Latest news with #TaraLedden
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Lidl's Jo Malone handwash dupes are back in stores – they're £34 cheaper than the real thing & ‘smell exactly the same'
DUPE-TASTIC Lidl's Jo Malone handwash dupes are back in stores – they're £34 cheaper than the real thing & 'smell exactly the same' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIDL fans are over-the-moon after spotting the popular copycat Jo Malone hand washes back on shelves. The cult products are £34 cheaper than the real thing & 'smell exactly the same'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Lidl's Deluxe Luxury Handwash has returned to stores Credit: Lidl 2 It's been previously hailed a dupe of the Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash Credit: Jo Malone The swish Peony Blush Suede 250ml bottle is a dupe for the £36 Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash but comes in at a whopping £34 cheaper. Even better, it's now 30% off in some stores for Lidl Plus members, with the deal running until tomorrow, July 16. One savvy shopper posted their bargain buy to Facebook after stumbling across the reduced range in their local Lidl, and fans were quick to flood the comments with excitement. 'OMG they're back!' wrote one user. Another said: 'I still love these,' while a third added: 'These smell amazing!' The luxe-look bottles come in a range of elegant scents inspired by Jo Malone favourites, including Blackberry & Bay, Wild Bluebell, Peony & Blush Suede, and Woodsage & Sea Salt. Lidl first launched the smellalike handwashes last year, and they flew off the shelves. Now that they're back, and discounted, shoppers are grabbing them fast. If you're keen to get your hands on one (or all four), you'll need the Lidl Plus app to get the extra discount, which takes the price from £1.99 down to just £1.69. Dunnes Stores have new phone case that is dreamy dupe of a luxury brand, perfect for gloss and just €5 With the real deal setting you back over 20 times more, it's no wonder beauty fans are stocking up. But don't hang about, like all good Lidl bargains, they won't stick around for long. The hand wash is only available in stores so you'll have to visit your local Lidl to snap it up. It's always worth calling up ahead to check they have it in stock before making a trip. More dupes It's not just Lidl that's bringing out must-have beauty dupes. Aldi have brought out a range of beauty dupes of popular cult products including glosses, foundation and even bronzing sticks. Beauty editor, Tara Ledden, put them to the test to see which ones were really worth your money. Meanwhile, you can also find Tara's tests of over 100 beauty dupes where she evaluates which ones really work, including an LED mask that'll save you £366. Elsewhere, a Superdrug worker has revealed insider secrets on how savvy shoppers can save big without skimping on quality. From luxury skincare to cult bronzing drops, beauty buffs could be bagging lookalike products that do the exact same job for a fraction of the price.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Lidl's Jo Malone handwash dupes are back in stores – they're £34 cheaper than the real thing & ‘smell exactly the same'
LIDL fans are over-the-moon after spotting the popular copycat Jo Malone hand washes back on shelves. The cult products are £34 cheaper than the real thing & 'smell exactly the same'. Advertisement 2 Lidl's Deluxe Luxury Handwash has returned to stores Credit: Lidl 2 It's been previously hailed a dupe of the Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash Credit: Jo Malone The swish Even better, it's now 30% off in some stores for One savvy shopper posted their bargain buy to Facebook after stumbling across the reduced range in their local Lidl, and fans were quick to flood the comments with excitement. 'OMG they're back!' wrote one user. Advertisement Another said: 'I still love these,' while a third added: 'These smell amazing!' The luxe-look bottles come in a range of Lidl first Now that they're back, and discounted, shoppers are grabbing them fast. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Comment If you're keen to get your hands on one (or all four), you'll need the Lidl Plus app to get the extra discount, which takes the price from £1.99 down to just £1.69. Dunnes Stores have new phone case that is dreamy dupe of a luxury brand, perfect for gloss and just €5 With the real deal setting you back over 20 times more, it's no wonder beauty fans are stocking up. But don't hang about, like all good Lidl bargains, they won't stick around for long. The hand wash is only available in stores so you'll have to visit your local Lidl to snap it up. Advertisement It's always worth calling up ahead to check they have it in stock before making a trip. More dupes It's not just Lidl that's bringing out must-have beauty dupes. Aldi have brought out a range of beauty dupes of popular cult products including glosses, foundation and even bronzing sticks. Beauty editor, Tara Ledden, Advertisement Meanwhile, you can also find Tara's Read more on the Irish Sun Elsewhere, a Superdrug worker has revealed insider secrets on From luxury skincare to cult bronzing drops, beauty buffs could be bagging lookalike products that do the exact same job for a fraction of the price. Best beauty dupes Fabulous' Beauty Editor, Tara Ledden revealed the cheaper version of your favourite beauty products that you should have in your cupboard. *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue "A huge 55% of us would like to spend less on our beauty routines according to new research from E.l.f. Cosmetics, so it's no wonder there's millions of #dupe videos on Tiktok. "While some dupes are easy to spot given their look-a-like packing, they're often lacking when it comes to the contents. "In fact, some of the best dupes look nothing like the luxury product they're a dead-ringer for - and, trust me, they're the ones you want." REAL: DUPE: REAL: DUPE: REAL: DUPE: REAL: DUPE: REAL: DUPE:
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
We asked 12 beauty experts to spill on their favourite beauty buys – some cost £450, others just £2
Some of the experts' picks will surprise you... Save Vs Splurge We asked 12 beauty experts to spill on their favourite beauty buys – some cost £450, others just £2 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IN the wise words of Jessie J, it's not about the money where beauty buying is concerned. In fact, more than a third of Boots Advantage Card members shopped for both budget-friendly make-up and premium cosmetics in 2024, focusing their attention not on how much products costs but on what really works - not something that's always easy to work out. To find out where we should be spending our money, and what products we can save on, we asked 10 industry experts for their favourite budget beauty product, and the one they will shell out for. Tara Ledden, Beauty Editor 32 These are the products Beauty Editor Tara Ledden buys again and again Credit: Tara Ledden I'm a huge fan of high street beauty, as there are so many brilliant products lining the shelves today, you really don't have to spend loads to arm yourself with hard-working products. However, if I'm going to splurge, it's almost always on skincare. BUDGET BUY 32 This multi-tasking spray is a hair saviour Credit: Arkive ARKIVE The Prologue Hair Primer, £4.50 I talk about ARKIVE The Prologue Hair Primer, £4.50, on an almost daily basis. In fact, when I told Beauty Writer Mia that I was going to make it my budget pick, she replied: "I knew it!" immediately. It's super lightweight, yet it still dissolves tangles and manages to leave hair noticeably softer and more shiny - while also protecting it from heat - without leaving any residue behind. It's impossible to use too much, so if you have fine hair like me, you don't need to worry about it feeling dirty or limp. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This moisturiser is worth the splurge Credit: Tatcha Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123 I discovered Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123, in the Fabulous beauty cupboard over two years ago and started slathering it on my face. Within days, I was getting compliments on how good my skin looked, including one from a fellow beauty editor well versed in my history of acne, who exclaimed: "Your skin looks like porcelain!" before we'd even said hello. I'd used it for a week before I googled the price, and I instantly started using a tiny pea-sized amount to try to make the tub last longer, thinking I'd never be able to justify a repurchase. Unfortunately for my bank balance, I've not found a cheaper moisturiser that compares, and have since re-stocked multiple times. Jamie Genevieve, make-up artist and founder of Vieve 32 These are the products Jamie Genevieve swears by Credit: Jamie Genevieve As a make-up artist, it doesn't get more fun than testing and trying new make-up launches. BUDGET BUY 32 This serum is instantly hydrating Credit: BYOMA Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 Everything from Byoma is simple, effective and fuss-free, with a super-accessible price point. Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 gives skin a hit of hydration, making it great to use ahead of applying make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I love my luxurious facials with facialists Olivia Francesca and Nichola Joss, whose clients have included Gwyneth Paltrow and I go to KMP Skin in London and Age Refined Glasgow for medical-grade treatments. Dr Christine Hall, aesthetics doctor and pharmacist 32 Dr Christina Hall has these products on her bathroom shelf Credit: Dr Christina Hall One product I never spend lots of money on is a cleanser, as you really don't need to. BUDGET BUY 32 This SPF has a lightweight texture Credit: Beauty of Joseon Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50, £15.50 The textures and finishes of Korean SPFs are unrivalled because they're so lightweight and non-greasy, plus they're often hybrid products. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50, £15.50, offers premium protection and doubles up as a moisturiser. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This serum is worth the investment Credit: Skinceuticals Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165 Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165, is formulated with oily skin in mind and was genuinely a game-changer for me in terms of clearing my skin of breakouts. Mollie Burdell, beauty journalist and make-up artist 32 These are the beauty buys Mollie Burdell adds to her basket Credit: Mollie Burdell You don't need to spend much to create an exceptional skincare or make-up routine, but I'm also a real sucker for glitzy tools and gadgets. BUDGET BUY 32 This foundation gives pricey formulas a run for their money Credit: e.l.f e.l.f cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation, £8 e.l.f cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation, £8, is one of my favourite bases because it gives the most natural glow-giving coverage with minimal effort required, and works beautifully on all skin types. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This innovation is a game-changer Credit: DYSON Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99 I first experienced the new Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99, at Larry King's salon, and I immediately knew I needed one for myself. It's nifty, lightweight and an absolute joy to use. Emily Lansley, celebrity manicurist, facialist and tanning expert 32 These are Emily Lansley's top picks Credit: Emily Lansley When adding to my beauty kit, I always keep prevention, protection and good gut health at the forefront of my mind. BUDGET BUY 32 You'll love this beauty bargain Credit: BOOTS Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50 A gua sha, like Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50, is one of the best things you can use at home for lymphatic drainage - you'll see instant tightening results. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Slimyonik AIR Bodystyler treatments, from £99, is a body contouring and lymphatic drainage device. It supercharges your metabolism, reduces inflammation throughout your body and improves your skin and gut health from the inside out. Adam Reed, hairstylist and founder of Arkive Headcare 32 Here's what the hairstylist swears by Credit: Adam Reed Creating and sticking to a routine is near impossible for my ADHD mind, so I make sure I keep things really simple. BUDGET BUY 32 Keep it simple with this moisturiser Credit: Nivea Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2 I use Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2, absolutely everywhere, and it's also a great base for making fragrances last. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I take weekly visits to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. My job is aggressive on my hands, so I really take care of them. Townhouse nail salon is my go-to. Katie Onyejekwe, aesthetician and skincare educator 32 These are the products Katie Onyejekwe loves Credit: Katie Onyejekwe My beauty routine is simple, results-driven and efficacious. BUDGET BUY 32 This budget lip liner has gone viral Credit: RIMMEL LONDON Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino, £3.99 Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino, £3.99, is the perfect nude shade for my skin tone - once applied it really does stay put, which I find a lot of other liners don't. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Achieve a sculpted look Credit: Pure Lift Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674 I use Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674, in my facials, and occasionally on myself. It visibly lifts and helps to drain away water retention, leaving you looking sculpted. Iram Shelton, celebrity nail artist and lifestyle creator 32 Iram Shelton regularly uses these products Credit: Iram Shelton I spend way more than average on beauty, but it's part of my job, so I see it as a business investment too! BUDGET BUY 32 Iram loves this cult concealer Credit: Maybelline Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99 Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99, blends like a dream and has been in my make-up bag since my teenage years. Some things don't need to be expensive to work. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 A Dyson Airwrap can be a great investment Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap, £479.99 My Dyson Airwrap, £479.99, was a major splurge, but it's the best way to achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home without frying my hair. Plus, the time it saves me makes it 100% worth it. Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist 32 Here's what MUA Adeola loves Credit: Adeola Gboyega I'm not into products that are all packaging and no performance. If it doesn't get results or elevate my routine in some way, it's not worth the spend. BUDGET BUY 32 Elevate your bodycare routine Credit: Nuxe NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Body Oil, £12.50 NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Body Oil, £12.50 has a super-luxe scent for the price and I love how multi-use it is: body, hair, décolleté, even a few drops in the bath. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I believe in complementing my skincare routine with professional treatments. Injectables, chemical peels and laser treatments help with long-term skin health and make everyday maintenance so much easier. Jules Von Hep, beauty expert & author of The Confidence Ritual My beauty kit is brimming with different products dependent on season, day of the week, mood, age. Essentially more is more, less is a bore. 32 Jules Von Hep loves these beauty products Credit: Jules Von Hep BUDGET BUY 32 Why splurge on hair gel? Credit: Vo5 V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50 The job of a hair gel is solely to firm up and hold in place, so why spend lots on it? V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50, is no frills, and creates slicked-back hair every time. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This stunning fragrance is a great investment Credit: Matiere Premier Matiere Premier Santal Austral, £165 for 50ml EDP Fragrance is always worth the splurge - you smell expensive because it is expensive. Douse me in Byredo De Los Santos, £150 for 50ml EDP and Matiere Premier Santal Austral, £165 for 50ml EDP. Estee Lalonde, content creator and founder of Mirror Water 32 Estee Lalonde has these products in her bathroom Credit: Estee Lalonde Don't be swayed by trends – find what works best for you. Shopping with a list helps me to avoid impulse buys. BUDGET BUY 32 This is a skincare staple Credit: Garnier Garnier Micellar Water, £5.49 Garnier Micellar Water, £5.49, is a ride-or-die for me. It's perfect for all skin types and is always the first step of my evening routine to remove my make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Soothe and balance stressed skin Credit: Reome REOME Active Recovery Broth, £75 I'd always say to splurge on a luxurious serum. REOME Active Recovery Broth, £75, is an all-time favourite - if my skin is showing any signs of stress, this highly concentrated formula instantly calms and soothes it. Mia Lyndon, Beauty Writer at Fabulous 32 These are the products that Mia reaches for Credit: Mia Lyndon Never overload your skin with buzzy skin and make-up products - instead, invest time in finding products that work for you, regardless of how unsexy they may seem. BUDGET BUY 32 This cream gets the job done Credit: Cetraben Cetraben Cream, £4.84 It's taken me a long time to find the right moisturiser for my eczema-prone complexion, but I've finally found it in simple and deeply nourishing Cetraben Cream, £4.84. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Mia likes to invest in good handcare Credit: Molton Brown Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 Invest in great handcare - like Molton Brown's fresh, aromatic Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 - and you'll always be ready to have guests around!
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
We asked 12 beauty experts to spill on their favourite beauty buys – some cost £450, others just £2
IN the wise words of Jessie J, it's not about the money where beauty buying is concerned. In fact, more than a third of Boots Advantage Card members shopped for both budget-friendly make-up and premium cosmetics in 2024, focusing their attention not on how much products costs but on what really works - not something that's always easy to work out. Advertisement To find out where we should be spending our money, and what products we can save on, we asked 10 industry experts for their favourite budget beauty product, and the one they will shell out for. Tara Ledden, Beauty Editor 32 These are the products Beauty Editor Tara Ledden buys again and again Credit: Tara Ledden I'm a huge fan of high street beauty, as there are so many brilliant products lining the shelves today, you really don't have to spend loads to arm yourself with hard-working products. However, if I'm going to splurge, it's almost always on skincare. BUDGET BUY 32 This multi-tasking spray is a hair saviour Credit: Arkive ARKIVE The Prologue Hair Primer, £4.50 Advertisement READ MORE IN BEAUTY I talk about It's super lightweight, yet it still dissolves tangles and manages to leave hair noticeably softer and more shiny - while also protecting it from heat - without leaving any residue behind. It's impossible to use too much, so if you have fine hair like me, you don't need to worry about it feeling dirty or limp. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This moisturiser is worth the splurge Credit: Tatcha Advertisement Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123 Most read in Fabulous I discovered Within days, I was getting compliments on how good my skin looked, including one from a fellow beauty editor well versed in my history of acne, who exclaimed: "Your skin looks like porcelain!" before we'd even said hello. I'd used it for a week before I googled the price, and I instantly started using a tiny pea-sized amount to try to make the tub last longer, thinking I'd never be able to justify a repurchase. Advertisement Unfortunately for my bank balance, I've not found a cheaper moisturiser that compares, and have since re-stocked multiple times. Jamie Genevieve, make-up artist and founder of V ieve 32 These are the products Jamie Genevieve swears by Credit: Jamie Genevieve As a make-up artist, it doesn't get more fun than testing and trying new make-up launches. BUDGET BUY 32 This serum is instantly hydrating Credit: BYOMA Advertisement Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 Everything from Byoma is simple, effective and fuss-free, with a super-accessible price point. gives skin a hit of hydration, making it great to use ahead of applying make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I love my luxurious facials with facialists Advertisement I go to KMP Skin in London and Age Refined Glasgow for medical-grade treatments. Dr Christine Hall, aesthetics doctor and pharmacist 32 Dr Christina Hall has these products on her bathroom shelf Credit: Dr Christina Hall One product I never spend lots of money on is a cleanser, as you really don't need to. BUDGET BUY 32 This SPF has a lightweight texture Credit: Beauty of Joseon Advertisement Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50, £15.50 The textures and finishes of Korean SPFs are unrivalled because they're so lightweight and non-greasy, plus they're often hybrid products. , offers premium protection and doubles up as a moisturiser. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This serum is worth the investment Credit: Skinceuticals Advertisement Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165 Mollie Burdell, beauty journalist and make-up artist 32 These are the beauty buys Mollie Burdell adds to her basket Credit: Mollie Burdell You don't need to spend much to create an exceptional skincare or make-up routine, but I'm also a real sucker for glitzy tools and gadgets. Advertisement BUDGET BUY 32 This foundation gives pricey formulas a run for their money Credit: e.l.f e.l.f cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation, £8 , is one of my favourite bases because it gives the most natural glow-giving coverage with minimal effort required, and works beautifully on all skin types. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This innovation is a game-changer Credit: DYSON Advertisement Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99 I first experienced the new , at Larry King's salon, and I immediately knew I needed one for myself. It's nifty, lightweight and an absolute joy to use. Emily Lansley, celebrity manicurist, facialist and tanning expert 32 These are Emily Lansley's top picks Credit: Emily Lansley Advertisement When adding to my beauty kit, I always keep prevention, protection and good gut health at the forefront of my mind. BUDGET BUY 32 You'll love this beauty bargain Credit: BOOTS Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50 A gua sha, like , is one of the best things you can use at home for lymphatic drainage - you'll see instant tightening results. Advertisement BLOWOUT BEAUTY is a body contouring and lymphatic drainage device . It supercharges your metabolism, reduces inflammation throughout your body and improves your skin and gut health from the inside out. Adam Reed, hairstylist and founder of Arkive Headcare 32 Here's what the hairstylist swears by Credit: Adam Reed Creating and sticking to a routine is near impossible for my ADHD mind, so I make sure I keep things really simple. BUDGET BUY 32 Keep it simple with this moisturiser Credit: Nivea Advertisement Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2 I use , absolutely everywhere, and it's also a great base for making fragrances last. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I take weekly visits to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. My job is aggressive on my hands, so I really take care of them. is my go-to. Katie Onyejekwe, aesthetician and skincare educator 32 These are the products Katie Onyejekwe loves Credit: Katie Onyejekwe Advertisement My beauty routine is simple, results-driven and efficacious. BUDGET BUY 32 This budget lip liner has gone viral Credit: RIMMEL LONDON Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino, £3.99 is the perfect nude shade for my skin tone - once applied it really does stay put, which I find a lot of other liners don't. Advertisement BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Achieve a sculpted look Credit: Pure Lift Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674 I use in my facials, and occasionally on myself. It visibly lifts and helps to drain away water retention, leaving you looking sculpted. Iram Shelton, celebrity nail artist and lifestyle creator 32 Iram Shelton regularly uses these products Credit: Iram Shelton Advertisement I spend way more than average on beauty, but it's part of my job, so I see it as a business investment too! BUDGET BUY 32 Iram loves this cult concealer Credit: Maybelline Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99 , blends like a dream and has been in my make-up bag since my teenage years. Advertisement Some things don't need to be expensive to work. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 A Dyson Airwrap can be a great investment Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap, £479.99 My Advertisement Plus, the time it saves me makes it 100% worth it. Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist 32 Here's what MUA Adeola loves Credit: Adeola Gboyega I'm not into products that are all packaging and no performance. If it doesn't get results or elevate my routine in some way, it's not worth the spend. Advertisement BUDGET BUY 32 Elevate your bodycare routine Credit: Nuxe NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Body Oil, £12.50 has a super-luxe scent for the price and I love how multi-use it is: body, hair, décolleté, even a few drops in the bath. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I believe in complementing my skincare routine with professional treatments. Advertisement Injectables, chemical peels and laser treatments help with long-term skin health and make everyday maintenance so much easier. Jules Von Hep, beauty expert & author of The Confidence Ritual My beauty kit is brimming with different products dependent on season, day of the week, mood, age. Essentially more is more, less is a bore. 32 Jules Von Hep loves these beauty products Credit: Jules Von Hep Advertisement BUDGET BUY 32 Why splurge on hair gel? Credit: Vo5 V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50 The job of a hair gel is solely to firm up and hold in place, so why spend lots on it? , is no frills, and creates slicked-back hair every time. Advertisement BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 This stunning fragrance is a great investment Credit: Matiere Premier Matiere Premier Santal Austral, £165 for 50ml ED P Fragrance is always worth the splurge - you smell expensive because it is expensive. Douse me in and Advertisement Estee Lalonde, content creator and founder of Mirror Water 32 Estee Lalonde has these products in her bathroom Credit: Estee Lalonde Don't be swayed by trends – find what works best for you. Shopping with a list helps me to avoid impulse buys. BUDGET BUY 32 This is a skincare staple Credit: Garnier Advertisement Garnier Micellar Water, £5.49 , is a ride-or-die for me. It's perfect for all skin types and is always the first step of my evening routine to remove my make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Soothe and balance stressed skin Credit: Reome Advertisement REOME Active Recovery Broth, £75 I'd always say to splurge on a luxurious serum. , is an all-time favourite - if my skin is showing any signs of stress, this highly concentrated formula instantly calms and soothes it. Mia Lyndon, Beauty Writer at Fabulous 32 These are the products that Mia reaches for Credit: Mia Lyndon Advertisement Never overload your skin with buzzy skin and make-up products - instead, invest time in finding products that work for you, regardless of how unsexy they may seem. BUDGET BUY 32 This cream gets the job done Credit: Cetraben Cetraben Cream, £4.84 It's taken me a long time to find the right moisturiser for my eczema-prone complexion, but I've finally found it in simple and deeply nourishing Advertisement BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Mia likes to invest in good handcare Credit: Molton Brown Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 Invest in great handcare - like Molton Brown's fresh, aromatic
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We asked 12 beauty experts to spill on their favourite beauty buys – some cost £450, others just £2
IN the wise words of Jessie J, it's not about the money where beauty buying is concerned. In fact, more than a third of Boots Advantage Card members shopped for both budget-friendly make-up and premium cosmetics in 2024, focusing their attention not on how much products costs but on what really works - not something that's always easy to work out. To find out where we should be spending our money, and what products we can save on, we asked 10 industry experts for their favourite budget beauty product, and the one they will shell out for. Tara Ledden, Beauty Editor 32 I'm a huge fan of high street beauty, as there are so many brilliant products lining the shelves today, you really don't have to spend loads to arm yourself with hard-working products. However, if I'm going to splurge, it's almost always on skincare. BUDGET BUY BUY NOW I talk about ARKIVE The Prologue Hair Primer, £ 4.50, on an almost daily basis. In fact, when I told Beauty Writer Mia that I was going to make it my budget pick, she replied: "I knew it!" immediately. It's super lightweight, yet it still dissolves tangles and manages to leave hair noticeably softer and more shiny - while also protecting it from heat - without leaving any residue behind. It's impossible to use too much, so if you have fine hair like me, you don't need to worry about it feeling dirty or limp. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123 BUY NOW I discovered Tatcha The Silk Cream, £123, in the Fabulous beauty cupboard over two years ago and started slathering it on my face. Within days, I was getting compliments on how good my skin looked, including one from a fellow beauty editor well versed in my history of acne, who exclaimed: "Your skin looks like porcelain!" before we'd even said hello. I'd used it for a week before I googled the price, and I instantly started using a tiny pea-sized amount to try to make the tub last longer, thinking I'd never be able to justify a repurchase. Unfortunately for my bank balance, I've not found a cheaper moisturiser that compares, and have since re-stocked multiple times. Jamie Genevieve, make-up artist and founder of V ieve 32 As a make-up artist, it doesn't get more fun than testing and trying new make-up launches. BUDGET BUY Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 Everything from Byoma is simple, effective and fuss-free, with a super-accessible price point. Byoma Hydrating Serum, £12.99 gives skin a hit of hydration, making it great to use ahead of applying make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I love my luxurious facials with facialists Olivia Francesca and Nichola Joss, whose clients have included Gwyneth Paltrow and I go to KMP Skin in London and Age Refined Glasgow for medical-grade treatments. Dr Christine Hall, aesthetics doctor and pharmacist 32 One product I never spend lots of money on is a cleanser, as you really don't need to. BUDGET BUY Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50, £15.50 The textures and finishes of Korean SPFs are unrivalled because they're so lightweight and non-greasy, plus they're often hybrid products. , offers premium protection and doubles up as a moisturiser. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165 Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165, is formulated with oily skin in mind and was genuinely a game-changer for me in terms of clearing my skin of breakouts. Mollie Burdell, beauty journalist and make-up artist 32 You don't need to spend much to create an exceptional skincare or make-up routine, but I'm also a real sucker for glitzy tools and gadgets. BUDGET BUY e.l.f cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation, £8, is one of my favourite bases because it gives the most natural glow-giving coverage with minimal effort required, and works beautifully on all skin types. BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99 I first experienced the new Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer, £449.99, at Larry King's salon, and I immediately knew I needed one for myself. It's nifty, lightweight and an absolute joy to use. Emily Lansley, celebrity manicurist, facialist and tanning expert 32 When adding to my beauty kit, I always keep prevention, protection and good gut health at the forefront of my mind. BUDGET BUY Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50 BUY HERE A gua sha, like Boots Glow Gua Sha, £8.50, is one of the best things you can use at home for lymphatic drainage - you'll see instant tightening results. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Slimyonik AIR Bodystyler treatments, from £99, is a body contouring and lymphatic drainage device. It supercharges your metabolism, reduces inflammation throughout your body and improves your skin and gut health from the inside out. Adam Reed, hairstylist and founder of Arkive Headcare 32 Creating and sticking to a routine is near impossible for my ADHD mind, so I make sure I keep things really simple. BUDGET BUY Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2 I use Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream, £2, absolutely everywhere, and it's also a great base for making fragrances last. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I take weekly visits to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. My job is aggressive on my hands, so I really take care of them. Townhouse nail salon is my go-to. Katie Onyejekwe, aesthetician and skincare educator My beauty routine is simple, results-driven and efficacious. BUDGET BUY BUY HERE Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino, £3.99, is the perfect nude shade for my skin tone - once applied it really does stay put, which I find a lot of other liners don't. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674 I use Pure Lift Pro EMS tool, £674, in my facials, and occasionally on myself. It visibly lifts and helps to drain away water retention, leaving you looking sculpted. Iram Shelton, celebrity nail artist and lifestyle creator 32 I spend way more than average on beauty, but it's part of my job, so I see it as a business investment too! BUDGET BUY Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99 BUY HERE Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99, blends like a dream and has been in my make-up bag since my teenage years. Some things don't need to be expensive to work. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Dyson Airwrap, £479.99 BUY HERE My Dyson Airwrap, £479.99, was a major splurge, but it's the best way to achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home without frying my hair. Plus, the time it saves me makes it 100% worth it. Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist I'm not into products that are all packaging and no performance. If it doesn't get results or elevate my routine in some way, it's not worth the spend. BUDGET BUY NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Body Oil, £12.50 has a super-luxe scent for the price and I love how multi-use it is: body, hair, décolleté, even a few drops in the bath. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I believe in complementing my skincare routine with professional treatments. Injectables, chemical peels and laser treatments help with long-term skin health and make everyday maintenance so much easier. Jules Von Hep, beauty expert & author of The Confidence Ritual My beauty kit is brimming with different products dependent on season, day of the week, mood, age. Essentially more is more, less is a bore. BUDGET BUY V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50 V05 Wet Look Gel, £3.50, is no frills, and creates slicked-back hair every time. BLOWOUT BEAUTY Matiere Premier Santal Austral, £165 for 50ml ED P is expensive. Estee Lalonde, content creator and founder of Mirror Water 32 Don't be swayed by trends – find what works best for you. Shopping with a list helps me to avoid impulse buys. BUDGET BUY BUY HERE Garnier Micellar Water, £5.49, is a ride-or-die for me. It's perfect for all skin types and is always the first step of my evening routine to remove my make-up. BLOWOUT BEAUTY I'd always say to splurge on a luxurious serum. , is an all-time favourite - if my skin is showing any signs of stress, this highly concentrated formula instantly calms and soothes it. Mia Lyndon, Beauty Writer at Fabulous 32 Never overload your skin with buzzy skin and make-up products - instead, invest time in finding products that work for you, regardless of how unsexy they may seem. BUDGET BUY 32 Cetraben Cream, £4.84 BUY HERE It's taken me a long time to find the right moisturiser for my eczema-prone complexion, but I've finally found it in simple and deeply nourishing Cetraben Cream, £4.84. Read More on The Sun CHILD 'MURDER' Woman, 37, charged with murder after boy, 4, found dead inside home MY GUILT Brit jet survivor says he'll feel guilt for life after not swapping seats with bro BLOWOUT BEAUTY 32 Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 BUY HERE Invest in great handcare - like Molton Brown's fresh, aromatic Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Hand Wash & Lotion Set, £47 - and you'll always be ready to have guests around!
