Overhauling your makeup bag… on a serious budget

We love updating our make-up bag – what is less appealing is how seriously expensive picking up a few essentials can be.

At one stage or another, we've probably all forked out megabucks for a designer foundation, lipstick, or bronzer – only to afterwards think 'was it really worth it?' But thankfully (especially when you're flat broke) there are cheaper alternatives available, IF you know where to look.

We've lately been particularly impressed with what's in stock at Dealz – the discount retailer probably more readily-associated with party accessories, household cleaners, sweets, and soft drinks. 

But it's also a treasure trove for beauty addicts on a budget. Better still, with everything in its Make Up Gallery range priced at €1.49 each, you could overhaul your entire cosmetics collection if you fancied it. 

The stand-outs for us are definitely the brand's long-lasting foundation, quick-dry nail polish (we love the summer-appropriate pastel shades), the sheer lip gloss (hues on offer include cherry pop, and nice and nude), and the pressed powder.

The long-lasting foundation comes in a range of colours to suit a load of different skin types, while the pressed powder is enriched with vitamin E and is available in honey beige and natural beige.

Dealz has more than 40 stores in Ireland; see dealz.ie to location your nearest one.