I am not going to pretend I have tried and tested every budget beauty item in Boots, but I have painted my face with many many different lower priced make-up items in an attempt to discover cheap products that are actually amazing. And may even rival your Chanel.
Plus I know it’s Christmas and it’s a time for giving so these finds are something for you to….give to yourself. Especially as there are so many buy one get one free type offers on at the moment.
Autograph Lasting All In One Nail Colour £6.00
This was an accident purchase, I was actually in the M&S Beauty hall looking for shampoo but fell in love with the Velour shade of this nail polish – a gorgeous grey/blue. The ease of application, finish and longevity is immense. Seriously – a pedicure lasts for weeks and weeks. Since then I have purchased Mink (a beige/nude) and limited edition Gold (more of a bronze/gold in real life) which is perfect for the festive season.
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer £7.99
If you don’t know about this already then I feel that you might just bin your current luxe favourite once you’ve tried it on your dark shadows. Excellent at eradicating purple/blue tones and generally making you look more “awake” without being heavy, creasing or emphasising fine lines. It contains hyaluronic acid and apparently provides hydration and a smoothing effect for 24 hours. Admittedly I’ve not slept in it personally but I can vouch for the fact it is a truly fabulous concealer. Have a butchers at the reviews on Boots.com to see more fangirl appreciation. I use the shade ivory which is a pale hue with creamy/yellow undertones.
L’Oreal Paradise Extatic & Age Perfect Mascara £11.99 each
I’ve cheated and included two mascaras, they are both excellent but give completely different effects – so it really depends on what you’re after. Paradise Extatic gives a false-esque glossy thick look that is ideal for evenings or anytime you want to make your eyes pop. The Age Perfect Lash Magnifier provides a soft “fringe” of luscious lashes that works for a more natural daytime flutter . Both compete with much pricier competitors in terms of the dense bristle wands (my favourite for separation and definition) and the fact they don’t smudge or flake.
At the moment there is 3 for 2 on L’Oreal in Boots so you can get some points, buy one of each AND secure a stocking filler for your friend. Winner.
Maybelline Gigi Hadid Gel Eyeliner Pencil £6.99
This was a latecomer to my 2017 best budget beauty buys list. I picked it up because it was so pigmented and smooth to apply. Seemingly it is only available in black but it’s exactly that – a true dense black. It goes on like butter and once it’s set (leave it a good minute or two after application) it doesn’t budge.
I’m a liquid eyeliner girl at heart but this is dead easy to apply and is a doddle to sweep on your upper or lower lash line when you are in a hurry. I also find it’s a good option for touch ups over my liquid liner if it fades a bit during the day.
They currently have 20% off the Gigi Hadid range at ASOS.
Revlon ColorStay Lipliner £6.50
This is not a new product. In fact I have a feeling it may have been around for years. Nevertheless it’s my favourite lipliner. And is even better when it comes to being comfortable to apply and fading evenly (rather than leaving an uneven line around your lips) than the much hyped Charlotte Tilbury lipliner (also excellent, I just personally prefer the Revlon one). It’s soft and non drying enough to be used as a base colour/all over stain if you fancy.
I have it in the shade blush which is a “your lips but better” nude pink. There are quite a few hues to choose from and on allbeauty.com, which is an amazing site for bargains by the way, it’s currently on sale for £3.95.
You should probably buy a few and stock up. I have.
Do let me know your beauty bargain buy of the year in the comments box below and we’ll endeavour to create a definitive list that we can share in the new year at some point.
You know, when we’ve got no money left after the big Christmas blow out but just really want a new lipstick.
Seconding L’Oreal Paradise Extatic & Age Perfect Mascara – been using it for the last month or so and it’s the best mascara I’ve used. Ever. And I’ve bought a fair few high end ones. A brilliant mascara!
Copied and pasted too much… I meant the Paradise mascara, although I now have to try the age perfect one too.
It’s great isn’t it Caroline? such good value x
Fantastic. Great long lashes and doesn’t smudge – and I commute / travel a lot. It works really hard. Best mascara I’ve ever tried.
I feel a trip to Boots coming on! Definitely need to try the concealer and lip liner. Tempted by the mascara too but should probably stay away as I never like them as much as the Max Factor.
My favourite budget buys this year have been the No 7 instant radiance highlighter stick (I like it better than the Becca illuminating fluid) and the Rosie Huntingdon Whiteley lip crayons from M&S.
I love a good but of budget beauty!
Ooooh I’m yet to try much from the RHW range – the packaging is lovely. Definitely try the lipliner and concealer, both are excellent x
I just got a YSL mascara and it’s terrible so that’s going in the bin and I will give these options a go. Thanks! x
Pleasure Sophie, isn’t it disappointing when something so expensive doesn’t live up to the hype. I’ve tried many a high end mascara that’s been less than impressive. Definitely give these a whirl x
SO disappointing! x
The best budget make buy I’ve found has to be the NYX black liner pen. I think I saw it in the comments of a RMS post before and it is amazing. The best liner I have ever used!! I trust the RMS posts and commenters so I am definitely trying those mascaras next! X
Sarah I hope they work for you! I am always a bit intimidated by NYX, so much choice?! x
I bought the Bourjois concealer at the weekend. It’s flipping amazing. I also repurchased a foundation I used to use as I fancied a new one and didn’t actually need one so managed to treat myself without splashing out too much.
Boots were running an offer and I got a lovely gift set with it. With FULL SIZE make up in it (mascara, rose colouredsil varnish, a liquid highlighter and a pinky rose lipstick). It’s reignited my Bourjois love which was strong at school and uni and then I’d sort of abandoned it but back on it now 🤣🤣