Fashion

Tried and Tested: budget beauty buys that actually work

Buy cheap, buy twice – but not with these excellent yet pocket-friendly products

The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (€5.80);Intense Butter Gloss (€7.75) NYX; The Gold Standard iLust Eyeshadow Palette (€9.49)

Dominique McMullan
Mon Dec 5 2016 - 06:00

The Ordinary's Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (€5.80) contains L-Ascorbic Acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C, which brightens skin and reverses signs of ageing. Vitamin C is proven to only be effective at a concentration of 20% or above, and while many serums sold as 'Vitamin C' don't reach that concentration, this one is 23% and guarenteed to work. It tingles and warms on application and it dries to a slightly powdery finish.

30 pack Individual Lashes (€1.50) from PS in Penneys. This is a Penneys best product and something I always pick up in the queue. You pay three times the amount for lashes just like these everywhere else. Apply to the corners of your eyes for an instant flutter.

The Gold Standard iLust Eyeshadow Palette (€9.49) is perfect for party season; especially if, like me, you occasionally bring your eye shadow out and then lose it. This palette features four silky shimmer powders and two rich cream shadows to keep your eyes sparkling.

Nivea Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (€3); 30 pack Individual Lashes (€1.50) from PS in Penneys. The Ordinary Buffet Serum €14.80

NYX is known for its professional standards and low prices. Its Intense Butter Gloss (€7.75) is highly pigmented and thick but not sticky. The only downside is a slight bit of feathering caused by the texture, but this can be prevented with a good lip liner.

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Nivea Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (€3). I hate tugging at the delicate skin around my eyes when trying to take off eye make up. Soak a cotton pad in this remover, apply to the eye area for a few seconds and then gently wipe away the day (or night!).

Dominique Loves

The Ordinary’s “Buffet” Serum is a blend of 11 amino acids and five peptide complexes, which stimulate the production of collagen and have anti-ageing properties. The name alludes to how some other, more expensive brands compare their products to food buffets where you can have a bit of everything. This is The Ordinary’s most expensive cream at €14.80, treat yourself.