On Beauty: A supermarket sweep for great skincare and make-up at a steal

If there’s one good thing that happened in the bust it was the democratisation of our make-up bags and bathroom cabinets. We became more discerning and woke up to realise that in many cases we were paying for packaging, brand prestige and Brad Pitt to appear in commercials for perfumes, instead of selecting good-quality products that delivered for a fraction of the cost.

Own-brand skincare has been remarkably successful, and, as the discounters are huge global brands, they are able to keep price points down and quality levels high.

Make-up has been more hit and miss, as longevity of wear, brand appeal and packaging are very important in this sphere. But the supermarkets are constantly improving their products and are quick to respond to consumer crazes such as BB and CC creams, often with good results.

Recently, Lidl put an eye make-up remover into a Glossybox offering, a brave decision and one that signalled their intention to compete outside the own-brand arena. Women sign up for the Glossybox service, pay a fee and every month are sent a box full of samples and testers from a selection of brands.

The subscribers will always hope for luxury brand samples, so some were disgruntled with the Lidl product. But it does help to show the rest of us the way Lidl is thinking in terms of its cosmetics range.

It is not just cheese, crisps and wine that Lidl does well – the Cien range is well known for producing good skincare and fragrance at very low prices. Just remind yourself of the fuss when, in high-profile tests, consumers were unable to tell the difference between Chanel Coco Mademoiselle (€68) and the Lidl copy, Suddenly Madame Glamour (€3.99).

Aldi 's Lacura range is also famous for producing versions of high-end products for a fraction of the price. Products commonly known as "Aldi Touche Éclat" and "Aldi Moroccan Oil" sell out as soon as they hit the shelves. (As an aside, if you are a fan of the discontinued concealer pen, it is back on the shelves at the moment, for a limited time.)

If you consider trying only one product, make it Lacura Anti-Ageing Hyaluronic Gel (€8.99). This is a serious contender in the overpriced hyaluronic acid market; not only will this fresh fluid help to rehydrate dry skin, it will also improve the look of lines. There is no made-up science here, this stuff just works and I will be stocking up on it.

Although the facewipe is the best-selling product across the land, no matter where you shop the supermarkets have been busy developing targeted skin care too .

The Tesco Pro Formula range covers almost every skincare concern, from anti-ageing to combination and sensitive. Yes, the dreaded facial wipes do feature in the range, but on the bright side, there is a hot cloth cleanser at a great price (Tesco Pro Formula Radiance Hot Cloth Cleanser €4.99), which might encourage more of us to take up the cleansing habit.

Twitter @aismcdermott

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AISLING’S PICKS OF THE WEEK

Declare Power Duo Oil and Serum (€59.95) A lightweight serum suitable for sensitive skin that sinks in instantly, providing a perfect base for moisturiser.

Benefit Advent Calendar

(€90) Bursting with lip gloss, skincare, bronzers and blushers, this will brighten any Christmas countdown (if you can restrain yourself and not open every door at once).

Instyler Rotating Hot Iron Brush

(€120) I know, I know, heat styling is very bad for your hair, but sometimes there’s no other option. A smooth side and a swirly brush provides added smoothness, plus volume and curl if you want it.

Serioxyl Thicker Hair Serum (€31.95) Other products in this new hair thickening range take longer to work, but this serum delivers instant gratification. Fine and thinning hair are instantly bulked up.

AISLING LOVES . . .

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow (€49.99) I really like brighteners such as this one, which mix with your foundation to give your skin a pick-me-up. Wear it on its own if you are having a good skin day.