BEAUTY Brilliant budget beauty buys

Brilliant budget beauty buys


Beauty
Maggie Gibbons

Is there anyone out there who hasn’t at some stage spent a huge amount on a beauty product only to be hugely disappointed with the lack of results? We all tend to have our favourites, but this is an ever-expanding, massively lucrative market. Shouldn’t we be shopping around a bit and exploring some of the newer supermarket and chemist brands?
While some products are definitely worth spending a few bob on, there are many that don’t live up to their hefty price tags – and the less expensive versions will be just as good. Back in the ’70s, my flatmates and I shared a bottle of ‘Oil of Ulay’ (before it became Olay). We treasured this pink lotion in its glass bottle and used it sparingly. My mother was using her Ponds Cold Cream which was a great little multi-tasker, a cleanser and moisturiser rolled into one. How times have changed!
Today the beauty industry is a confusing combination of science and PR marketing. Exaggerated claims make it tough to know what’s worth the money. If only we knew the real cost of making those lotions and potions we’d think twice before doling out big bucks!
Do you really think cosmetic companies are using ingredients expensive enough to warrant their enormous cost? I don’t believe any anti-wrinkle cream is worth €100. In fact, in my humble opinion anything more than about €40 is a waste of money. Low-cost cosmetics are often just as good as the high priced ones. And remember: Most photos of women in magazines are airbrushed to make them look thinner and flawlessly beautiful.
The next time you’re supermarket shopping, take time to browse the beauty section. Catrice is a great favourite of mine thanks to its quality and its affordability. Their Inside Eye Highlighter Pens are brilliant at €3.29. Catrice Ultimate Moisture Fresh Skin Make-Up (€5.99) evens out small irregularities of the skin and the liquid Catrice Blush Tint (€4.49) gives subtle healthy glow to the cheeks and lips. Catrice products are available in chemists nationwide as well as select Dunnes and Penneys.
Rimmel, that old reliable, is cheap as chips. Check out the Special Eyes Mono Colours.
Max Factor are a hard act to follow when it comes to mascaras. I love their False Lash Effect Mascara, €13.99, winner of numerous beauty awards. I tend to have sensitive eyes, and Max Factor suits me better than any other brand.
Nivea Q10 PLUS Anti Wrinkle Light Day Cream SPF15 50ml, is the favoured choice of many beauty writers, and it’s just €11.80. Nivea constantly produce top-quality products at affordable prices. Q10 Plus Anti Wrinkle Refreshing Eye Roll-On (€12.20) instantly cools to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
All the above are easy to purchase when you roam the supermarkets. They are well worth investigating if you haven’t already tried them. Next time you want to replace something, why not give one of these ranges a go? You might be pleasantly surprised – and your purse will thank you!

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.