You may already know what your ‘desert island beauty product’ would be, but have you ever thought about which beauty buy you would spend your last tenner on? That was the question we posed to our team this week, gathering all the inside knowledge on the simple brilliance of our favourite bargains. No need to spend a fortune: we’ve rounded up our favourite budget beauty picks – all for under £10. Spread the word!
THE FACE SAVER
Cath Sheargold, Chief Sub Editor – Nivea Soft, £4.99, superdrug.com
Cath Sheargold, Chief Sub Editor – Nivea Soft, £4.99, superdrug.com. Cath says that this sinks in fast and leaves skin plumped up
Reassuringly gloopy, this sinks in fast and leaves skin plumped up. And the nostalgic fragrance always gives me a lift.
THE BROW WOW
Joanne Toolan, Fashion Stylist – Max Factor Brow Revival, £9.99, boots.com
The brush gives even coverage, shapes and tints to leave my brows looking natural but perfectly groomed.
THE LASH LIFT
Georgia Green, Digital Content Editor – Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, £9.99, superdrug.com
Forget expensive mascaras – this brush picks up every lash and it never transfers. Job done!
THE SKIN STAR
Ellie Allen-Eslor, Art Editor – Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Spray Moisturiser, £6.59, superdrug.com
A light mist that’s easy to apply everywhere, it leaves my skin silky soft ‒ and smells delicious!
THE HOT HUE
Sophie Dearden, Fashion Editor – Essie Nail Polish in Vanity Fairest, £7.99, boots.com
Sophie Dearden, Fashion Editor – Essie Nail Polish in Vanity Fairest, £7.99, boots.com. Sophie is a loyal fan of this and always has a bottle on the go
I am a loyal fan of this and always have a bottle on the go. After a quick couple of coats, it looks like you’ve had a mani-pedi. Chic and classic, it goes with everything.
THE HAIR HERO
Luisa Avietti, Deputy Picture Editor – Seanik Shampoo Bar, £9, lush.com
Luisa Avietti, Deputy Picture Editor – Seanik Shampoo Bar, £9, lush.com. Luisa says this foams up and smells great
This foams up, smells great and you can also buy a refillable tin for it, so it’s easy to take on holiday as I don’t have to worry about my liquid allowance. No plastic also is a big plus.
THE BIG SOFTIE
Edwina Ings-Chambers, Beauty Director – Garnier Intensive 7 Days Coconut Milk Body Lotion, £4.99, lookfantastic.com
Edwina Ings-Chambers, Beauty Director – Garnier Intensive 7 Days Coconut Milk Body Lotion, £4.99, lookfantastic.com
An incredibly effective lotion with a subtle coconut scent, it rubs straight in and leaves my skin feeling tiptop. It’s become one of my classics.
THE BATH BOOST
Mark McDonald, Production Manager – Westlab Recover Bath Salts, £7.50, hollandandbarrett.com
Mark McDonald, Production Manager – Westlab Recover Bath Salts, £7.50, hollandandbarrett.com
After a 30-mile bike trek, a soak in this is heaven. Magnesium aids muscle recovery and arnica soothes aches and pains.
THE MAGIC MASK
Natasha Tomalin-Hall, Creative Director – L’Oréal Elvive 72h Moisture Wrapping Mask, £7.99, boots.com
Natasha Tomalin-Hall, Creative Director – L’Oréal Elvive 72h Moisture Wrapping Mask, £7.99, boots.com
Hydrates my ratty hair, but also defines the waves, so no need for extra product after I’ve washed.
THE MANE ATTRACTION
Jessica Carroll, Fashion Junior – Monday Haircare Gentle Conditioner, £5, lookfantastic.com
Jessica Carroll, Fashion Junior – Monday Haircare Gentle Conditioner, £5, lookfantastic.com
Sodium lauryl sulfatefree and great for fine hair as it doesn’t weigh it down. Smells lovely and the cute packaging makes it look lots more expensive than it is.
THE SPRING WATER SPRTIZ
Stephanie Belingard, Picture Editor – Avène Eau Thermale, £4.80, boots.com
Keeps skin fresh and hydrated without smudging make-up. Every Parisian woman carries a mini one in her handbag.
THE FINE LINE
Sophie Hines, Digital Editor – Rimmel London Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner, £5.99, superdrug.com
The fine but sturdy brush means it can get right to the root of the lashes. Easy to apply, it goes on smoothly and doesn’t smudge. Foolproof – even if you don’t have a steady hand.
THE LIP CINCH
Jackie Annesley, Editor – Lysine Lip Balm, £5.95, victoriahealth.com
Jackie Annesley, Editor – Lysine Lip Balm, £5.95, victoriahealth.com. Suitable for vegetarians and tastes like mango
Calling all those with chapped lips, prone to cold sores. Here’s a balm you should really try not to lose. Suitable for vegetarians and tastes like mango. Win, win.
THE CLEAN SWEEP
Maddy Fletcher, Features Writer – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £9.50, boots.com
Maddy Fletcher, Features Writer – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £9.50, boots.com. It takes off make-up and cleans your face
I’ve used this since I was a teenager. It takes off make-up, cleans your face and doesn’t smell of anything (which I love).
THE NAIL TIP
Alice Robertson, Beauty Assistant – Navy Cuticle Balm Mini, £7.95, navyprofessional.com
Alice Robertson, Beauty Assistant – Navy Cuticle Balm Mini, £7.95, navyprofessional.com
I have a pot of this in my desk drawer to keep my nails and cuticles hydrated and stop me biting them. The scent is so delicious I wish they made a separate fragrance, too.