Beauty on a budget; Look good and feel great without spending a fortune ... it's easier than you think as Katharine Capocci discovers. Beauty.

IF you've started skimping on luxury products because of the credit crunch, you're not alone. Giving up the miracle moisturiser that costs more than a weekend break to pay the mortgage is completely understandable, but keeping up your beauty regime needn't be such a hardship.

The message is that you can still enjoy a touch of glamour despite the economic doom and gloom.

Being glam doesn't have to cost the earth; it just takes a little know-how and a practical approach, something we ladies are very good at ... And besides, with makeup, it's worth remembering you pay for packaging first and content second, and many of the big companies own both expensive and cheaper brands.

The secrets of living well on a budget are revealed in a new book by India Knight, a self-confessed shopaholic who is far from immune to the lure of new shoes or an expensive handbag.

Her Thrift Book gives advice on how to live stylishly without debt. There are chapters on food, shopping, holidays, managing money and on clothes and beauty.

India points are that, for example, Chanel and Bourjois are owned by the same company, just as L'Oreal owns Lancome. There are differences between the high and low-end makeup market, but only in some products.

Julie Carter, who owns her own eponymous beauty salon in Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle, takes up the baton with a few timely tips herself.

She suggests trying some of the cheaper big-brand names such as Rimmel. "It's not just for teenagers and you might be surprised by the sheer number of products in the range and how good they are."

If you can't give up your trips to the salon, instead of having your usual facial, why not opt for a mini-facial at half the price and if you have a facial at Julie Carter you get free samples to take home.

Julie also advises trying an express manicure instead of a full-on salon manicure.

"Customers can pop into the salon and have a re-varnish and buy the mini home care products by Jessica and do it at home."

If salon visits are out of the question, Julie recommends store cupboard ingredients for a revitalising facial.

"For a quick DIY facial, use oatmeal, avocado and honey all mixed together, and simply pop it on your face. It's excellent for dry skin at this time of year."

FOUNDATION

In her book India does not advise spending a lot on makeup with a short shelf life such as mascara and foundation. If you must use expensive foundations, buy them in small bottles as they tend to go off after a year.

Loose mineral powder makeup is all the rage and if you spend on a mid-range brand such as Bare Escentuals, it lasts forever.

Bare Escentuals is billed as so pure you can go to sleep in it, not that we'd particularly recommend that, but good to know all the same.

Julie recommends Jane Iredale mineral foundation, which is more expensive but lasts and lasts. Some big firms are getting in on the act, but their mineral foundations are not necessarily as pure as these.

EYE MAKEUP

India says eyeshadow has nothing to do with price and everything to do with pigment, which gives the colour depth.

Mac eyeshadows are heavily pigmented and any other brand with pigment in the product's title is likely to be a good bet. However, she says, if you like neutrals, buy them cheap as you don't need a lot of pigment for the natural look.

Bourjois is a good budget buy with quality eyeshadows containing good pigment. With mascara, India says the mid-range Max Factor Lash Perfection is hard to beat.

When it comes to pencils, Julie recommends investing in a Jane Iredale taupe pencil, which can be used as a three-in-one, as eyeliner, lipliner and pencilling in eyebrows, and is also great for blondes.

LIPS, CHEEKS AND NAILS

Cheap lipsticks are not a good idea as the colour seeps and fades. But cheap lipgloss is fine as it just comes off anyway.

Or there's always Vaseline, voted number one in a recent poll of best beauty budget buys. There is a lot to be said for wearing lipliner all over your lips with Vaseline on top - it lasts and looks natural.

Nail polish chips no matter how grand the brand. Buy cheap polish, but invest in a good topcoat.

APPLICATION

Applying makeup with brushes helps make it last. Go for mid-range brands such as Mac. Cheap ones are no use as they moult or scratch your face and the high-end ones are a rip-off, according to India.

However, it doesn't matter how good your makeup is if you can't apply it. It is just as easy to go wrong with an expensive brand as a cheap one, so check the online makeup demonstrations. Just search on Videojug or YouTube.com Or Julie recommends you pop to a makeup counter for a free makeover.

The Thrift Book: Live Well and Spend Less by India Knight, is published by Fog Tree, priced pounds 14.99.

SIX ESSENTIALS

Vaseline Lip Therapy, 86p

One of the top 20 budget beauty buys, the balm soothes cracked and sore lips.

Maybelline Mascara Great Lash Blackest Black, pounds 4.88

Perfect for defined lashes with a clean, separate finish!

Barry M Nail Paint, pounds 2.95

These paints come in more than 50 colours, so there's something for everyone.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion, 400ml, pounds 4.89

Enriched with vitamin E, this soothing emollient is ever-dependable.

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher, pounds 6.25.

Powder blush with velvety texture, good pigment and luminous finish. It's a winner.

L'Oreal Paris Touche Magique under-eye brightener, pounds 6.99

Banishes under-eye bags and instantly brightens. Great for highlighting cheeks and brows.

CAPTION(S):

HELPING HAND Try an express manicure instead of the full works and save yourself some money.