‘Designer' makeup at bargain basement prices

On leave after having my beautiful baby, Tallulah, I had to buy beauty products - and I mean had to - for the first time in ages. After years of having every sort of lotion, potion, gadget, gimmick, makeup and skincare product sent to my desk for me to try before you buy, I was on my own. Yup, this beauty director had to go beauty shopping, and my budget was tight.

It was a reality check - or should that be cheque? - and here's what it reinforced: while I will always be a luxury-product beauty addict, I also love a bargain. Especially now. And being beauty prudent is the savvy way to shop.

Here are a few of my favourite, affordable, things...

Affordable ‘designer' make-up: Mascara

Even if money were no object, there are certain things on which I wouldn't dream of spending more than £10. Max Factor mascaras are by far my favourites - the brush, lash separation, extension ability, depth of colour and staying power are second to none. I've seen Max Factor mascaras tucked in the kits of makeup artists who have access to free ones that cost a lot more, yet prefer it for photo shoots and celebrities heading for the red carpet. Other top-raters? L'Oréal, Bourjois and Rimmel.

Affordable ‘designer' makeup: Myface

Talking of red-carpet glamour, I'm also impressed by Myface makeup, which I stumbled across in Boots en route to the nappy section. I was desperate for some sparkle and ended up spending a small fortune. And I mean small - all are under £13, yet so good they give you the sort of shopper's high usually associated with far more expensive beauty buys.

And no wonder. This brilliant, affordable range is a collaboration between celebrity make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, who has 17 years' experience working with big-name beauties such as Raquel Welch and Demi Moore, and Gail Federici, who previously teamed up with John Frieda to create Frizz Ease and with Lulu for her Time Bomb skincare.

Myface includes a water-based foundation, Mymix, £12.71, for Charlotte's trademark flawless-yet-glowing look. Eyetouch eyeshadows, £9.78, use a state-of-the-art milling technique that makes them blendable, even when applied with your finger. And the whole range is separated into fair, medium and dark categories, so you can be sure a lipstick will flatter your skintone. The chance of making a costly mistake is practically zero.

Affordable ‘designer' make-up: Barbara Daly

If you still haven't tried the Barbara Daly for Tesco makeup, you're missing a trick. The original affordable range, it's still going strong after 10 years. It's manufactured directly for Tesco, so there's no middle man taking a slice of profit. I adore the Super-Sheer Loose Powder, £4.75, which is triple milled, making it fine enough to blur wrinkles rather than sit in them - like a premium powder that often costs three times the price.

Makeup that looks and feels high end

Jemma Kidd Crushed Jewel Gel Liner in Onyx, £12, a chic black liner spun with fine silver sparkles with added value in the form of step-by-step instructions for a mini makeup lesson.

www.jemmakidd.com; 020 8740 2085

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Liquid Blush, £10.77, is a sheer, just-been-to-yoga splash of colour for the cheeks.

www.beautique.com; 020 7730 1234

Ruby & Millie Complete Collection, £19.58. Five makeup brushes, a powder puff and mini eyelash curlers - a bargain available at Boots nationwide.

www.boots.com

Little luxuries that mean a lot

Even premium brands will always have the odd affordable goody - the trick is knowing the difference between a gimmick and an investment. Lipsticks are recession-proof: their ability to transform our face and bolster our mood ensures their status as one of the treats we won't live without.

According to makeup artist and doyenne Mary Greenwell, a posh lippy is the best piece of make-up to splash out on. ‘You apply it regularly and wear it publicly, so it needs to perform,' she says. Her choice? Chanel. ‘The lure of the double C is instant happiness,' says Mary. ‘It's the most beautiful packaging in the world, the colours are brilliant and the textures are gorgeous.'

Lippies to put a smile on your face

Christian Dior, Bobbi Brown and, in particular, new Guerlain Rouge Jewel Lipstick Compact, £25, which comes in a reassuringly heavy silver compact with a double mirror that tips up when you open it.

If that isn't one of life's little gifts worth having, I don't know what is...

Great nails, glossy image

It's amazing how painting your nails a lustrous red or deep berry makes you look, well, richer. Celebrity manicurist Andrea Fullerton explains the theory: ‘We talk with our hands, and shiny painted nails brighten and add polish - literally - to a tired outfit. A good quality varnish is worth its weight in gold.

‘For a few pounds you can add cachet to your look, again and again. The ideal varnish should cover in one coat (who has time to wait for two to dry?), have a decent brush and the colour should stay glossy and last a week without chipping.'

Andrea's favourite? Revlon nail enamel, £6.16 for 14ml, which comes in a slightly larger bottle than other brands.

Varnishes to polish up your look

L'Oréal UV Protect Resist & Shine, £4.99, which guarantees seven days of chip-proof wear; www.loreal.co.uk

Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine, £5.49; www.boots.com

Leighton Denny Risqué collection, £10; www.debenhams.com, 0845 862 0515

And, for a seriously moneyed look, Givenchy limited-edition Nail Lacquer in Sun Gold, £11.75; www.debenhams.com

More beauty treats to love

Stella in Two Amber solid perfume, £28. Heady, sexy and lasting - a little on the pulse points goes a long way

www.boots.com, 01444 255700

Paul & Joe makeup bag, £25 from Fenwick

020 7629 9161

Estée Lauder After Hours Slim Gold Metal Compact with Lucidity Translucent powder, £29.36 (refills £12.72)