There's something very satisfying and mood-lifting about having luxury products on your dresser and in your bathroom cabinet. It's always a pleasure to begin your day twisting off an ornate gold cap from an elegant bottle, or opening the exquisite packaging of a shiny makeup palette.
But that said, there's something even more rewarding in discovering a high street product that works just as effectively (if not better) than your favourite luxury item, and only costs a fiver. Yes, the cheap tub might not be as visually pleasing but what a steal.
You may prefer to keep your holy grail bargain beauty buys to yourself and pretend that your glow is thanks to a £100 miracle cream, infused with flecks of diamond rather than admit it's actually due to a little tube from Maybelline. We've asked some of our favourite beauty experts to reveal their secret favourite high street products. No need to thank us.
Wendy Rowe, International Makeup Artist and Artistic Consultant for Burberry Beauty
"I love Tea Tree oil, you can buy it at Neal’s Yard, Wholefoods, Organic Pharmacy or any good chemist. It’s a great remedy if you have a small red rash around your nostrils or the lower half of the face. I recommend a tiny dab of tea tree oil in the evening, it will kill any bacteria on the surface of the skin.
For more of a makeup focus, I love Revlon lipsticks for someone with a lower budget. They are super cheap and really good, they have great pigmentation."
Tijan Serena, Beauty Blogger
“My favourite budget beauty buy is Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Pressed Powder. Being pressed powder it's mess-free and easy to pop into my handbag. It keeps my skin looking shine-free and perfectly matte without even a hint of cakiness - a hero product for oily skinned girls!"
£3.99 available at Boots
Sharmadean Reid, WAH Nails Founder
“Seventeen do this liquid bronzer called Glow that's kinda changed my life. It's highlight without the glitz.”
£4.99 available at Boots
Alessandra Steinherr, Glamour UK Beauty Director
“I use a powder [to contour] but sometimes I'll use an eyeshadow in taupe/beige. It's actually a product by H&M called Brown Sugar which I think is really good to use for sculpting if you have medium skin.”
£4.99 from H&M
Lou Teasdale, Makeup Artist
“Maybelline Baby Skin Primer, is very good - just as good as Clinique and Make up Forever, my other faves, but a lot cheaper!”
£7.99 available at Boots
Jessica Taylor, Makeup Artist
“I adore Revlon’s nail enamel in Teak Rose. My favourite colour for years! People always comment that they would never have chosen it themselves (lol) but that they love it. More generally I think their colours are great and really flattering - brilliant browns, apricots, and roses.”
£6.49 available at Superdrug
Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup, Beauty Blogger
“My favourite high street beauty product is the NYX Tinted Brow Mascara because it sets my brows in place without ever making them feel dry and crusty. It stops my bushy brows from swaying around in the wind, plus it has just a hint of colour to it so works well for those ‘no makeup’ makeup days as well.”
£5.50 available at Feel Unique
Nellie Eden, Refinery29 UK Fashion & Beauty Writer
"I swear by Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioner. You just spray it onto wet hair and leave it in. It makes my hair so soft and shiny despite having abused the bleach. If I forget to take it to
the gym I know it's going to be a bad hair day. I once dreamt they stopped making it."
£4.49 available at Feel Unique
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