From writing this column, I know that you all love a bargain and I also know you don’t have to spend a fortune on products to get good results. Especially when it comes to make-up.
So, before you splash out on a new bagful of summer beauty products, here are ten items and pieces of advice that really work. Best of all, nothing costs more than £10.
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SUPER SUNBLOCK
Barry M’s After Glow bronzer in light is available from Superdrug and works well on your face
Every dermatologist I have ever met has put this as their number one skincare rule. Use a sunblock on your face and a high factor on your body.
While a light, bronzed tan is youthful, you can fake it with gradual tanner on your body and powder bronzer such as Barry M’s After Glow bronzer in light (£5.69, Superdrug) on your face. Apply with a kabuki brush, such as one by Real Techniques (£11.99, Boots), where the sun hits your face naturally: the cheekbones, forehead and top of your nose.
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FAB FOUNDATION
The new Bourjois Nude Sensation foundation is a lighter option which will melt right into your skin, avoiding the heavy layers of foundation that can often be instantly ageing
Tempting as it is to cover up fine lines, dark spots and scars with a heavy layer of foundation, it is instantly ageing to do so.
Try something light such as the new Bourjois Nude Sensation foundation (£9.99, Superdrug, mid-May), which melts into the skin.
In four shades, it evens out the complexion, but feels light and looks completely natural.
BROW THICKENER
L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Brow Artist is great for accentuating your eyebrows without making them too bold and unnatural
There is nothing worse than skinny brows, but it’s easy to make them look bolder if yours are getting thin as you get older. Have them tinted professionally or practise doing tiny feathery pencil strokes to make them look bigger.
This will frame your face and give you a more modern look. L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Brow Artist (£5.49, Boots) is brilliant.
GROWN-UP EYESHADOW
Kiko Vibrant eye pencils come in a range of colours including black, brown, beige. The pencils are soft and creamy and will last all day
A tiny flash of colour in the corners of your eyes is enough to make your eye make-up look fresh. The ideal eye pencil is soft enough not to pull the delicate skin, but long-lasting enough to stay in place.
The new Kiko Vibrant eye pencils (£5.20, kikocosmetics.co.uk) are available in black, brown, beige and violet. They are soft and creamy, but will last all day and into the evening.
CLEVER MASCARA
Avon’s Super Extend Winged Out mascara has a slim brush which grants even coverage and won't end up giving you thick Betty Boop-style lasghes
Lashes get sparser as we get older, so mascara is a must. But be careful that you don’t end up with thick Betty Boop-style lashes.
Go for a slim brush with bristles that are not too close together and never be tempted to apply more than one coat.
Try Avon’s Super Extend Winged Out mascara (£8.50, avonshop.co.uk).
BRILLIANT BRONZER
Rimmel's new Good To Glow highlighter has light reflecting pigments that bring dull skin to life
Don’t underestimate the power of an illuminating cream or serum. Apply under foundation or use as a highlighter over your make-up.
The new Rimmel Good To Glow highlighter (£4.99, Boots) can be used on your face, brow bones and decolletage. It has light-reflecting pigments that bring dull skin back to life.
HAIR TAMER
As long as the shape works for your face and suits your style, there are no real rules — but it must look and feel healthy.
Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your weekly routine. Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Intensive mask (£5.49, Asda and Waitrose) is great.
It doesn’t weigh down the hair and the formula includes a diamond gloss serum to seal in hair colour and prevent fading.
CLASSIC NUDE
Often neglected and the first thing that can give away your age, it pays to take care of your hands.
I avoid wearing strong colours, as they draw too much attention, and stick to classic nude shades. Essie’s classic Mademoiselle nail polish is my favourite (£7.99, Boots).
But I do wear bright polish on my toes, such as the new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure range (£6.99, Boots).
FAKE A BLUSH
Revlon PhotoReady cream blush has a lovely silky texture which is perfect for blending
Don’t skip blusher. In fact, you can even wear two. Choose a creamy one that you can just dot onto the cheek area, blend well and then apply a slightly brighter shade of powder blusher over it.
Revlon PhotoReady cream blush (£7.99, Boots) has a silky texture and is perfect for blending. Soft rose tones are great, too — try Max Factor Creme Puff blush (£8.99, Boots) in Alluring Rose for a fresh, summery glow.
LOVELY LIPPY
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H lip colour in 506 Red Infallible has a brilliantly vibrant red colour and also contains a conditioning balm formula which will lock in colour while hydrating your lips
It is vital to get the shade right for your complexion. I would avoid dark reds and cranberry shades, as these can make lips look thinner.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H lip colour in 506 Red Infallible (£9.99, Boots) is the perfect bright red and has a conditioning balm formula to lock in colour and hydrate lips.
What's your favourite beauty bargain? Tell me at [email protected]
MAKE WAVES THIS SUMMER
John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray(£6.99, Superdrug)
In the Nineties, I loved John Frieda’s coconut-scented Beach Blonde Ocean Waves Spray and like legions of others, I missed it when it was discontinued ten years ago.
So, I was thrilled to see it has been relaunched as John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray (£3.47, Superdrug).
The product is simple to use: you spray it on to towel-dried hair, comb through and leave. You don’t even need to use any heated products.
John Frieda stylist Melanie Pellegrini says the best way to get good results at home is to towel-dry hair and resist brushing it.
Instead, comb through and twist sections to create ‘ropes’ of hair. Then just run your fingers through the sections to tousle it and make loose, irregular waves.
Those with short hair don’t have to miss out. Trevor Sorbie Styling Salt Texture Spray (£5.70, Boots) adds texture and holds it in shape.
There is even a salt spray for men — Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray (£7.49, Boots), which is particularly good for those who have thinning hair.
