After a long month that was January, some of us are happy to say goodbye because we obviously went a little overboard over the holidays and splurged on Christmas gifts and having a good time, so I was on the hunt for brilliant makeup and beauty products that won’t break the bank.

From trendy lipsticks and vibrant nail polishes to shimmery eye shadows and sweetly-scented bath foams, here is a roundup of a selection of affordable January pamper treats that kept us going till pay-day :-).

MAC Lipglass:

If you are a huge fan of Candy Yum Yum, Heroine and Ruby Woo, then pucker up because they are also available in a glossy version and it is to die for. From matching lipsticks to matching lip liners, Mac has made sure you get your fix with this range. It is perfect for everyday day wear and last longer than most lip glosses. 

Essence The Gel Nail Polish, The Gel Nail Polish Base Coat, The Gel Nail Polish Top Coat:

Raise your hands if you need to book a ManiPedi? Well, no need to go to a salon because you can achieve that glossy, gel-like finish at home. You can buy all three of these goodies for under R200. Essence The Gel Nail Polish Base Coat and Top Coat is a revolution in nails! Complete with your favourite colour of Essence The Gel nail polish, and get a look that’s easy like nail polish, amazing like gel!

BioNike Defence Colour Mascara:

Key factors that make mascaras a magic wand are – length, volume, and darkness; then here is a magic wand that won’t disappoint you. The BioNike mascara works in achieving the long, dramatic lashes that everyone looks for in the conventional makeup brands. It has dark pigments of the liquid, that easy glide onto lashes, and with an innovative brush that is shaped to allow for application on every little lash – corners and all!

Max Factor Excess Shimmer Shadows:

These are creamy and offer the teeniest particles of shimmer. These brand spanking new Excess Shimmer Eyeshadows from Max Factor are gel-based, super blendable, shimmery potted eyeshadows that promise both lasting power and intense pigmentation. There is a total of 6 shades in the collection ranging from neutral & earthy tones to more subtle pastel tones. And the one thing you will love about them is that they are not sticky at all.

Revlon Ultra HQ Lipstick:

 You will never have a dull moment wearing a gorgeous Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick. Described to offer true colour clarity without the heavy feel, Revlon Ultra HD™ Lipsticks offer full coverage in one coat and are formulated with a clear gel base that allows for smooth and even application. These lipsticks feel weightless and smell irresistible.

NYX Soft Matt Lipcream: 

If you love daring lips then you are in need of NYX Soft Matte Lipcream. For silky smooth lips with a gorgeous matte finish, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream is a ‘MUST HAVE’! This lip product is neither a lip gloss nor a lipstick and is ultra moisturising and available in twenty two eye catching shades! It slides on like a lip gloss but has the matt finish of a lipstick.

Lipidol Cleansing Oil:

A Cleansing Oil removes day-to-day dirt; makeup and oil build-up from your face without stripping your skin of its natural oil layers. Most people would say using an oil to cleanse your skin is crazy but an oil cleanser binds to the oily material and gently dissolves the impurities without removing the skin’s natural oily layer. And at R79.95, this is a total steal and budget friendly Cleaning Oil.

The Body Shop – Glazed Apple Hand Cream:

Get a little something sweet for your hands with The Body Shops Glazed Apple Hand Cream, which has a candy apple like fragrance for just R60. It is thick and creamy and leaves your hands moisturized and nourished without leaving them feeling sticky.

Revlon ColourStay Quad:

If you are looking for a neutral everyday look, then the Revlon Colour Stay Quad in Decadent or any other colours you want is perfect. At 150, it is perfect to have in your bag and doesn’t break the bank at all.

LA Girl Pro HD Concealer:

It is crease-resistant, and offers opaque coverage in a creamy yet lightweight texture. The long-wearing formula camouflages darkness under the eyes, redness and skin imperfections. It also provides complete, natural-looking coverage, evens skin tone, covers dark circles and minimizes fine lines around the eyes. The perfect concealer for everyday coverage, contorting and everyone swears by these concealers and they are a steal for just under R60. 

These are the budget buys we swear by for January. What were your budget buys for January BBs? Leave your comments below.