Even if times are hard, there is no excuse not to be looking your pristine best. Scrimping on price does not have to mean scrimping on quality, as these top ten beauty essentials prove.

Moisturiser

Avoid the brand names and go for Boots' own body and face moisturisers with self-tan, which give a lovely subtle glow. And these are impossible to mess up, even for the most amateur of self-tanners.

Boots Holiday Glow Body Lotion Light, £2.50, www.boots.com

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Sun cream

Sunscreen should always be worn on the face, even in the winter months, but is particularly necessary as UV rays get stronger during the summer. Put it on instead or as well as moisturiser, protect yourself from skin cancer, and ward off those wrinkles.

Tesco Sun Protection SPF 15, £2.99, www.tesco.com

Deodorant

You’d be hard pushed to spend very much money on a deodorant, but if times are particularly hard, go for Tesco’s own brand version of the well-known brands. Just as effective, and more than half of the price.

Tesco Body Reactive 24 Hour Cotton Roll on, 89p, www.tesco.com

Face cream

Don't waste your money on overpriced ‘miracle’ creams, since a) they probably won’t make the blindest bit of difference and b) you’re far too young for wrinkles anyway. This range has face creams for all types of skin, which are just as good as the pricier ranges.

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