Save face with our budget beauty buys

But a woman and her make-up bag are very hard to part. However, there are some alternatives to going bare, or looking like a three-year-old that's experimenting with the dressing up box. We've looked at some of the great classics, and a few new cult finds, in the cheaper end of the cosmetics market. 

Cleanser:

Dove beauty cream wash bar (€1, 100g). Ultra gentle, so won't irritate or dry your skin out like you may find with standard soaps. 

Toner:

Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, (€5.93, 200ml). With chamomile and witch hazel, it is effective at removing the last traces of make-up and suitably refreshing, without feeling like you've used white spirits on your skin. 

Moisturiser:

Aldi's Lacura Facial Care WrinkleStop (€9.99, 10ml), which replicates the effects of a protein found in the venom of the Templar Viper Snake, is touted as ‘Botox in a Jar', without the pinch on your pocket or your face.

Mask:

Lush Cupcake fresh facemask, (75g, €6), It's a favourite of Mischa Barton's and why not, as it smells just like chocolate. Although it smells good enough to eat, it's really feeding your skin, and is great to deep cleanse spot-prone skin. Who knew that chocolate was actually good to prevent spots?

Scrub:

St Ives Apricot Scrub (€4.59). This is the best-selling facial scrub in the UK, and it's easy to see why. Apricot is a natural brightener, while the kernels are gentle on your skin - plus there are three varieties to match your skin type.

Wipes:

Johnson's 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes, (€3.39 for 25 wipes). These clever wipes even remove mascara, but are gentle on your skin and great for a quick-fix. Look out for extra value two for the price of one pack offers at the moment. 

Foundation:

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid foundation (€7.82). It is very difficult to get the effect of a pricey foundation in a budget product, but this comes really close - goes on easily with a lasting smooth finish.

Concealer:

Rimmel Hide the Blemish concealer (€5.99). It's an oldie but a goodie, and the creamy formula, great coverage and staying power make it the best value concealer out there.

Blush:

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush (€7.94). This caused a stir on the market when it was introduced years ago, and is still a firm favourite. The high pigment, designer-a-like packaging and variety of shades means it is a winner for all skin tones.

Bronzer:

Rimmel Sunshimmer 3-in-1 Bronzer (€6.96). Bronzers can cost the earth, and finding the right tone for your skin is difficult, but this is a great budget all-rounder, with just enough shimmer for a natural glow.

Mascara:

Max Factor False Lash effect (€14.99). Max Factor have done it again, with another mascara that rivals the luxury brands. Although it may seem pricey, it is only about half the price of its designer rivals, and leaves your lashes looking unbelievably long without the dreaded clumps. 

Lipstick:

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Gold (€6.99). Lipsticks are making a real comeback as of late, but are a pain for low maintenance types. This is one of the better long-lasting lippies, without leaving your lips looking cracked and dry. Plus, the packaging will make you proud to display this in your (last season) designer handbag.

Lipgloss:

Bourjois Effet 3D Max lipgloss (€11.99). Most products boast lip plumping properties, but this actually uses clever shimmery stuff to add real fullness to your lips, in some flattering shades.

Eyeshadow:

Barry M Dazzle Dust (€6.95). They look really dinky, and are high enough in pigment, with enough variety of shades to rival MAC eye colours. And for this price, you can afford to experiment.

Nail Varnish:
Revlon Nail Enamel (€7.15). This is one of the most hardwearing nail polishes on the market, and comes in a selection of summery shades.

Body Lotion:

Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Lotion (€8.24, 400ml). This is a miracle cream - it fades and prevents stretch marks, cures any scaly patches on your body, is great for cracked heels or dry hands, leaves a subtle sheen on  your skin and smells like chocolate.