BUDGET BEAUTY BUYS

January – a time to repent for our festive overindulgences. At this time of year, we’re not only watching what we eat, but we’re keeping an eye on the purse strings, too. But it’s not all doom and gloom. You can restock your make-up bag and bathroom shelves with a little savvy spending on these budget beauty buys.

1. With the cold causing our skin all sorts of complaints, some serious hydration is in order. The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£5.90 for 30ml, available at theordinary.com) boosts moisture levels and soothes dry, parched skin. Don’t be put off by it being an acid – this super nourishing formula glides on and is easily absorbed. At just over a fiver, it’s suits every skin type and can be used the whole year round.
2. Keeping your skin well-cleansed is also a must when the cold sets in. This micellar solution from Bioderma (£9.70 for 250ml, available at feelunique.com) removes even the most stubborn traces of make-up, and is suitable for sensitive skin. No need to rinse off either – just soak some cotton pads – so it’s time efficient, too!
3. If your complexion is in need of some serious love, Lano’s dry skin salve (£17.99 for 50ml, available at lookfantastic.com) is an affordable treatment for even the driest, most sensitive winter skin. In terms of what it is does, it would be quicker to list the things it can’t do! Slather on your face, hands, knees – you name it – by warming a small amount of this salve in your palms. It’s gentle enough for babies’ skin, too. With a molecular structure that closely mimics your skin, it’s also packed full of Manuka honey and vitamin E, forming a protective barrier between you and the cold.
4. When it comes to a light and breathable foundation,  Rimmel’s lasting finish coverage (£5.99 for 7ml, available at boots.com) proves that must-have make-up buys don’t need to break the bank. I love how lightweight this formula is, creating a smooth, even finish that doesn’t look caked on. With a cushion applicator, it’s easy to blend, and comes in six different shades.
5. Max Factor False Lash Effect Epic (on sale for £8.35 at feelunique.com) is by far my favourite budget mascara. It might take a few goes to get to grips with this brush (wipe away any excess before application), but the results are always the same: luxuriously coated, longer-looking lashes.

So, there you have it – my guilt-free beauty buys for January. I’d love to hear how you get on with these products, or if you have any budget buys of your own you’d like to share.