How does an $8.50 mascara compare to a $69 one? The truth about luxe beauty

Once upon a time, my column featured a section called “luxe to less”. It began with the exxy, went to the mid-range and finished with a bargain. I’m feeling nostalgic, so we’re dipping back in here.

We all love high-end beauty, with its slew of lush ingredients, but we also love a bargain that has cult status.Credit: Getty Images

Kmart is always a treasure trove of beauty finds and one standout is the Kmart Oxx range. Our highlight, Fragrance Beach Bliss Summer Solstice Body Butter ($8), is chock-full of caramel, almond and vanilla notes and serves up a big burst of hydration. At the other end of the scale, L’Occitane never fails to deliver and its Shea Butter ($65) is certified organic, attested fair trade, rich, creamy and great for dry, sensitive skin.

Mascara is always a biggie as you have to replace it every two to three months. Starting low but fab, Maybelline Full N Soft Mascara Very Black ($8.50) thickens, has a dose of vitamin E and is a dream to remove. Or go high with the queen bee of mascaras, Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara ($69). It curls and adds volume without clumping and really is the gold standard.

With cleansers, the question of whether to spend or not is sharpened because they’re only on your face for about 30 second before being flushed down the drain. At the more economical end of the spectrum, you can’t go wrong with CeraVé’s Hydrating Cleanser ($24). At the other end, Victoria Beckham’s The Daily Cleansing Protocol ($200), has just landed on my desk and I am obsessed. Take time to lovingly massage this lush formula into your face to get your money’s worth.

To get lips ready for winter, a good scrub is essential. Try Burt’s Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub ($14) – it’s gently non-abrasive and leaves a slick of moisture behind. At the luxe end of the spectrum you can’t go past La Mer’s The Lip Polish ($130). This gorgeous exfoliating balm gently refines uneven texture while conditioning dry lips.

With lips primed and ready, we love a lip oil and NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip in Missed Call ($20), is sluggy with a super pigment and goes on like a dream. For the glamour option, try Dior Lip Glow Oil in Cherry ($64), which looks sexy in the hand and is rich in vitamin E.

When it comes to a vitamin C boost for illuminating and moisturising skin, excellent choices range from Essano Advanced Brightening Serum ($15) to Sunday Riley C.E.O Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream ($108).

Last but certainly not least, never leave the house with applying a trusty SPF50+ sunscreen. The Cancer Council does a great all-rounder, Day Wear Face Fluid Matte ($18), which is neither shiny nor thick and doubles as a primer. And I just can’t go past SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense ($68). It moisturises, defends and has a fine texture that makes it worthy of the extra bucks.

ASK STEPH

What is the best way to apply dry shampoo to my fine hair?
Aerosols are great for fine hair (try Klorane Dry Shampoo Ultra Gentle, $18) as they soak up oil and add volume. Target the areas of your scalp that are oily (typically the part, crown and back of the neck) and spray from 30 centimetres away to prevent the residue settling. After you’ve let it sit for a minute, massage it into your scalp to activate the ingredients that soak up the oil.

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