Problem Solvers

Beat pre-pay day blues with these hot beauty buys for under £20

If your bank manager is scoring zero on the generosity-o-meter, just remember that all is not lost. You can still treat yourself to something beauty- and mood-boosting with one of these hot buys for less than £20.

From Korea’s {3 Concept Eyes}, the gorgeous {Glass Gloss} will become your new best friend. High-shine is making its overdue comeback, so embrace the trend by applying this clear lacquer all over lips, lids and cheekbones.

Sleek and slimline, {NYX Professional Makeup} have aced the *spring feels* with their beautiful {Duo Chrome Illuminating Powder}. At only £9 a pop, these buttery highlighters lend an ethereal, shade-shifting glow to lacklustre complexions.

On the topic of ‘lacklustre’, reach for {Konjac Sponges} latest ‘Rainforest’ collection to resuscitate dulled, weather-ravaged skin. We’re especially drawn to the sloth-vibes of {Bamboo Charcoal} – we need some of that purifying, skin-refining brilliance.

Wait… was that… sun? HELL TO THE YES! Ahead of the Bank Holiday, equip yourself with Pixi’s {Sun Mist} – a featherweight SPF spritz which protects without messing your make up. Keep this in your handbag (alongside your brolly) so you’re equipped for every eventuality.

Calling all lip lovers! If you don’t already own a {Charlotte Tilbury} {Lip Cheat} then can you call yourself a make up maven? No kit is complete without this multi-purpose lining, priming and defining pencil in shade ‘Pillow Talk’ – the ultimate ‘your lips but better’ rose-nude.

Team CB are obsessed with 3CE’s {Sparkling Liquid Pigment} – especially the shade ‘Mystique’ which looks like glitter glue for grown-ups *raised hands*. Mesmer-eyes-ing (yep, I went there), the subtle, holographic cream is laced with sparkle for a ‘unicorn-y’ glimmer.

An eyeshadow aficionado? The new {Sweet Glamour Eyeshadow Palette} from {ZOEVA} stars ten sorbet shades for creating a spectrum of wonderfully romantic looks. There’s something marvellously Marie Antoinette about this edit… and at only £18, you’ll have spare cash for cake!

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Verity Douglas

Verity Douglas

Content Editor

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...