The financial horizon may not be pretty. That doesn’t mean you have to stop looking that way. Read on for tips on how to tighten the beauty belt.

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Cleanser: You’re probably sick to death of hearing about Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. But it really does deserve the hype. It’s great for all skin types, although sebum-heavy skins should choose the formulation for oily skin.

Acne products: Neutrogena offers some of the best skin-clearing products around, not to mention the most affordable. Clearasil also has some impressively hard-hitting spot treatments.

Moisturiser: Head straight to Nivea, where there’s a fabulous line-up of hydrating options. The Oxygen Power Reviving Day Cream ($15.99) is a particular stand-out.

Scrub: The cheapest way to exfoliate is to remove your cleanser with a flannel or muslin cloth. The next best budget option: Garnier Three-in-One Wash, Scrub and Mask ($11.45).

Mask: Palmer’s Skin Success Eventone Brightening Mask ($11.95) not only lights up a dull face, it also has a pore-cleaning action.

Sunscreen: As long as it has an SPF of 30+ and is broad spectrum, it’s good enough. If you’re in the market for a new one, try UV Triplegard Summer Skin Clear Zinc for Face & Body ($13.99).

Haircare: Don’t go past Tresemmé. It really does seem to be the salon quality it boasts.

Body cream: Again, head back to Nivea. Its body products feature in the kits of top makeup artists for good reason. They absorb well and leave behind a lovely glow.

Tanner: Palmer’s Natural Bronze Tanning Moisturiser ($6.95) is so good it beats most of its big-priced tanning sisters (non-streaky) hands-down.

Hand & foot cream: Rub some good ol’ lanolin into hands, feet and cuticles at night, and you’ll have baby-soft paws all day.

Makeup: Maybelline offers a great range of fashion-forward products and colours, all for high-street prices. Star buys: Define-a-Lash Mascara ($18.95), Dream Mousse Blush and Bronzer ($15.95 each), Shadow Stylist ($15,95) and Shiny-Licious ($13.50).

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Anti-ageing. In this category, it’s mostly you get what you pay for. Many high-priced serums and treatments really are worthwhile skin-vestments. Having said that, suncare is the best anti-ageing cream around.

Foundation. In general, you get better pigment, more pigment, and a beautiful blendable base. Highly recommended: Chanel and Giorgio Armani.

Haircolour: If you have dark hair and prefer a semi-permanent, a DIY job is easy and effective. If, however, your colour involves highlighting or blonding, leave it to the pros.

Pictured: the gorgeous Julia Stegner, face of Maybelline, in the Gucci Spring/Summer 09 show. Get the look: Dream Mousse Eye Shadow in Mint Dream ($14.95), Line Sylist in Onyx ($16.25) and Great Lash Mascara ($15.50).