Phyl Clarke shares her cheap but chic deals
I'm sure I wouldn't like to add up the cost of sending little Johnny back to school, looking so picture-perfect in his new uniform, shiny shoes and pristine schoolbag. For one day of the year at least, his hair is the right length, he knows where all his books are, his pencils are in their case, and, hallelujah, he has his phone with him (charged). At last I feel I've got the hang of this mothering thing, and all seems right with the world.
Now back to me. September is a month where, as you have seen, the budget may be strained, so this week I'm going to share some of my budget buys. You need not look down your nose at any of the products listed, as I believe they offer not only superb quality but also terrific value for money. They just don't have that magical aura created by the elitist end of the marketing machine. Who do you think pays for those beautiful magazine ads, celebrity endorsements and elegantly designed packaging anyway?
Skincare, as always, is first, and I must mention cleanser, €8.79 from pharmacies. It's very gentle on the skin, and does a thorough job of leaving your skin beautifully soft. If I can't stretch to my usual moisturiser, I go straight for the Olay Total Effects range(from €24.75). The day cream is rich, with an SPF 15, and there is an intensive night treatment which you apply under the night cream. Next morning your skin feels like a baby's . . .
Vaseline Hand and Nail Creme, widely available at €3.99 is a great stand-by, really nourishing. For body moisturising, either Johnson's Baby Oil is a real winner at €3.99. This can also double up as a cleanser and nail treatment) or Nivea Rich Care Body Lotion will leave you feeling you have applied something far more expensive than the €5.00 you spent on it.
I look no further than L'Oreal Elnett hairspray, whatever my budget. Costing a mere €3.99 it's simply the best, and even heavy application will brush out easily.
Now cheap make-up sounds a bit worrying, I know, but you need only go to your local supermarket and you will be rewarded because the Make-up range by Barbara Daly from Tesco awaits you. Honestly folks, this is a one-stop solution, and for less than the price of a packet of biscuits (didn't you say you were starting that diet as soon as September came?), you can take your pick of her featherlight foundations, and the eye and cheek colours are beautifully subtle but "on-trend" too.While you're there, pick up a ceramic nail file for €12, which is at least a quarter of the price I have seen them elsewhere.
Other ranges to explore are: The Body Shop, whose Lightening Touch (€16.50) is an excellent low-budget imitation of the YSL bestselling highlighting brush, Touche Éclat; , with a good range of foundations; and Bourjois - check out their Powder Blush in Cendre de Rose Brune, a bestseller at €9.30 since way back in 1863, when I'm sure little boys walked to school in their bare feet.
BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE
The Essie range of nail products is a favourite of celebrities and offers more than 200 colours, including the famous award-winning shade "Ballet Slippers". It has a superb texture, and beautiful finish.
During October, 40 per cent of proceeds from the limited-edition "Pink Ribbon" nail polish will be donated to Action Breast Cancer, which produces information to more than 25,000 women each year. Services are free and include: the national breast cancer helpline; patient care programmes; health promotion; advocacy and research. The limited-edition Pink Ribbon polish is a soft pink shade with a touch of shimmer and costs €14.99. Action Breast Cancer (01-2310500 or Freefone 1800-309040. Essie stockists: Mink Hand & Foot Spa, 45 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (01-2603076), and Nue Blue Eriu South William Street, Dublin 2 (01-6725776)