Bargain Beauty Buys I Love

Over the last few months, I’ve become a bit of a beauty snob. I blame blogs entirely – they’ve introduced me to a whole new world of designer lipsticks, shampoo you can’t buy in Boots and candles that cost more than shoes.

VO5 Plump Me Up Dry Shampoo, £3.49
A (slightly garish, admittedly) pink can of wonder. This dry shampoo absorbs oiliness without leaving that awful ‘Old Lady Hair’ residue and gives my fine hair a kick up the arse in the volume department. Love it, and as it’s quite new it always seems to be on offer.

Dove Hair Therapy Colour Radiance Conditioner, £1.69 (offer)
Since I dyed my hair dark again, I’ve been having real trouble with fading. I don’t really use colour protectants as my hair is fine and easily weighed down, so my lovely rich locks are turning mousy within days. This conditioner is part of a new range from Dove – it’s very nourishing which is great for hair health and colour maintenance, but terrible for volume. I use it a couple of times a week but only on a night, and let my hair dry naturally.

Barry M Hi Shine Gel Effect Nail Varnish, £3.99 (or 3 for £5)
In my quest to find a nail polish that doesn’t chip within hours of application, I’ve tried almost every range available. From Models Own cheapies to Chanel budget-blowers, they’ve all adorned my fingers (and sometimes my toes). Barry M is the only polish brand I find consistently good for wear, so when the new ‘Gelly’ polishes were released I had to try them. Sadly they seem to be sold out everywhere, but I did pick up this gorgeous ‘Blackberry’ shade – opaque in two coats, super shiny, long lasting. I love it.

Topshop Lipsticks, £8-10
I adore the Topshop whole makeup range, but the lipsticks are definitely my favourites. I have a range of colours, from orangey reds like Rio Rio (my most worn) to pretty pinks like Brighton Rock. The formula is matte but not too drying and quite long lasting with a beautiful colour payoff.

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment, £7.99
I started using this when I was growing out my pixie crop and actually had to stop for a while – my hair was growing so quickly I couldn’t keep up with the constant visits to the hairdresser to maintain its shape! Now it’s a little longer it can grow straight down (the mullet stage is behind me), and so I’m using this again. It’s not the cheapest product, but Lee Stafford is often on 3-4-2 and for the results, this is so worth it. Soft, shiny, longer hair that’s still bouncy and full of body? Yes please.

Rimmel Hide the Blemish concealer, £4.49
This clever concealer was the very first makeup item I bought when I was 14, and I’ve been using it ever since. I’ve never deviated to another and usually buy in bulk so I don’t run out. It’s creamy without being heavy, provides great coverage and doesn’t crease. And despite a HUGE 50% price increase over the last few years, I still adore it!

Topshop Cream Blush in Neon Rose, £6
I’ve tried a few of Topshop’s cream blushers, but I always come back to Neon Rose. It’s a pretty, slightly peachy, warm pink shade that works really well with my pale skin tone. And despite having quite oily skin, I much prefer the creamy formula to a powder – it’s very long lasting and the colour has a real pop.

Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets, £1.49 (offer)
I have one word for these – essential. A quick blot with one of these beauties and my skin is fresh and matte once more, with no need to add more powder. I use them along my T-Zone to keep shine at bay and they’re a permanent fixture in my handbag.

What are your favourite bargain beauty buys?