which makeup items can you go for the cheap option?

[Niceychops]

and which is it worth investing in a good quality brand?

I've read good reviews of Maybelline mascara is good. And it was okay.
Me, I buy very little make up so I like it to feel quite indulgent. I think cheaper brands of lipstick are always horrible colours.

I love Maybelline mascara !
I use cheapo Rimmel hide the blemish,is pretty good

you can skimp on mascara, eye liners and some eye shadows (most cheaper makes use less pigments so crease and fade more easily)

the best mascara is a boots natural collection one which is excellent

maybelline and No 7 lip glosses are as good as juicy tubes and Barry M ones are also good (as are there pots of dazzle dust which you can use wet or dry)

IIRC, bourjois is made by chanel so is fairly high quality

rimmel fast finish nail polishes are also fantastic

invest in the best foundation you can buy and a decent moisturiser, as well as a good blusher

also, GOOD make up brushes make a difference to the finish of your make up

I go cheap on all of it.

MissSporty Fabulous Lash waterproof mascara rox and is £2.99 in Semi-Chem. Even got a mention in The Sunday Times Style section.

I love boots natural collection juicy lips,bourjois shadow and blush and no 7 mascara-getting the colours right in natural light I think is one of the most important things which is possible in our Exeter Boots.L'oreal true match mineral foundation looks really natural and there are loads of colours to choose from.

Maybelline nail varnish is great. I have bought Chanel before - expensive and chips after about 3 hours.

lipgloss