THE HIGH STREET BUYER _

Despite having the enviable task of testing hundreds of products as Boots’ senior premium beauty buyer, Alice Rafferty still loves a bargain

WHERE TO SPEND £££

TARGETED SKINCARE I struggle with redness, which I usually cover up with make-up, but lockdown gave me the chance to splash out and try new products to target it. Dr Jart+ Cicapair Re-cover, £34.99, and Origins Dr Weil Mega-mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Face Mask, £32, have been game changers. The latter smells amazing, feels soothing and genuinely helps to calm and soothe my skin.

HAIR TREATMENTS They can make such a difference, and

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deepconditioning Treatment, £19, was a life saver when the salons were closed due to Covid. It keeps my hair feeling glossy and strong between cuts and has earned a permanent place in my beauty cabinet.

WHERE TO SAVE £

CLEANSER Double cleansing doesn’t have to break the bank. I start with an oil-based product to break down SPF and make-up. My favourite is The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, £9.99. I’ll then follow that with Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £17. EYE MAKE-UP You don’t need lots of eye products to look bright-eyed. I couldn’t live without Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint & Shaping Pencil, £10, and Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, £9.99. They make me look much more awake but are in keeping with the natural look that I love.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

SPEND ON SKINCARE AND YOU’LL SAVE ON MAKE-UP

A natural glow is important to me, so in the mornings I love using No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum, £20, to brighten my skin, followed by Drunk Elephant D-bronzi Anti-pollution Sunshine Drops, £30, as they give me a natural sun-kissed glow. I’m also a fan of It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream SPF50, £32.50, as it combines great coverage with ingredients to help deal with redness.