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Team ELLE passes the time - when we're not busy writing copy - trialling the very best high street beauty bargains starting from just £4.49 and all under £50. See which products made it into this edit and our make-up bags...
Sophie Beresiner, Beauty Director
Benefit They're Real! Push-up Liner, £18.50.
It's so black and fluid and creates a really neat, versatile line close to the lashes thanks for the ergonomic tip. And it doesn't move (I tested this at a Coachella pool party and overnight flight to LA to make sure). Sounds too good to be true, but I've yet to draw a wonky line with it.
Suzanne Sykes, Creative Director
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup Instant Natural Radiance SPF15, £32
'My favourite product is this Chanel foundation. It gives an amazing coverage for such a lightweight liquid with a fresh glowing effect and has a mineral sunscreen and comes in a small enough container to carry in your bag.'
Debbie Morgan, Editorial Business Manager
Diorskin Nude Poudre de Solei Bronzing Powder, £34
'Nothing like a bronzer for a face pick-me-up- Dior's Diorskin Nude Poudre de Solei bronzing powder smoothes the complexion whilst adding much-needed colour, and lasts and lasts… Available in a variety of tones to see you through all the seasons.'
Joely Walker, Beauty Assistant
Bioderma Miceller Water Regular, £9.99
'I go through gallons of this remove-all-traces gentle water cleanser. It's perfect for my sensitive skin, wards off blemishes and removes eye make-up too. No wonder I see it backstage at almost every single show at fashion week.'
Hannah Swerling, Commissioning Editor
'It's amazing how something as simple as having a bath can feel like an indulgent treat and this Diptyque Satin Oil heightens the experience. I love the elegant bottle and the luxurious oil leaves my skin feeling spa-day soft and nourished'
Sophie Beresiner, Beauty Director
'My skin literally freaks out when I run out of this stuff. I've tried everything from £150 to £5 to sort out the unpredictability, and have managed to narrow it down to this. Its magic, and very often recommended by dermatologists too.'
Amy Lawrenson, Senior Beauty Writer
‘With winter just around the corner I’m preventing any dry lip scenarios with this lip butter. It moistruises lips with Vitamin E and jojoba oil; imparts a subtle sheen, delicate colour and tastes like coconut.’
Miette Johnson, Art Director
Khiel's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, £36
'A true beauty elixir, this magic potion does everything it claims to. A couple drops at bedtime and by morning my skin is bright, fresh and nourished. Like superfood for your face.'
Emma Sells, Fashion Features Director
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, £17
'I don’t wear very much make-up but I rarely leave the house without wearing Bobbi Brown long-wear gel eyeliner. It has the best staying power of any liner that I’ve tried.'
Annabel Brog, Editorial Project Director
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, £17.50
‘Nars lip crayon in dolce vita. Perfect neutral colour. Easy to apply. Lasts forever. Convenient to carry around.’
Leisa Barnett, News & Social Media Editor
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, £17.50
'This doesn't bill itself as 'industrial strength' concealer for nothing. My under-eyes are a very different place without it!'
Espe De La Fuente, Fashion Assistant
'I always have dry lips and this is the only lip balm that somehow works for me. It also smells of roses.'
Jamie Spence, Picture Assistant
Kiehl's Facial Fuel moisturiser, £21
'Deep freshening moisturiser that is non-oily and has a kick that makes your skin tingle'
Collette Lyons, Acting Content Director
'I am completely addicted to EVE LOM cleanser. It is pricey (£40 for 50ml) but there is nothing that makes my skin feel cleaner. Having been for a facial with the woman herself (an actual skincare genius), I also know that using it daily means you really don't have to clog pores with day or night cream after using it, and I have shelved the exfoliator too, as the muslin cloth does basically the same job. So really, I'm actually SAVING money with that £40.'
Claire Sibbick, Junior Sub-Editor
'It's the most soothing cream I've ever come across. Perfect in the summer as an aftersun and in the winter for any dry skin. I haven't found a moisturiser that comes close for the same price.'
Kirsty Dale, Executive Fashion Director
Calvin Klein lipstick in 'naked', £13
'Super sheer and a gorgeous, natural/beige colour, I use this lipstick like a lip balm and it gives just a hint of colour.'
Georgia Collins, Deputy Beauty Editor
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, £18
'Pricey for a styling product but as soon as you try this hairspray/dry shampoo hybrid, you realise why. Literally like big hair in can, this gives hair just the right amount of body, fullness and nonchalance that looks so effortless, and it lasts too.'
Diana Gavrilina, Digital Picture Intern
Terrybly Mascara By Terry, £31
'My favourite product under £50 is Mascara Terrybly BY TERRY. It saved my lashes when I had one too many eye lash extensions as it contains growth boosting serum. In a few weeks my lashes looked longer and fuller and in a much better condition than before I even had the extensions. The best beauty purchase I made in a long time!'
Christina Simone, Workflow Director
Essentials Complete Care Multi Radiance Moisturising Cream £10
'Great under makeup or alone, has SPF, and smells great!'
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