Buy It & Buy It Again! Seven Budget Makeup Buys I'm Still Loving & Use Practically Every Day

We've never been luckier when it comes to budget beauty; there's such a huge variety at such a affordable prices, with quality that far exceeds expectations. I spent many a moment in my youth hoarding super cheap and super chalky cosmetics because I couldn't afford the alternative, but now we're presented with a huge selection of goodies that are often just as good as their premium counterparts. Although I love the look, feel and smell of some of the most luxurious brands out there, the buzz you get from finding a budget buy that really delivers is incomparable. Over the years I've tried far too many to mention, but the ones I keep turning back to are those that have a special place in my heart. If you want to treat yourself pre-payday but are a bit short of funds, or simply want to invest your cash more wisely, then here are some of my fave budget beauty products of all time that I still turn to on an almost daily basis. You're welcome.


Maybelline Collosal Mascara (£7.99)
One of the best mascara's I've ever used, this helps to create a super powerful flutter in only a couple of coats. The giant wand captures every lash and helps to lengthen and volumise lashes, leaving eyes wide open and not a clump in sight. I've re-purchased this more times than I care to admit this year, and returning to such a firm favourite reminds me how great it really is; it's definitely one of those cult classics that you can rely on to tick all your boxes without costing a fortune. 

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation (£18.00)
Your base is usually one of those areas I feel is worth investing in, mainly because many cheap alternatives tend to flake, cake or move throughout the day; however, over the last twelve months we've definitely seen a massive change in the quality of 'budget brands' and price is no longer reflective of quality. This formula has been specifically developed for those with more mature skin and is enriched with the same anti-ageing skincare ingredients that feature within the No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum; as a result, it helps to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, firmness and uneven skin tone. It also features optical blurrers and light reflecting particles to leave skin looking radiant, not cakey or too 'covered' (which can often exacerbate the signs of ageing.) It's a great daily foundation that delivers everything I need and more, and has been a firm staple since I discovered it last year.

The Body Shop Eye Colour Stick (£8.00)  
This creamy solid eyeshadow stick is great for those mornings when you can't really be bothered / don't have the time / can barely see yourself in the mirror, but still want to create an illuminating and uniform finish on your lids. I love it as an every day base (especially if I'm traveling as there's no need for broken palettes!) as you draw on a few lines and simply buff in with your finger. The formula doesn't crease, cake or move throughout the day, instead leaving a really bright and subtly shimmering result that's effortless. LOVE.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Blusher (£7.99)
Part of their range targeted at more mature skin, this blusher is a beautifully muted tone that suits practically every complexion. The texture is light and silky soft, blending beautifully onto the face to leave behind a flush of colour that enhances rather than looks drawn on; even the little brush included is fab, compared to most of the other applicators which go straight in the bin. In fact, the whole of the L'Oreal Age Perfect range is pretty top notch and well worth a purchase - my other faves include the foundation, lipstick and brow pencil, but read about the whole range here. 

Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish (£5.99)
You can't beat a deep berry or ruby red shade of polish at this time of year, and Rimmel has some of the best formulas I've ever tried - especially for their price point. This applies like a dream and leaves a super glossy finish, helping to conceal any imperfections or the dreaded peeling that many of us tend to experience in winter. A couple of coats will leave behind an almost professional look, lasting a good few days before the chips get too much and you need to re-apply. Although I've currently got Shellac on my nails, these are my go-to polishes that I repurchase every season in the hottest colours I can find.

MaxFactor Colour Elixir Lipgloss (£8.99) 
I've gone through so many of these lipglosses I couldn't even begin to count, and often find a tube hidden away in a bag or coat pocket I haven't used in a while. Thanks to a really light texture and glossy finish, I always feel like my lips look full and youthful with a slick of this; it's not super sticky or gloopy, nor do you have to be really precise when applying - wack it on even when you're standing up in a moving train carriage! The colours are beautiful, but this nude is my ultimate fave because of how it effortlessly enhances everything from 'no-makeup-makeup' right through to 'out out' looks; all the shades are enriched with a delicate vanilla-esque scent too, so they're somewhat addictive to apply.

Bourjois Delice Du Poudre Bronzer (£7.99)
What a difference a touch of colour can make! Not just for the summer months, a dusting of light bronzer across the forehead and cheeks can add warmth and a subtle healthy glow to skin when you need it most. I've been using this bronzer for years and it never fails me, adding just the right amount of colour whatever the season and helping to avoid me looking washed out. I adore the fact it has subtle shimmering pigments to catch the light and add luminosity to skin, as well as not being too heavy - many bronzers can leave skin looking muddy or are quite intimidating to dip your brush into, but this is just heaven sent (with a heavenly scent too... Of chocolate!)

Do you have any all-time favourite budget beauty buys you're always recommending?

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