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As the credit-crunch kicks in, it might just be time to work out your beauty priorities. There are some cheap and cheerful beauty products that work hard for their money and are continually recommended by experts and celebrities alike. And then there are some life-saving products that you really shouldnt scrimp on. From head to toe heres ELLEs Spend or Save beauty guide.
Future Skin, £49, by Chantecaille at Space.NK
Future Skin is a miracle in a pot and the flawless base it creates means it’s worth its weighty price tag. You’ll rarely need primers and powders with this product and can have fun with high street make-up on top, safe in the knowledge that your all important base is picture perfect.
Hairspray, £5.49 by Elnett at Boots
For a purse- friendly purchase that gives hard-to-beat results, pick up some Elnett hairspray. Forget advertising and fancy packaging, this is a hero product because it works! Ask any expert - no bathroom should be without a can.
The Eye Concentrate, £120 by Creme de la Mer
The skin around your eye is delicate and should be treated with care – in this case only the best products will do so invest in a cream with top quality ingredients.
3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor, £4.49 by Aussie at Boots
Give hair a first class boost on an economy budget with 3 Minute Miracle. It leaves hair super soft and shiny and its guilt free price means you can invest more on the serious stuff, like your hairdresser and colourist.
Undercover Pot, £28 by Laura Mercier at Space.NK
A good quality concealer goes a long way, cheap imitations are simply false economy as a quality product can usually be used sparingly, lasts longer and will cover blemishes with ease. Apply with a small brush for accurate coverage.
Nail Polish in Makore, £3.75 by Mavala. For stockists call 01723 459 412.
Budget nail polish means you can buy plenty of shades to create different looks throughout the season. Spend your pennies instead on a premium quality top coat to make colours last.
Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £11.50, by Liz Earle. For stockists call 01983 813913, www.lizearle.com
Natural and organic ingredients are more gentle on the skin and therefore always worth the extra investment. For a nourishing but super effective cleanser you can’t beat Liz Earle’s Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. It’s a beauty editor’s favourite, try it just once and you’ll see why.
Little Round Pot Eyeshadow, £5.75 by Bourjois
It makes sense to buy eyeshadow on a budget: for one colours change every season, and secondly if you’re a colour chameleon like us, you’ll rarely use one shade till it runs out. Head to Rimmel or Bourjois for good quality and up-to-the minute colours.
Bath Oil 200ml, £52 by Jo Malone
During winter, bath oils make the perfect beauty treat and so it makes sense that they should feel luxurious. Splash out and treat yourself to a product that will last and smells divine – our favourite is by Jo Malone.
Detangling comb, £2.95 by HT at HQhair.com
An essential but basic tool for your cosmetics bag - you can easily pick one up for under £3.
Bain Satin Shampoo, £13, and Lait Vital Conditioner, £16 by Kerastase at HQhair.com
Ask any hairdresser and they’ll tell you that quality hair care products really do make a difference – especially if you have colour treated or damaged hair. No wonder then that L’Oreal’s premium salon range Kerastase is now the go-to brand for those in the beauty know. These products protect, nourish and repair hair to give you a just from the salon feel that’s hard to beat.
Firming Body Lotion, £3.99 by St Ives
Anything with cocoa butter or vitamin E will nourish the skin and it doesn't need to be expensive. Try Palmer's Cocoa butter or our favourite – the St Ives range for a value for money body lotion that you can slather on every day, guilt free.
Mimosa Scented Candle, large £34, small £12 by L'Artisan
When it comes to scented candles – the budget option is always false economy. Cheap candles generally smell ok for about five minutes, then smell of next to nothing for the rest of the burning time. A good candle is always well worth the spend and looks good on the coffee table too. Our favourites? Fig from Diptyque, anything in the Jo Malone range and Mimosa from L’Artisan, whose candles are to die for.
Great Lash Mascara, £4.99 by Maybelline
Get an instant beauty fix with this cheap and cheerful beauty staple that has a celebrity following that includes Alexa Chung and Peaches Geldof.
Malabah Eau de Parfum 50ml, £60 by Penhaligons
Take time to find a perfume you really love and invest in it. Always buy eau de parfum, it's more expensive but you don't need to use as much as eau de toilette, so in the long run it's better value. Jo Malone and Penhaligons offer fragrance profiling services so you can find just the right scent for you.
Silky Loose Face Powder, £6.79 by Rimmel
A light dusting of powder helps to set your make-up and take away any unwanted shine. Don't spend a fortune, just make sure the powder's consistency is light.
Brushes, from £12 by Mac
Brushes are an essential beauty tool and a good quality brand will always be best. Look after your brushes by washing them regularly with shampoo or professional brush cleanser, rinsing well and leaving them propped up to dry in a glass, and they will be worth the investment in the long run. Try Mac, Laura Mercier or Shu Uemura.
Body Brush Round, £7 The Body Shop
Dry body brushing is cheaper than buying exfoliators and works just as well, if not better, in eliminating dead skin and boosting circulation.
Popular Bristle and Nylon Hairbrush, £51 by Maison Pearson at Richard John
A good quality hairbrush will be kinder to your tresses and if looked after, just like make-up brushes, it should last a lifetime.
Supreme Cream Oil Body Wash in Luscious Velvet, £2.99 by Dove
Economise on shower gel - Dove's Cream Oil Body Wash is extra moisturising and smells good too.
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