5 things to buy at the Drugstore

While I love my high end products, my bank balance most certainly does not so its great when I find affordable products that I really, really love. Some cosmetics, such as Mascara make far more sense to get cheaply, especially as they dry out within a couple of weeks. I love Maybelline's Mascara offerings, they have such a huge range now and while I'm not one for excessive marketing and brightly coloured, garish packaging - they really do get the job done. My pick would be the Volum' Express The Collossal Mascara, although targeted at volumizing the lashes this formula is a great all rounder, lenghening lashes and holding curl. I currently have the waterproof version, which really doesn't budge until it meets a balm cleanser or oil based make up remover.

The Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation has been a solid favourite of mine since its release years ago, I love a glowy finish and the light reflecting particles in this base lift your complexion creating the look of really healthy skin. I find this quite comparable to my much loved Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, it offers the same sort of finish but with a little more coverage.
One thing that I hate spending money on is expensive hair styling products especially as I get through them so quickly. The Charles Worthington Texturising Spray is a pretty good dupe for the renowned Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, but for a fraction of the price. This adds volume and texture to freshly washed, uncooperative hair and helps to keep your style in place as well.
I love my Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils but the Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Pencils are a great alternative. These pencils are creamy, pigmented and long lasting and come in some lovely shades. I can't live without Fab Orange - a bright orange red, or Nude Perfection which is a Tawny Nude shade.
Great skincare can be difficult to find on a budget, but one brand that has always impressed me has been the Superfacialist by Una Brennan range at boots. I have been using the Vitamin C+ Glow Boost Serum every morning for the last few months and my skin looks noticeably brighter and happier. I've tried a few other bits from the range as well like the Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil which is a lovely first cleanse, and my Mum swears by the Super Lift Night Cream.

Hangover Helpers

If your anything like me, come New Years Day you will be dragging yourself up feeling hungover, tired and Zombie like. Personally I feel that whenever I wake up after a night of drinking, my skin really tells me off by looking sallow, grey and lifeless. There are certain products I like to whip out in situations like these to help wake me up, bring some life back into my face, and prevent any break out situations that often follow a heavy night. I love using a zingy shower gel to help wake me up, the one I have been enjoying recently being the Sanctuary Spa Green Lemon & Orange Blossom Body Scrub. The gentle exfoliating particles in this are a bonus, leaving you feeling really invigorated and clean, and the lemony scent wakes me right up in the morning. 

A mask that is great to use the morning after is the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask. This mask uses fruit acids to gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it feeling bright, smooth and clear. If I'm honest I don't find the consistency of this mask the most pleasant to use as it has the scent and texture of apricot jam, but nothing else does a better job of bringing the glow back, and helping my skin feel new again. Alternatively, if your skin is feeling congested and like a break out is round the corner, the Aesop Parsley Seed Mask is an old favourite that leaves skin calm and clean without feeling stripped. The Super Facialist by Úna Brennan range is really affordable and great quality, I particularly like the Vitamin C Brighten Glow Boost Skin Serum. Vitamin C is great for bringing radiance and life to your skin and this serum also contains a healthy dose of Hyaluronic Acid to keep things looking moisturised.