While I can happily while away an hour in Space NK, there’s nothing quite as satisfying or convenient as doing a huge haul in your local drug store. While we’d love our bathroom cabinets and bedside tables to resemble an Into The Gloss shoot, all marble, Aesop and Chanel, for the majority of us it’s just not feasible. And the truth is, just as many of my favourite products are bottled in bright plastic as they are in clear glass and that’s just fine.

I like to think I have a pretty balanced approach to beauty; I have a routine without being incredibly high maintenance, and while I spend on the hard-working staples, I rely daily on affordable essentials for the likes of body wash, moisturizer and makeup remover. So I thought I’d highlight some new products I’ve been relying on lately with the idea that there’ll be something for every budget. I will say, the High and Low titles refer to the price alone; the results of all of them are up there in my books. Apologies if some of the bottles are a bit grubby – signs of constant use have to be a pro though I guess!

High

Sometimes it pays to pay a little more….

Laura Mercier Full Blown Mascara | Thickening, lengthening and doesn’t crumble or smudge throughout the day. And you don’t need industrial astringent to get it off…

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil | After months of Moroccan Oil, I’ve converted back to this lighter hair oil for damaged hair. Rich and smoothing without weighing fine hair down or affecting the colour.

Benefit Dandelion | I was using this powder highlighter-meets-blush in my teens so can’t say it’s new exactly, but it’s a bit of a renaissance purchase. I like it swept under my brows to look more alert and awake.

Fig & Yarrow Complexion Water | Soothing, toning facial water with essential oils. I like a quick spritz before my morning moisturizer or mid-afternoon to give some life to grey, tired skin.

Racinne Ultimate Hydra Perfection Serum | I was sent this recently, and after months of being lazy and going straight for the moisturizer, this has renewed my appreciation of a good serum. Used before moisturiser or oil, it makes the most basic moisturizer work extra hard.

Viviscal | Am I being totally conned by these vitamin pills? Maybe, but anything that promises to protect my brittle hair from the harshness of winter is worth a go.

Eve Lom Eye Cream | Now I’m nearing my late twenties, an eye cream is an essential part of my routine. Keeps line, circles and dryness at bay….

Low

Sometimes it pays not to be a label whore….

Garnier Micellar Water | Thanks to this stuff, I have finally ditched the dreaded face wipes once and for all. Removes makeup and grime in a flash with no greasy residue and half the price of Bioderma’s French Pharmacy staple.

Dove Pro-Age Body Wash | Don’t be ageist now; this body wash is packed full of good oils and keeps the winter scales firmly at bay.

L’Oreal Elvive Fibrology Shampoo | After trying unsuccessfully for long, flowing locks for years, I’ve realised thick, healthy hair is a much more favourable option than ratty, straggly locks, and this shampoo is definitely helping.

Nivea Rich Moisturising Night Cream | Sometimes its worth remembering the old classics… India Knight reminded of the merits of Nivea in her Sunday Times Style column recently and I have to say, my skin is looking and feeling pretty soft and glowy right now.

St Tropez Everyday Moisturiser | Because anyone as ghostly as me in the winter needs a little help….

L’Oreal Paris Eau de Teint Foundation | This makes your skin look flawless. That is all. No but seriously, goes on like a liquid and finishes like a fine powder. The impossible dream of being dewy and matte at the same time