The broke girl's guide to beauty
No hefty budget for luxury beauty items? No problem. From foundation and powder to lipsticks and hair products, there's a raft of products out there that won't break the bank.
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Two day old hair never looked so good (and your purse will thank you, too). Just spray and go.
£2.99, Boots.com
Elnett hairspray
An iconic hair essential that no woman should do without - and it's a bargain!
£3.99, Superdrug
John Frieda Frizz Ease serum
Get a salon-worthy, frizz-free blow-dry in the comfort of your own home - without the hefty price tag.From £6.29, Boots
Elegant Touch A/W Nails in Merlot
No time or money to get a professional mani? Don't worry, just reach for Elegant Touch's press-on nails. We love the Merlot tips - the perfect shade to team with your new winter coat.
£6.59, Elegant Touch
New Look lipliner
The latest high street fashion brand to venture into the busy beauty waters, New Look's debut cosmetics offering is definitely one you'll want to have in your make-up bag come A/W, especially if your budget is somewhat lacking. We personally love the lipcolours (oh and the nailpolishes!) for a shot of bright colour in the dark winter months.
From £1.99, available nationwide
B. Pure Micellar Water
Just because you're not splurging, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on make-up artist and model beauty favourites, like Micellar Waters. We love this hard-working high street version.
£2.47 (was £4.99), Superdrug
Salt of the Earth Deodorant Spray
Natural and nice on the old purse springs, Salt of the Earth's classic spray has been loved for 25 years and for good reason. Good for sporty types as this will keep you feeling fresh throughout your workout, look out for the lavender and vanilla fragranced ones too, which just landed this summer.
£3.84, Crystal Spring
MaybellineMaybelline Color Show Bleached Neons in Chic Chater
Budget and beautiful - this neon Maybelline nail polish is a case in point.£3.99, Boots
Apricot, Mint & Coriander Foot Exfoliant Bar
Who needs a day at the spa when you can create the experience at home? Light some candles, run the bath and lather up.
£4.25, Arran Aromatics
Mandara Spa Island Paradise Intense Body Scrub
While you're there, give your body a salon-worthy exfoliating treat with this beautifully scented intensive body scrub from Mandara Spa.
£7, Sainsbury's
Organic Head™ Detox Masque by Daniel Galvin Jr
And while you're concentrating on buffing your body, give your hair a pampering treat by working in a deep conditioning, colour-reviving treatment into your locks. Organic Head Detox Masque not only leaves hair smooth and soft, it also adds volume by deeply cleansing the hair to remove product build up. At £4 a tube, we'll be dropping a couple of these into our basket.
[i]£4, Morrisons stores nationwide[/b]
Limited Collection Bronzing Powder
No summer holiday? No problemo. Fake that sunkissed glow with M&S' excellent bronzing powder.
£5, M&S
Barry M Lip Paint in Baby Pink
This pocket dynamo of a lipstick is an unashamedly 90s baby pink that’s so blush it’s almost white. Creamy and with excellent staying power, this little number is a great alternative to nude and, of course, its price tag is music to our ears.
£4.50, available nationwide
Head Jog Teasing Brush 103
A quick fix to instantly glamorous hair without visiting that expensive haordresser? Well, that ol' 80s favourite backbrushing, is nigh on unbeatable. Use the wooden end of this brush to section hair before pushing the hair about an inch from the head into the root to create a solid foundation that you can pep up through night. Easy-peasy!
£2.95, BeautyBay.com
BD Barbara Daly Facelift Foundation
For a make-up treat that won't cost the earth PLUS delivers the great coverage and results you would expect from a premium make-up range, you won't be disappointed with Barbara Daly's beauty offering.
£7, Tesco
Pro Formula Radiance Night Cream
A tub of nourishing night cream for just £3? Count us in.
£3, Tesco
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Looking for a matte, shine-free finish to your make-up look but your funds won't stretch to the latest luxe formula? Then complete your make-up routine with a quick sweep of Rimmel’s cult and long-lasting pressed powder. We keep one in our desk drawer for pre-meeting touch-ups.
£3.99, Superdrug
Carmex Lip Balm Pot
Pop a little pot of Carmex in your pocket to save lips from a dry, chapped fate. You just know your lips are happy from that tingly feeling.
£2.69, Boots
Palmers Cocoa Body Butter
One of the most famous cocoa butter formulas on the market; and for good reason – it’s an absolute saviour for dry skin and a bargain at under £4. It’s a great skin saver where scars are concerned too – slather on to help heal damaged skin and minimise stretch marks.
£3.25, Boots
Maybelline Great Lash mascara
Since 1971, Maybelline's Great Lash mascara has been transforming our real-girl lashes into runway-worthy luscious specimens. In its distinctive green and pink packaging, the jet black formula elongates the lashes to model proportions and has supreme staying power - and who can argue with that, especially at under £5!
£4.99, Boots
