LIDL, MAGICAL WONDERLAND of cut-price diving gear and hedge trimmers, recently expanded into makeup.
The range is a permanent feature of all Lidl stores as of last month, but what should you pick up, and what should you leave on the shelf? We tried EVERYTHING, and here’s what we think.
BB Cream (€2.99)
BB cream is a Korean invention, and Western brands can’t seem to settle on what it actually is – light foundation, or tinted moisturiser? Lidl’s offering falls into the latter camp.
It has a strong scent and doesn’t offer much coverage, but could be an option for those who don’t love foundation but want to even out their skin tone. Oily-skinned folk should probably stay away – I was a beacon of greasy light an hour after application. 6/10
Eyeshadow (€1.99 each)
The eyeshadows might be the only true dud of the collection. Vanilla Cream and Brilliant Brown just about registered on my eyelids, but I really worked to get them to that point.
The frosted baby pink shadow is a bit dated, shade-wise, BUT works surprisingly well as a pink-toned highlighter. 4/10 (awarded for the highlighting capabilities alone)
Mascaras – Volume and Waterproof (€2.49)
These are a small step above the other cheap mascaras I’ve tried – the volumising mascara adds bulk without adding a ton of black goo to your lashes, and the waterproof one stood up to a small amount of misty Irish rain.
They won’t blow your mind, but they’re decent budget picks. 6/10
Lipstick (€2.49)
The lighter shades (Cosy Rose and Fuchsia Pink) of these creamy lipsticks head straight for the lines and dry spots on your lips, which isn’t a cute look.
The darker ones (Nude Brown, Red Carpet and Berry Passion) are much better, but would require a lip liner to help them reach their full potential.
I am already quite attached to Nude Brown – it is *fire emoji* paired with Penneys’ nude lip liner. 7/10
Lip Gloss (€1.99)
Lip gloss, my sticky nemesis. Except – and this surprised me too – Lidl have done a great job with these!
They remind me of the very lovely Essence Lip Oil; comfy and pleasingly slippery, with a delicious scent. I’m a convert. 10/10
Nail Polish (€1.99)
I personally balk at expensive nail polish – why spend loads when the cheap stuff is so good? Lidl’s polish is perfectly opaque in one swipe, which is a very rare occurrence.
My favourite shade, Metallic Rose, is exact colour of the rose gold iPhones (AKA the best colour ever). Grab these if you can. 10/10
VERDICT
I’m thoroughly impressed with Lidl’s first beauty line. The Nude Brown lipstick and Metallic Rose nail polish are going right into my makeup bag, where they belong. Stock up while you do your Big Shop.
