Bargainous Beauty Tips - the cheap, the cheerful, and the not-so-cheap-but-worth-it

[TrillianAstra]

I have decided that really I am a grownup now, and should stop buying things just because they are cheap.

But this does not mean I should stop buying cheap things, instead I want to call on all your wisdom for the cheap things that really work, so I have more money to spend when expensive things are worth it.

So: What is great even though it is cheap, and what is not-so-cheap but absolutely worth the dosh?

Mmm, sheep lips. Who wouldn't want to kiss that mouth??

I'll still try it, of course.

:) at Proust.

I think Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is worth the money - I really didn't like the Superdrug one.

Natural Collection blushers aren't bad and only cost about 1.99 each.

Vaseline - the pink one.

Flexitol is cheap and the best, best thing for feet.

Max Factor Skin something or Second Skin or Perfect Skin or whatever is called is not bad at all and often available for about a tenner.

I have the vaseline pink pot for lip balm, is very nice. It says it has almond oil in, does that mean if I kiss smoeone with a nut allergy they will die?

Is there somebody you're wanting to get rid of Trillian? I suggest just spraying 'Angel' near them - its hideousness will choke them and nobody could ever pin it on you, whereas the kissing would be a bit more obvious! :)

Poundland do vacuum packed 'lucky bag' type things of cosmetics. I got a GOSH mousse foundation this week and it is fab

I thought I'd accidentally clicked on the party bag thread then ... !

Simple stuff all round for me, with Ponds to cleanse at night.

I used to use Lush which I love, but a few products began to irritate my skin after a while.

Whats I'd love though is to find something to help with the puffiness under my eyes... nothing I've tried works, and I hate looking like a Panda!
Anyone any tips - will start a new thread

Doesn't have to be cheap cheap Shiney, but you have to promise that non-cheap things are worth the ££££££

I really rate Phytaoil. It's not cheap cheap, but it's not horribly expensive either, and I definitely think it's good value for money. It's basically like Bio Oil but not at all like Bio Oil! It's all natural and contains active ingrediants in the shape of rose hip extract and vitamin E so it actually works on reducing the appearance of stretchmarks and scars. And it feels great. And it comes in a spray so you don't get bloomin oil all over everything in sight. Genius I tell you. Love the stuff.

If you are feeling cheap cheap you could always bag a free sample though!

Cheers - have requested free samples!

Have also signed up for free sample, thanks :)

What do you use it on?

You're welcome.

I mostly use it on stretch marked areas (tummy, boobs, hips) and patches of very dry skin. But I have been known to use it pretty much everywhere!

Loreal telescopic lengths mascara. Miles better that lancome, dior, benefit and clinique imo.

Boots own eye make up remover pads are just as good as the expensive ones.

Saint Moriz fake tan mousse is £2.99 and is no different to st tropez or fake bake.

I am really impressed with a Barbra Daly (from Tesco) mascara, just £6 and have had loads of compliments on how long my lashes are. Palmers cocoa butter body cream (available in unscented if you don't like the smell) is a great rich moisturiser without being too oil slicky.

E45 is a great body moisturiser (cheap)

Tesco concealer in a pot is good 'n' thick (cheap)

Max Factor 1000 calorie mascara is the best (quite cheap)

I know everyone raves about Chanel nail polish, but mine chip much faster than my No7/Rimmel/cheapy ones.

Expensice foundation absolutely worth it. Chanel mat lumiere here.

Johnsons Face Wash - makes my skin all silky and blemish-free

Like Shiney - I am a make-up and skincare junkie

I love Olay moisturisers, Bourjois eye shadows and Top Shop do a good range of sparkly eye liners for night time.

Agree regarding Chanel foundation, Dior mascara and Estee Lauder double-wear eye liner.

Also a recent convert to Bobbi Brown pot au rouge.

Oh and She Umera eyelash curlers - the best ones ever.

Like cheap body lotion and hand cream as go through loads.

Oh and Sanctuary salt scrub in the funny kilner jar that goes rusty.

I love Johnsons Body Lotion, the newish one in the pink bottle, think its a 24h one or something.

Would agree that foundation is worth splurging on, I like YSL Perfect Touch.

For super cheap I love the eye mousse eyeshadows in Primark for just £1 or £2.

For powder blushers I love Bourjois.

Fake tan - a little while back I bought some Xen Tan as it promises no dreadful fake tan smell, don't be fooled, still has plenty of whiff and isn't much different from any other I have tried.

I use this range from M&S and it is very good.

Usually use Clarins, but Neutrogena hand cream fab and Aveeno body lotion excellent cheapies. Wouldn't give up the Clarins oil cleanser though.