A Cheap Thrill...

If you're not penny pinching after an early Christmas payday whilst paying off massive credit card bills, bravo. Seriously, can we schedule in some financial planning?

If you are, welcome to my world. This is the time of year to shun the beauty halls and close your eyes to all those glossy ads, even though it's also the time of year when we're being beaten by the elements and our skins are tired and completely partied out.

Where do we turn in times of trouble? We turn to our old friends Superdrug, Boots and the supermarkets (who's going to know if you slip a lipstick into your shopping trolley?) with all their great offers and bargainous products. Sure it takes a little time for the technology to trickle down to the high street and maybe the pigment isn't so concentrated but now is the time for a quick fix, not a major investment. Perk yourself up with some nail colour or a new lipstick and don't be afraid to slather on the bargain moisturiser, after all, you're worth it...

L'Oreal Paris True Match Powder

This widely available powder retails for about £6.99 on the high street and you can usually find it on offer if you're prepared to hunt around a little. It gives good coverage and I found the palest tone was perfect for my skin. Go easy with the included applicator sponge as it could look a little heavy and chalky if you apply too much but it's a good bargain option.

The only downside is the packaging which looks cheap and hardly makes you want to flash it around BUT you're not going to cry about losing a beautiful compact if doesn't make it back home with you on a night out.

It's such a a tart.

Soap & Glory's Rich & Foamous Luxury Spa Bath Box

Seriously, this is the best bargain I have seen in a loooong time. I asked for this set for Christmas and will now be buying as many more as Boots.com will let me. This is a great big box of their exclusive new Soap&Glory range from Marcia Kilgore, creator of top spa brand, Bliss. It includes a fabulous body scrub that feels amazing, like you're rubbing your body with a very sugary cake mix, a body butter, hand cream, shower cream and a handy toweling headband. Honestly, I love it and was planning a whole Soap&Glory feature later this week.

Grab this £25 wonder for just £6.25 while you can! If you miss it, use your Christmas advantage points and grab the individual products anyway. They're cheap, effective and fun - the perfect beauty buy!

HQHair.com Outlet Store

If your heart is set on premium brands, head over to HQhair.com and click on their outlet store. There's no end of Paul&Joe, Urban Decay and Philosophy goodies at up to 70% off retail price.

Special mention to Pout who appear to be clearing out a whole heap of stock through the site with at least 50% off so if you haven't tried this gorgeous, fun brand yet, why not dip your toe in with a 53% saving on an 'X-Rated' lipstick, only £5.64 - and they deliver next day!






L'Oreal Paris True Match Powder

http://www.boots.com/brandtreatment/product_details_brand_treatment.jsp?productid=1070918&classificationid=1040263



Soap & Glory's Rich & Foamous Luxury Spa Bath Box

http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1073440&classificationid=1042670

HQHair.com Outlet Store: Pout
http://www.hqhair.com/code/preview.asp?PageID=746