Deserve a little treat but don't want to splash the cash right now? Here are 8 high street hits to help get your lockdown look for less, all road-tested by Muddy.

Whilst now is possibly not the time to splurge on our favourite high end beauty brands, I think we can all agree that we deserve a little reward for not going 100 per cent bonkers in lockdown (I’m currently hovering around 80 per cent before wine – how about you?). 

Luckily for us, budget beauty is having a moment, with loads of high street brands producing amazing alternatives for high end favourites. Here’s the Muddy edit of the best dupes to upgrade your makeup and skincare routine for (more than) half the price. Zoom call, here we come, we look fabulous’!

MAKE UP

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If you’re into your eyeshadow, Urban Decay is well worth the investment. However, if you’re a less frequent wearer or want to dabble with something less pricey before taking the plunge then W7 is near identical in colour and the eyeshadows have little fallout.

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Gotta love a red lip and MAC’s MAC Red is a classic. Revolution’s offering has a similar satin texture and has a surprisingly luxe, creamy feel for its price point. The lippy comes in 12 shades so you can treat yourself to three and still have cash leftover for a takeaway coffee.

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The downside of budget beauty brands is that products can sometimes be lacking in pigmentation compared to their high end counterparts – but not Sleek. This blush is a no brainer and adds an equally peachy, golden glow as Nars’ version – the only real difference is that it’s a fifth of the price. 

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Both these highlighters can be used as a standalone product to make your cheekbones pop, or can be mixed into your favourite moisturiser to give an all-over glow. A near identical copycat of cult brand ICONIC London (it even has the nifty droplet applicator), Revolution is a great alternative with a high pigmentation. 

SKINCARE

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Removing your makeup with micellar water is much kinder to your skin than make-up wipes (and better for the environment). I’ve been using Garnier’s for ages now – it’s non-perfumed so suits sensitive skin and leaves your face feeling fresh – plus you get twice the amount in a bottle compared to other, more expensive brands. 

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Made for your face and neck, supermodels swear by Pixie’s Glow Tonic to keep their skin looking beautiful. It contains 5% glycolic acid which dissolves dead skin to reveal fresh skin cells below. Revolution’s tonic has the same percentage of active acid but almost half the price. Permission to slap on twice as much duly granted.

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Don’t be fooled by the teenage packaging, Maybelline’s Babyskin is a fantastic alternative to Benefit’s best-selling face primer and really does give your skin a silky, soft touch. It’s really lightweight and, unlike The Porefessional, is competently clear so blends perfectly with any face makeup you put on top. 

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Beauty eds are big fans of no-nasties cult US brand Drunk Elephant, but its Night Serum carries a hefty price tag. The Ordinary’s formula actually contains a higher concentration of AHA (the stuff that fights wrinkles and blemishes) so you’re getting more bang for your buck.