The Best Make-Up Buys Under £15

There are some amazing base products on the high street. I used to be someone who would advise investing in a good foundation for best results, but that isn’t the case anymore. Thanks to a wave of innovation, there are now plenty of great formulas out there boasting added skincare benefits, and I’ve found some beautiful products at decent prices. One is the new Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter which is a multipurpose base product infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid to give you a radiant glow. It also comes with a doe-foot applicator, so make-up novices can use it with confidence – I love that it contains finely milled powder for that blurred-out effect. The shade range is also fairly comprehensive, and the colours are easy to mix and match if you can’t find your exact tone.

My brows are such a key part of my make-up routine. To start with, I like to use an inexpensive brow gel like the Got2b Glued 4 Brows to hold the brow hairs in place and create a desired shape. Then, you can go in with a pencil, pen or powder to add definition and fill in any gaps or sparse areas to create a more cohesive, full look. It’s all about the application here, so focus on using a light hand to create feather-light, hair-like strokes. Over the years, I’ve found most brow products are equal when it comes to the desired result – the way you apply them is what matters most.

I love an eyeshadow palette, and there are plenty of affordable ones out there, including the Morphe Artistry Palettes. Compact and easy to take with you on the go, they contain an array of shades, all of which I find I actually use (not always a guarantee with eyeshadow palettes). The colours also blend seamlessly together thanks to their buttery texture. I also love cream shadow sticks – because of their long-wearing formulations, they work well on their own or layered under a powered shadow to create a more intense look. 17 – which is sold at Boots – makes some for under a fiver, which are brilliant. Layered with a Sigma Gel Eye Liner, it’s magic.

If there’s one place where affordable often comes out better, it’s lip products. Some of my all-time favourites are cheap and cheerful. I also love that a lot of the formulas now offer dual benefits – the colour pay-off is impressive and they contain ingredients to protect this delicate skin. In the colder months, hydration is key – which is why I love the NYX Professional Makeup Butter Glosses. One of the most universally flattering shades is Creme Brulee. These are not the type of glosses which disappear two minutes after you apply them and the colour is rich and intense. A true cult classic.

When it comes to blushers, bronzers and highlighters, there are so many affordable gems out there. It’s also smart to go cheap with these, as they tend to be the products we have to switch up due to the changes in seasons – plus, they expire. Your base or foundation might stay the same (and you’ll get through more of it faster) but it’s good to change your blush, bronzer and highlighter colours to tie in with any change in your skin tone – no matter how subtle. My pick? The Beauty Pie Cream Blushes come in a gel formula, and offer a silky-smooth matte finish, which is perfect as we transition into autumn/winter.