Top 5 drugstore must haves

As a young worker bee I am by no means rich, and although I am lucky enough to have a disposable income due to lack of mortgage and children (My little Mini One is my only expense!) I never seem to have enough to spend on make up and skincare. Realistically us girls can't afford to splurge all the time, and unless you're lucky enough to receive samples or freebies, this can make it very difficult to keep up with the beauty world. Recently the drugstore brands have really upped their game and are constantly releasing uh-mazing products that really give the high end brands a run for their money. Alas, can we afford to buy everything? Unfortunately not. So I've put together my top 5 drugstore products that are worth splashing the cash on. Want to update your make up bag for a small cost? Look no further...

1. Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java (£9.99) - I'm starting old school. And when I say old school, I really mean it. This is a reinvented version of Bourjois' 'cult classic' from 1879 (really taking it back!) A very subtle illuminating powder this can be used to highlight a particular area or all over for a glint of a glow. The packaging is beautiful, the smell is lovely and the finish is really nice. Perfect for those Spring evenings when you want a very natural finish. 

2. The Body Shop Sheer Volume Mascara (£10) - Now. I love mascara nearly as much as I love blusher. I don't wear any eye make up apart from mascara, so it's essential for me to get it right or I end up looking like I haven't slept for a week. I normally go for high end Mascaras but I was really impressed with the effectiveness of this Body Shop find. The brush is a great twirly shape so it doesn't leave clumps and it separates the lashes as the mascara glides on. It lasts all day, and doesn't leave horrible flakes under your eyes as the day goes on. This mascara can also be layered which makes it very versatile, allowing you to choose how dramatic you'd like your eyes to be. Fab. 

3. No. 7 Stay Perfect foundation (£14.50) - I'm a bit of a secret No.7 fan (something I have definitely inherited from my Nan) and I've got a few of their products knocking around in my make up bag. One of my favourite things about this brand is their consultants are always so friendly and helpful. If you go into store they'll use their special colour machine to find the best match for you. Which means no ghost complexion or dodgy foundation lines - yay! The foundation itself is great quality, offers good coverage and blends nicely into the skin. Although it doesn't have the best lasting power, it does well as a everyday foundation for a natural make up look. It's never cakey, and it covers blemishes effectively. A great summer foundation as it's very light and lets the skin breathe. 

4. Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge (£5.99) - I enjoy a make up brush as much as the next person but I couldn't resist trying this sponge out and I'm really impressed. Unlike a normal sponge this is much easier to blend with, and offers three different sides. A rounded edge to apply foundation to large areas of the face, a flat edge for the contours of the face, and a curved edge to blend and buff small imperfections. This means instead of using three brushes you only need one sponge, perfect for lazy make up appliers like myself! The sponge offers a very smooth and flawless finish and is one of the only things that blends my concealer successfully to hide my spots!

5. Rimmel Apocalips (£6.49) - If you don't own an Apocalips yet then I urge you with every ounce of my being to go and treat yourself. This product is the perfect mix of lipstick and lipgloss. It offers shine without skimping on colour, and the finish is fantastic. If you like a pigmented lipstick this is definitely for you! As someone who suffers with dry lips I am often deterred from using lipstick, but this product is so hydrating and creamy it can be applied without the need to scrub lips first. It gives good coverage, lasts for a long time and the colour selection is amazing. My personal favourite is Nova, a deep pink which adds a great pop of colour to a dusky pink foundation. But I love them so much I may just invest in the whole collection...

So, that's my round up of fantastic drugstore products done. Perk up your make up bag without spending a fortune!