Summer on a shoestring

Can't afford to spoil yourself with the most expensive summer essentials this year? Whether the purse strings are a tiny bit tighter than usual or you're on full-blown budget watch, we've got a selection of the best summer stuff from across the beauty board to help you look fabulous this summer, no matter how many spare pennies you have...

Hair to the rescue

First up on the summer beauty hitlist is hair protection. We all know the damaging effect the sun can have on our skin, but this summer don't forget to protect those luscious locks too.

Why is it so important to apply a sun protection product to hair? Celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill says: "The sun will dry your hair and lighten your colour. A sun hat is the obvious thing to wear to avoid your colour fading, or make sure you apply sun protection spray through your hair every time you apply your suncream."

Mark warns the sun isn't the only factor that can damage hair this summer. "Salt, sand and chlorine from pools and the sea can also affect your hair, making it dry and brittle. After every swim, make sure you rinse out any residues using fresh water and then reapply your sun protection spray."

Steal: Boots Sun, Swim & Gym Protective Hydration Spray
Spend: Mark Hill Holiday Hair Sun Protection Spray SPF6
Splurge: Soltan Head & Hair Dry-Touch Transparent Suncare Spray SPF30

Face facts

Thanks to the new generation of tinted moisturisers, there's a light-coverage option for almost everyone this summer. Shop savvy and you can even get products with other benefits thrown in, such as SPF or spot-busting ingredients.

Explaining the benefits of swapping your full-coverage foundation for a tinted moisturiser this summer, celebrity make up artist Daniel Sandler says: "When the temperature rises foundations can feel heavy and slide off your face. Tinted moisturisers won't cake or crack, so that's another reason to invest."

Steal: Witch anti-blemish tinted moisturiser
Spend: No7 Triple Protection Tinted Moisturiser
Splurge: Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer

Lashings of attitude

Waterproof mascara continues to be a summer beauty essential, and it's not hard to see why. "Waterproof mascara is a good idea because it stays put in heat and humidity," says Daniel. "Dark panda eyes are not a good look so prevent smudging with a waterproof formula."

Steal: Collection 2000 Waterproof Skyscraper Mascara
Spend: Revlon Fabulash Waterproof Mascara
Splurge: Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara

Nail an on-trend summer look

This summer's suits-all nail colour is a warm, shimmering bronze hue - the perfect compliment to all skin tones, from pale and interesting to super-sunkissed and beyond.

"Bronze is the colour of skin that has been kissed by the sun and gives us a general feeling of health and warmth," says expert nail technician Jessica Hoffman. "Bronze shades compliment most skin tones and look amazing with gold jewellery and metallic or white sandals."

Steal: Max Factor Max Effect Mini Nail Polish in Bronze
Spend: No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Golden Palms
Splurge: Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Shimmering Bronze