Monday 23 February 2015

Five Budget Beauty Bests!



It's no secret that I love a good beauty splurge. And also, just like books, when it comes to beauty, I am guilty of falling for the hype from time to time.  Sometimes I just can't help myself, but I've also learned that with beauty products, just like with anything in life, if it seems too good to possibly be true, then it probably is.

Anyway, now that's out of the way, I'd like to introduce to you some of my Budget Beauty Bests. Because as much as I love to sometimes stupidly splurge on skincare products - that all of those glossy ads and glowing blogger reviews are making me buy - well, like most everybody, I love a good beauty bargain too. 

These are the bargain buys that I repurchase over and over again. Everything here is widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets across the land. The prices I've listed are from Boots - I buy almost all of my drugstore beauty from there due to their 3-for-2 and half price deals. 

*****

Original Source Vanilla and Raspberry Shower Gel €3.19.
This sweet scent is my favourite budget shower gel. I usually stock up on this when it's half price at Boots and it is so much better than almost any other budget shower gel you'll find.  I keep meaning to try the rest of the Original Source range - because it all looks good - but I can't seem to stop buying this one in order to try anything else. As the fruity ingredients suggest, this has a bursting-with-fruity-goodness fragrance - and its almost smile inducing it smells that good. A happy burst of sunshine for your shower. Also, this is vegan - and tested only on people. An all round win!


Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Lotion €6.49.
It's not often that I'll include a body lotion in a 'best of' anything. Usually when I have a body lotion on my bedside table, it's one I've received as part of a gift set, and more of than not I only use half of it before it expires and I have to throw it out. I don't know why - I just never remember to use this stuff. Anyway, what I'm saying is that I rarely completely use up bottles of body lotion - until now. I'm coming to the end of my rather large (250ml) bottle of this stuff, and I definitely want to repurchase. It doesn't matter that I  have 52 bottles -slight exaggeration- of body lotions that I haven't even opened yet - this is the one I want. It really works. And it smells really nice due to its four beautifying oils - Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose. Also, it's non-sticky, which is always good. Really good value for its size and ingredients. 


Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer €5.49.
This concealer is a revelation. Seriously. I keep buying this in bulk because I keep on expecting the price to go up and up and up. It's great value for such a good concealer. I've used Benefit's Boing concealer for years, and while Boing is a great concealer, it's also €24 a pop. So, I've been using this collection concealer more and more - and let me tell you - it is just as good as any pricey concealer out there. I discovered this concealer last year via a Zoella vlog - and I've been using it ever since. If you are looking for a concealer that won't break the bank and really works - as in covers up EVERYTHING your skin can throw at it - then look no further than this. 

Also, super pale people (like me) buy this in 'Fair'  - it will work for you.


Carmex Lip Balm €3.39.
I am a convert to Nuxe's Reve de Miel but for years Carmex was my favourite lip balm and I always have a pot to hand. Hey, I bought my first pot of Reve de Miel 'just to try it out' and got hooked, but I won't be abandoning my trusty old Carmex any time soon.  Carmex contains Aloe Butter, Cocoa Butter, Menthol and Shea Butter. Oh, and it makes your lips tingle, which I like (love). I've heard this can also be used to soothe cold sores. A multi-talented essential, then.


Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water €6.29.
Remember when everyone went crazy for Micellar waters and started spending obscene amounts of money on certain French brand of water that is very difficult to get in this part of the world? In fact, I'm not sure if Bioderma is yet available in Ireland (pretty sure it's not) but it is easier to get (from the UK) than it used to be. Now, I never spent crazy amounts of money buying Bioderma Micellar Solution (I have always wanted to try it, though!) but until Garnier launched their Micellar Water, I had been spending €15/€16 on the Avene and La Roche-Posay offerings. Both very good, but this one is just as good. Also, the bottle is huge. And I don't think I have ever paid full price for this. It's usually on offer in Boots, and I'm pretty sure I saw it on sale in Penneys/Primark for €3 once-upon-a-time. Like I said, Garnier have been coming up with the goods recently!

****


What are your favourite Budget Beauty Bests? Let me know in comments. I'd love to discover a whole bunch of great budget beauty finds! 






10 comments :

  1. Malorie Blackman has been a superb Children's Laureat. She has done so much to promote YA and this looks like another exciting event.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I use the Garnier Micellar water and I love it only fault is considering it says you can use it for your eyes, it does sting a bit but still an excellent product!

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  3. ChristinaBookAddict23 February 2015 at 20:47

    I want to check out this original source shower gel. I have never seen that over here, but I am intrigued. I need a new shower gel. My last one must have had too much chemicals in it or perfumes b/c I got an allergic reaction. UGH! Sensitive skin problems. I know you have sensitive skin, so is this shower gel kind to it? I also like the sound of your lip balm…must check that out as well. We have had VERY cold temperatures here (below freezing) and my lips have suffered…I'm always on the hunt for a good lip balm. Thanks for sharing this, Leanna!

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  4. Tiffany (AboutToRead)24 February 2015 at 15:09

    The only micellar water I've used before is Bioderma and I have to say I'm not really a fan. I much prefer Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. It works so much better and gets rid of everything. I only use Bioderma on my eyes because it takes 18,000 cotton pads to remove face makeup.

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  5. Jess Hearts Books27 February 2015 at 16:44

    Totally agree with you about the Garnier Micellar Water and Collection Concealer. I couldn't be without them. I used to spend a fortune having Bioderma shipped from France and the Garnier one is just as good. Life saver!

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  6. The Garnier Micellar doesn't sting my eyes - but I don't wear a lot of eye make-up so use it mostly as a pre-cleanse/facial cleanser. :)

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  7. I'm not sure if you guys have Original Source in the US. I know it's a British company but I have no idea if they export to the US. Simple products are some of the best for sensitive skin.

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  8. I have heard good things about Clinique's Take the Day Off - I keep meaning to try it!

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  9. I know! I LOVE this concealer. Such a bargain! I never got around to trying out the Bioderma - super expensive shipping to Ireland. I always kinda wanted to try it - just to see what all the fuss is about!

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  10. I wouldn't say it was a really painful sting, it's a weird feeling, like there's really thick water in your eye. I'm currently only using it for freshening my face before make up because of this ☺️

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