I am definitely what you may call a make-up and beauty junkie but unfortunately I just don’t have the cash to spend on the high end luxury brands and alas the battle between Selfridges and Superdrug has commenced in full force whilst I am trying even harder to save the pennies before Christmas.
There are a few products that I have stumbled upon however that is proof of the fact that you don’t have to spend a mint to get a really effective product and I actually think that Superdrug is far surpassing other value orientated cosmetic stores with its huge choice of cosmetic brands catering for all budgets.
Here is a rundown of my latest and greatest cheapy cheap products:
Rimmel Stay Glossy
This Rimmel lip gloss claims to stay put for 6 hours and whilst I think that is a slight exaggeration, I can honestly say that this gloss lasts longer than any other I have tried including high end brands such as MAC and Nars. It isn’t gloopy but has a lovely moisturising formula and seems to have a plumping effect which is obviously a bonus! At £5.99 this is great value and must last longer than most glosses as I have had mine for about 7 weeks and only just about to re-purchase. My favourite shade is the neutral Non Stop Glamour which is great for glam everyday wear. Whilst on the subject of Rimmel, the Max Volume Flash Mascara is also a favourite of mine for thick fat dramatic lashes!
Sleek Storm Palette
This is currently my number one favourite purchase and as just under a fiver you really can’t go wrong. The palette comprises of 12 shades – the top row tend to be more gold bronze tones used to highlight and the lower row is deeper blues, grey, green and brown for a deep pigmented colour on the eye lids. The colours work incredibly well together and you can easily blend to create as dramatic or subtle look as you like. The colour pay off is superb and lasts all day.
Barry M Nail Polishes
Barry M has been in the beauty press a great deal recently and their range of nail polishes, I am currently obsessed with. At £2.95, I honestly was expecting something quite low quality and purchased only because of the colour for one evening out. However, I was really surprised that the colours went on smoothly and after 2 coats, my nails looked great and didn’t chip for 3 days. My favourite shades are Pink Flamingo, Violet Gold Shimmer and I had to try Mint Green as apparently it rivals the Chanel hot trend favourite Jade green and at over £15 cheaper, I’m certainly not going to get snobby about brand names and the colour is actually incredibly similar.
Eyeko 3-in-1 Cream
I really love this cream by Japanese and Manga inspired brand Eyeko. It actually looks like it is designed for 12 year olds playing with their first bits of make-up, and I’m not sure if a shimmer cream can also work as a moisturiser but this does add a lovely lustre glowing effect when used before you apply foundation and the packaging is ridiculously cute. At £6, it is great value and can also be used to effectively highlight the brow and cheekbones and really brightens the skin. Apparently it’s also a favourite among Kylie Minogue, and Gwen Stefani don’t you know. I’m sold.
I could purchase all of these products in one go for under £20 and I am using each on an everyday basis with great effects that could rival any high end brand (or at least the high end products I have tried). Cosmetic shopping can be done on a budget and I think it goes to show that often what you pay for when opting for designer brand products, is simply the brand name.