I did two of these budget beauty buys previously, one under €10 and one under €5 and it was a great success. Perhaps this could work as a ‘stocking filler’ style post also with the season that’s in it! There is literally nothing I love more than a bargain when it comes to beauty especially when there are so many fantastic brands and products out there that don’t cost the world. So without further ado, here’s the list.

Cocoa Brown Instant Tan (€6.99) – First up is a product that the world and it’s mother has been talking/blogging/tweeting/hashtagging the life out of it BUT there is a reason they are! These are the latest release from the powerhouse that is Marissa Carter and there are two offerings – a shimmer and a matte version. I’ve only worn the matte version so far, I’m saving the shimmery one for some festive nights out. It’s so easy to apply, it smells when you first apply it but it does NOT continue to smell throughout the day and lasts nicely and I certainly didn’t notice any streaks and I’m told it’s splash proof!

Essence nail polish (€1.49) – I LOVE these polishes, dare I go so far as to say they are my favourites of ALL time!??! Perhaps. Firstly they are so so cheap, they come in an incredible range of shades, the colour is so strong and they last pretty well. For me that means I get about two days out of them, especially the gel range, on all but my index finger which seems particularly weak for some reason. 

Essence pure NUDE foundation (4.79)- I never would have thought I would like this foundation, I use Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Light or Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 Hour Foundation normally so I tend to pefer the high end foundations and dip in and out of highstreet offerings from L’Oreal and Rimmel. Regardless of price I like this, it’s a light to medium coverage foundation and yes I would say it needs to be set with a powder but the colour is really natural and it does give a flawless, light finish. I was so impressed with it it was the only foundation I brought with me on a week long trip to England!

NYX Matte Lipstick (from €7.50) – the colour pigment of these lipsticks are fabulous, the selection of colours and the longevitity of these lipsticks is just fantastic.

EOS lipbalm (€9.00) – it’s the shape of these lipbalms I love the most, they just fit your mouth perfectly and the smell, oh its divine! Expensive for what they are really but they are light and fit in your handbag and the lid doesn’t come off like a lot of lipbalms that are shaped like a lipstick, I find the lid falls off them easily and the tip gets squished and leaves a mess at the bottom of your bag.

Rimmel powders (from €5.99) – i’ve included a few here as I love these all. The bronzing powders from Rimmel I just love, I mean how old school is the sun shimmer bronzing powder. I usually use a little bit of the light matte to warm up my face and the medium mattte I use on my neck so that everything matches. Stay Matte Pressed Powder is also brilliant. I find the loose powders work better but you try getting ready in a hurry with two small ladies, sometimes ease of use wins over lasting power!

Wet n Wild Megaglo Illuminating Powder – if you had told me after a few weeks of using my Mary-lou Manizer that anything would EVER come close to its brilliance I would have larfed in your face! But I do find myself reaching for this pot more often than I would have expected, it gives a lovely warm glow and it doesn’t get cakey by the end of the day unlike some (far more expensive cream highlighters!).

So there – a list of some of my favourite budget beauty buys of the moment. Feel free to add your own suggestions below or on Facebook or Tweet me!

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