Winter wow for less than £5
FEW will be shocked by the results of a new survey of 800 women, out today, that shows we prefer to buy budget beauty ranges. But which ones are good enough to rival those expensive brands? Here, we reveal the top products to see you through winter — and all for under £5.
VALUE SKINCARE
THE BEST MOISTURISER: Of the 800 women polled, 61 per cent said moisturiser was their top beauty must-have. At this time of year, your face needs a seriously hydrating product — and Skin System Anti-Ageing Replenishing Day Cream from Asda ticks all the boxes. It contains Coenzyme Q10 to stimulate collagen production, SPF15 to protect against everyday sun damage, plus an energising antioxidant blend of pomegranate, cranberry, green tea and rosehip oil. With its luxurious-looking red-and-gold packaging, it is hard to believe the £3.50 price tag. THE SMOOTHEST SCRUB: Exfoliation on removes the dead skin cells that can make your face appear dull, but there’s no need to spend fortune on something that is on your face for less than 30 seconds. Naturally Radiant Brightening Micro Polish Scrub from Superdrug uses plant extracts to revive skin and costs just £2.99. Use once or twice a week for visibly brighter skin. FOR FRESH EYES: Tighten up puffy under- eyes with Anatomicals No Old Bags Allowed Eye Gel, £3.10 from Superdrug. Soothing and cooling, it refreshes tired eyes and, used daily, reduces the appearance of ageing eye bags.
BUDGET BODY TREATS
LUXE BODY LOTION: Inspired by the fivestar spa in Thailand, Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Smoothing Shower Scrub is made with cocoa butter, frangipani flower milk, hibiscus flower milk, jasmine, macadamia oil, star-flower oil and ylang ylang. It smells delicious, is formulated using the latest skincare technology and is paraben-free. Best of all, it’s just £4 at Sainsbury’s FABULOUS FAKE TAN: A must-have for dull winter skin, Solait Gradual Tan, £4.99 at Superdrug, maintains a subtle summer glow. In two shades — light/medium and medium/dark — this new fake tan delivers just enough colour to take away that greyish winter tinge. BARGAIN BODY WASH: Baylis & Harding is one of my favourite value brands, and the new Wild Rose and Raspberry Sensuous Bath Foam, £3, is glorious. I also love the range’s Lemon Blossom and White Rose Shower Creme, £2, and the bumper bottles of handwash.
MORE MAKE-UP FOR YOUR MONEY
MUST-HAVE MASCARA: According to the new survey, 38 per cent of us can’t live without mascara. Fortunately, you won’t have to, because the best product out there, Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara, is just £4.99. A true beauty legend, the secret lies in the volume boosting brush, which defines even the tiniest lashes. Two coats of the Blackest Black shade gives lashes real impact.
PERFECTING FOUNDATION: A good base evens out your complexion and makes you look years younger, and 2true Smooth Matte Foundation from Superdrug is a lightweight lotion that gives flawless coverage. With vitamin E to nourish your skin, its oil-free formulation is easy to blend. Incredibly, it’s only £1.99.
COMPLEXION PERFECTOR: I’m a fan of YSL’s Touche Eclat (£ 25), but Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer is pretty impressive for one-fifth the price — £4.99. It works in two ways. A dot blended into the inner corners of your eyes makes them look brighter, while blemishes can be concealed with a tiny dab of pressed powder added on top.
HAIR FOR LESS
WASH AND GLOW: Shampoo and conditioner are the building blocks of healthy, shiny hair — but you don’t have to break the bank to get results. The new Andrew Barton Naturally Collection Orchid Flower & Aloe Vera Hydrating Shampoo and its matching conditioner, £2.99 each from Asda, contain Pro Vitamin B5 and are wonderfully nourishing.
VA-VA-VOLUME: The weightless Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Volume Booster Spray Gel, £4.49, stops even fine hair going flat. It contains special polymers that wrap around hair fibres to protect it during blow drying and provide protection from humidity. Apply to wet hair at the roots, then use a round bristle brush to blow dry hair for extra bounce.
SPLIT-END SAVIOUR: If you’re overdue a trip to the hairdresser, Shine So Bright
Split End Balm, £4.50 at lush.
co.uk, is the perfect stopgap. Thanks to its rich blend of olive and coconut oils, this little tub quickly smooths split ends.
Simply soften the waxy oils with the warmth of your fingers, then apply a tiny amount to the ends of your hair for instant polish.
BARGAIN NAILCARE
PRETTY CHEAP POLISHES: The new BD Nail Polish collection by legendary make-up artist Barbara Daly, £3 each from Tesco, has every autumn trend covered.
The eight new shades have a luxurious theme, with Magic, a deep plum shot through with a shimmery silver; Fairy Tale, an intense gold; Once Upon A Time, a striking fuchsia pink; and Dream, a classy charcoal grey. INDULGENT HAND CREAM: Repair dry, cracked cuticles by massaging with the new Royal Jelly and Pure Honey AntiAgeing Hand and Nail Cream, £4 from Marks & Spencer. The rich formulation contrasts with its bargain price, and it really does work wonders on winterbattered skin. For best results, apply a generous layer to your hands before bed. FOR NATURAL NAILS: If you like your nails to look natural, buffing is the best way to get them smooth and shiny. Just £ 2.49 buys you Superdrug’s Six-Way Nail Buffer. Use the smooth side daily for a high shine finish and the rough side no more than once a week.