In the mood for a little self-gifting?

Sometimes a cheap ‘cheerful treat is just what we need to get us through ’til payday, especially when it’s wet, cold and dull outside and Vitamin D is at an all-time low (any excuse).

We’ve been busy sniffing and swiping all the newest beauty bits and bobs landing on shelves across Cork this month.

Here are six interesting new buys to pop in your basket… you’ll even have change from a tenner:

1. Hemp & Mint Glow Lip Balm

€5.50, Penneys

This tingly Catrice balm contains a soothing blend of hemp oil and minty menthol, which leaves lips looking visibly fuller and offers a refreshing little boost during the day. Its colour pigments are activated by the individual pH value of your skin but you can expect a natural rosy finish.

2. Colour Stick

€9.99, H&M, Opera Lane

A versatile twist-up stick, this creamy formula gives a natural flush to lip and cheeks. Swipe it on and blend gently with your fingers. This shade is ‘Pumpkin Spice’.

3. Jelly Nail Polish Remover

€3.50, Penneys and pharmacies

We’re always on the lookout for a product that makes a mundane job for fun. Essence Cosmetics’ new Jelly Nail Polish Remover actually smells like pineapple, so you can use it in the office or in the car without creating a cloud of chemical scent.

4. Balance Body Wash

€5.50, Marks & Spencer

Starting or ending your day with a relaxing blast of essential oils in the shower is one of the easiest ways to inject a little extra self-care into your routine. Part of the Apothecary range at Marks & Spencers, this Balance body wash uses grounding guaiac wood, geranium and the spicy fragrance of black pepper and cinnamon leaf in a blend that’s as heady as the expensive brands.

5. Hydro-Plumping Serum

€6.80, Penneys

As a quick fix, smoothing on a few drops of hyaluronic acid, which attracts up to 1000 times its weight in water, is a brilliant way to plump dehydrated, tired skin before you use your usual creams and make-up. This little bottle from Catrice contains the same 1.5% hyaluronic acid used in pricier brands, at a fraction of the cost.

6. Nude Edition Eyeshadow Palette

€4.95, Penneys

If you always find yourself reaching for the same basic nude shades in the eyeshadow palette, this bargain set of nine neutral and soft tones from Essence Cosmetics combines matte and pearly effects that you can layer or use solo in the daytime.