10 BUDGET BEAUTY BUYS FOR WINTER 2015

If the inevitable increased spending activity ahead of the holidays is already giving you an uneasy feeling, and preventing any self-indulgent beauty purchases, then consult this compilation for ten beauty buys that strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Because editing your beauty routine for winter [and amping up the the luxe factor] needn't always come hand in hand with an extravagant price tag...

THE HANDBAG MUST-HAVE : & OTHER STORIES Punk Bouquet Hand Cream*

A luxuriously rich cream in a tube that stows in one’s handbag without spilling, nourishes even the driest hands in the coldest climate, and comes in simple, beautiful packaging. Both the fast-action formula and vibrant, complex scent [Punk Bouquet is a blend of orchid, lotus, and almond] are enough to rival any high-end hand cream alternatives.

THE BATHTIME ESSENTIAL : LUSH So White Bath Bomb

This seasonal favourite infuses bath water with the crisp, fresh aroma of sweet apples combined with soothing bergamot and neroli oils. The fragrant blend is the perfect pick-me-up and results in luxuriously soft, delicately fragranced skin. Luxuriate in creamy, comforting waters and stimulate the senses; no winter bath time indulgence is complete without it.

THE FAUX GLOW : HE-SHI Express Liquid Tan*

For those yearning for a foolproof technique to create flawless bronzed skin, look no further. This super lightweight, easy-to-apply tinted liquid delivers the smooth, golden, and natural jet-set tan you need to enhance wan limbs come the dead of winter. The quick-drying, ‘see where it goes’ formula makes application effortless [and disaster-free], restoring a long-lasting golden hue in a matter of seconds. Not the cheapest faux tan, granted, but the high-power formula means that you won't need to use the entire bottle to build the colour that you need; in terms of cost per use, you're onto a winner.

THE COSY WINTER SCENT : & OTHER STORIES Crinoline Fragrance*

This fragrance is the perfume equivalent of your softest cashmere sweater; fresh, clean, and delicate without verging on astringent. Blending uplifting top notes with soft, delicate undertones, the result is both neutral and complex, offering a lighter addition to your winter fragrance wardrobe without breaking the bank.

THE COMPLEXION REBOOT : VICHY Idealia Skin Sleep*

The latest Vichy release is a nourishing formula that repairs and recharges the skin, resulting in a firmer, plumper, more radiant complexion. Developed especially for skin dulled by environmental and seasonal stressors, this cream delivers a deep infusion of moisture to recreate the suppleness and glow of a good night’s sleep. Designed to work throughout the night to assist the skin’s key regeneration processes, the formula contains hyaluronic acid and caffeine to combat a dull, tired-looking complexion [commonplace in the winter months]. Deploy it now in order to prevent the [skincare] January blues.

THE SHINE REVIVER : COLOR WOW Pop & Lock Crystallite Shellac*

All the conditioning benefits of a hair oil — improved moisture retention and instant softness – plus a glossy, mirror-like shine, in a formula designed to be applied to wet or dry hair. Ideal for combatting dull, winter hair, this clear gel forms a protective layer around the hair that prevents dryness and seals in moisture. The weightless texture dries to a bright, glossy sheen that enhances both natural and synthetic hair colours, restoring allure immediately.

THE GLITTER THAT KEEPS ON GLITTERING : KIKO Pigment Loose Eyeshadow*

Silky and blendable, this unique highly-concentrated formula uses pure pigment to achieve a bright, luminous effect. It blends on smoothly, adheres to the lid, and wipes off in an instant. Each shade is intensified with a pearl pigment for a multi-dimensional effect that can be enhanced further with a few drops of KIKO’s Mixing Solution. Perfect for a shimmering, smoky eye come party season.

THE STATEMENT MANI : PALETTE LONDON Textured Nail Polish*

Glitter nail polish is the kind of beauty trick that packs maximum punch with minimal effort - and is more than fitting come festive season. Coordinate it with a swipe of matching lip colour to look polished and put together at a moment’s notice. Palette London’s innovative formulas combine volcanic glass and shellac for a durable, high-shine finish, with enriching vitamins and proteins - resulting in a virtuous take on your winter manicure.

THE FACE-CHANGER : PAI Rosehip Oil*

An omega-rich oil derived from both the fruit and seed of the rosehip, this beauty insider favourite leaves skin hydrated, supple and radiant. The unique blend contains a particularly high concentration of antioxidants, which protect against environmental stressors and deliver essential nutrients that restore and balance winter-stressed skin. Apply a few drops every night onto clean, moist skin for a clear, healthy, and vibrant complexion. The bottle may appear small but will last for more than just the cold months.

THE ONE-STOP SKIN SAVIOUR : GLOSSIER The Balm Dotcom

Small, simple and insanely versatile, this do-it-all balm is a game changer for those with frequent and varied skincare ailments. Simply dab a small amount onto the skin to soothe irritation, calm redness, downsize blemishes, and hydrate dry patches, all without disturbing makeup. The balm softens to a clear, silky ointment that also makes for a fantastic ‘in a pinch’ highlighter when blended across the cheekbones, and naturally is an excellent remedy for chapped lips and brittle nails - the answer to almost every beauty emergency imaginable.