Cheap, chic beauty buys

We love a browse around the Chanel Beauty as much as the next woman but sometimes we’re looking for more bang for our buck. And there’s never been a better time to nab a beauty bargain.

Case in point: Danish brand GOSH (below), which I clocked in Superdrug recently while buying hayfever tablets. On a whim, I grabbed a Velvet Touch eyeliner pencil and, to be honest, wasn’t expecting much – it was intended to tide me until I had chance to do a proper Selfridges beauty hall shop.

However, I’m a total convert – these are dead-ringers for my usual MAC pencils; creamy and blendable but with immense staying power. The colour range is a bit limited but for £5.49, I’m not complaining. I’ve gone back for the lip oil since then (sheeny and youth making, at least in my head and cheaper than a G&T at £7.49). Liking it a lot.

 

Also lurking inconspicuously in Superdrug – and Boots too – is Sleek Make Up. Muddy’s editorial assistant Nancy swears by their eyeshadow palettes. Twelve shades for £9 and highly pigmented formulations? Bring it on.

We also like NYX’s non-gloopy lipglosses and lipsticks (most are around £6) which you can also grab at Boots –  or have a play with their genius website tool that offers a “virtual try on” of all the shades. It’s total sorcery and we challenge you not to play with it for hours.

 

 

And don’t forget your humble supermarket – Sainsbury’s Boutique range (relaunched late last year) is the best of the bunch. Try their Illuminating Drops (£4) mixed with tinted moisturizer or foundation for a delicious summery glow.

And then there’s Topshop. This isn’t the cheapest of budget brands but it is currently 3 for 2 on all products.

I’m a huuuuuge fan of their nail polishes (all £7), with its fashion-forward shades (I love a matte green or blue right now) and chip-free finish. Summer beauty, er, nailed!