the idea of skincare for your newborn can be overwhelming. The market is saturated with products that didn’t exist when we were young, not to mention the vast difference in pricing. It’s important to keep it simple, with fuss-free formulas. Mustela 2 in 1 Cleansing Gel, €9, is a gentle wash for both skin and hair which protects the skin’s barrier while washing away impurities.

Winter is coming

One of the key tell-tale signs that winter is coming for me is the change in my hair. As soon as we say goodbye to summer, my locks tend to become very dry, limp and weak (thanks to the temperature drop, rise in indoor heating and increase use of heat styling tools). To get ahead of winter’s damaging effects, I’ve started using Klorane Keratin Strength Fortifying Spray, €29.90, which is designed to penetrate deep into the hair fibre to help strength and rebuild damage. It contains a nourishing complex of B vitamins, quinine and caffeine. I am a huge fan of the haircare brand, not just for the efficacy of the products but the ingredients they choose to use.

Ready, Set, Blend

One of the easiest ways to create a long-lasting even base is using the right tools when applying your foundation and when it comes to make-up brushes, it’s important to choose the right one for the job. A brush with tightly packed bristles such as Real Techniques Foundation Blender, €14.99, will ensure that the formula is blended smoothly and evenly across the face, plus the domed shape makes it easy to buff the skin, creating a natural light base. However, the star quality of this product is how compact it is — if like me, you apply your make-up whenever (and wherever) you get a chance to, this tool will fit nicely in your make-up bag while the practical grip makes it easy to apply when you’re on the go.