Cheapie but goodie

As Christmas rolls around, here are some cheap stocking fillers that despite their price tag, will bring unbridled joy. Let us begin...

I recently spent a fun afternoon with MizzWorthy and this meant a trip to Charles Fox. I have blogged about the wonders held within its hallowed walls before, so the prospect of changing MizzWorthy's spending habits forever seemed tangible (notwithstanding her lavish bag of Shu Uemura shopping already spent). We picked up some things; unfortunately I have no new gems to report. A Kryolan eyeshadow I bought as a highlighter, "Day Rise", turned out to be as chalky and powdery as its flour-like namesake would suggest, and a Charles Fox pencil brush turned out to be rather flimsy. But, it is so neon pink and pretty, that I still love it and it puts me in a good mood.

I stand by my former huge raves for these products:


All available at Charles Fox...

Kryolan Anti Shine Powder

Kryolan Lip palette (they have many, I will be adding to my collection for sure)

Kryolan Lipstick (love my pale pink one so much!!)

Cheap brushes - many interesting additions to be made - MizzWorthy spotted a dupe for that much coveted Sonia Kashuk angled eyeiner brush! Still prefer Crown Brush for cheap brushes, though.


GOSH...

Pencils - their Velvet Touch Lip and Eye liners are dupes of Urban Decay 24/7 pencils, and come in equally vivid shades. Long lasting, soft, excellent.

Liquid Art Liner - If your poor bedraggled drenched body was found at sea and every scrap of you was faded and raw, this eyeliner would still be intact. For a big night out when you need your liner to hold, look no further. Some great shades too!


Queen Helene...

Mint Julep mask - can you say WOW! Clears skin and feels like it's cooling every pore in your face.


Nivea...

Oil Free Moisturiser - Simple, and works.


ELF...

Ah, elf! Pioneers of the "Cheap but professional, direct to the masses" school of thought. I have several faves:

Undereye concealer and highlighter - Budget YSL Touche Eclat, but don't forget to set it with powder

Complexion Perfection - Budget MAC Blot Powder, just paler.

Mineral eyeshadows - £2.50 yet so luxurious! Sophisticated shades, great colour payoff, great packaging.

New Studio lip glosses, I am trying to pick a best one but struggling... hmm, let's opt for the 2 in 1 gloopy gorgeousness. Mighty shine that looks like you MUST be wearing Chanel.

Natural lip liner - Again, looks just like a high end lipliner. Soft, pigmented, flattering.

Warm Bronzer - Has had so many raves, evidence speaks for itself. Get this! (just be careful as it is so delicate, the pretty squares smash easily)

Studio line Brushes - Has had so many raves, evidence speaks for itself.


Barry M...

Mascara - One of the cheapest drugstore mascaras, yet definitey my top pick. An absolutely faultless everyday mascara. Great length to your lashes and some volume too, plus it never flakes or smudges.

Dazzle Dusts - Although I prefer MAC pigments for some reason (denser pigment?) I must admit there are some great shades in the Barry M arsenal. They go on very nicely too, and blend perfectly.

Blusher - I am a big fan!!! I hate the packaging, it is the stuff of nightmares, but the colour payoff and lasting power of these cannot be faulted. You get a lot for your money, and although someone pernickety might say these are slightly powdery, I would say they are extremely similar texture to MAC's sheertone blushers. I bought all of these except the purpley pink one. Highly recommend the Rose and Terracotta, and the Orange neon one if you are dark skinned. (reminded me of NARS Exhibit A)

Collection 2000...

Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liner - OK, Collection 2000, I am impressed! Thick glittery liner, that doesn't budge, and for less than £3.

Sleek...

Palettes - couldn't compile this list without them: less than a fiver for a palette?? Crazy.

Sudacrem...

Perhaps not the most elegant stocking filler, but this nappy cream (warning: smells just like baby's changing rooms, funnily enough) works better as a healing cream than most of my high end remedies.

Neutrogena...

Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 - waterproof, paraben free, non-acnegenic. I love this and use it on bright snowy days when sun damage is a particular menace. This was a gift from the lovely aestheticcoo. Thanks!!

So those are my discoveries, have YOU got any to share? 

PS. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings  xxxx