Remember the days when you could nip into your local Bootsand spend less than a tenner on a brand new lip gloss/eyeshadow/concealer combo? That probably feels like a distant memory, as shelves everywhere seem to be filled with an overwhelming amount of beauty brands at the moment, many of which feel like a true luxury as we face the increasing cost of living. So, what if I told you that there exists a place where lip gloss is less than £6 and the products feel designer without the accompanying price tag?
You've definitely heard of said place – it's H&M. But chances are you've overlooked the beauty section in favour of the fashion, or even the excellent homewares. I have certainly been guilty of that, until I recently tried my friend's H&M eyeshadow. It was a glorious, glittery dark pink that looked just as good as a much more expensive version of a similar shade that I had been using. This one is only £4.99.
After this revelation, I decided to peruse the entire beauty range to see if the rest of it lived up to such surprisingly high standards. Short answer? Yes, yes it does. There is lovely, long-lasting nail polish from just £3.99, as well as all the tools to give yourself a French manicure or a gel manicure for under £10.
There are cleansing brushes for £6.99, vibrating rose quartz beauty tools for less than £20 and stylish bags to fit every beauty product you've ever owned from just £5.99. There are body brushes, exfoliating mitts, liquid eyeliners, wonderful makeup brushes and lipsticks in some of the best shades I've seen.
Anyway, don't take my word for it, browse H&M's brilliant beauty selection right now, from the comfort of wherever you are. You certainly won't regret it.
SHOP: The Best Beauty Buys From H&M
1 of 11Lip Gloss
This gloss comes in seven different shades. I particularly like applying it over a similar shade of lipstick to make my lips look more plump or if I just need a quick way to suddenly feel infinitely better about life.
2 of 11Eye Shadow
This is the eyeshadow that started it all – and it never gets old. It has such a lovely finish and really lasts all day (and night).
3 of 11Gel Nail Polish
At £5.99, this gel nail polish is the much more affordable way to get your regular manicure. While there are many shades to choose from, I'm very into this rich Bordeaux hue.
4 of 11Vibrating Rose Quartz Wand
This tool promises to help reduce facial tension, visibly reducing puffiness and dark circles. You can use it with or without product – just sit back, relax and enjoy a spa facial at home.
5 of 11Heart-Shaped Hair Brush
Stick this in your bag and never find yourself without a hair brush again. It's £3.99 and is just rather joyful.
6 of 11Large Two-Tiered Wash Bag
Store all of your beauty essentials – and then some – in style. There's plenty of room in this quilted bag, which can also double up as a wash bag when you're travelling.
7 of 11Make-Up Brushes Set
An entire set of super-soft make-up brushes for less than £20? It's not too good to be true, that's just the brilliance of H&M Beauty.
8 of 11Cleansing Brush
Get your cleanest-ever skin thanks to this handy brush, which has a soft brush for gentle cleansing and a silicone head for massaging and exfoliating.
9 of 11Face Gloss
For that glossy, dewy complexion you've been seeing all over your Instagram feed, this is the quick, no-faff way to achieve it.
10 of 11Lipstick
These lipsticks are just as good, if not better, than a lot of far more expensive styles on the market. Every shade is delicious, but this one – Peach Fuzz – suits every skin tone.
11 of 11Powder Blusher
Give yourself a healthy glow even if the freezing temperatures are making you feel less than perky. The soft, sheer formula offers buildable coverage and it's available in seven different shades.