“When you look good, you feel good.†There’s a good chance that you have heard that quote hundreds of times. I’m not a high maintenance woman by any means and not really into makeup and things of that nature, but I do agree that it’s nice to look put together and have healthy habits [1].
But I still can’t believe what a few of my friends spend on looking good. Between beauty store purchases, expensive skin creams, overpriced salon visits, and manicures and pedicures, I would need a second job [2] to keep up. I have come to the conclusion there is no reason to spend an absurd amount of money to look good. Here are 21 of my favorite money saving beauty tips to help you look good and save money at the same time.
Makeup and Nails
- Use what you already have.Instead of buying new eye shadow and lip stick colors, layer the shades you already have to create something unique.
- Skip the applicators. Instead of applying liquid foundation or cover up with a brush or sponge, do so with your clean hands. When you are using a brush or sponge, some of your foundation is getting absorbed into the sponge and brush bristles wasting a bit of your foundation. But of course be sure your hands are clean since you don’t want to put germs and oil on your skin.
- Do your own manicures. Applying fake, acrylic nails can harm your natural nails leaving them broken and weak after the nails fall off. And many times manicures also come along with harsh chemicals or rough management of your cuticles and skin around your nails. Invest in your own tools, and you will save in the long run.
- Get your make-up done for free. Head to the beauty counter to get your make-up done for free. Many stores offer free makeup applications in hopes you’ll buy the products. If you don’t mind turning them down or were planning to buy a certain product anyway, have your makeup done.
- Treat your feet inexpensively. For an inexpensive pedicure, put Vaseline on your feet at night and then put your socks on. This prevents your feet from becoming dry and cracked.
Skin Care
- Drink more water during the day. It will hydrate your skin and leave your skin glowing and also keep you at a healthy weight.
- Don’t take extremely hot showers. The hot water can he harsh for your skin and take away your skin’s natural moisture.
- Stay in the bathroom after showering. After you take a shower, don’t run out of the bathroom. Stick around because the steam is good for your skin.
- Get more sleep. While you sleep, your skin is rejuvenating. If you don’t get enough, you may have dark spots under your eyes, your skin can look dry, and your eyes may look irritated and red.
- Use vegetables. If you do happen to have puffy eye lids or circles under your eyes, simply put a thinly sliced cucumber over your eyes to alleviate the puffiness.
- Ask for free samples. Ask for free samples from the department store skin care lines. They can give you a tiny sample of lotions, makeup, or face wash for free.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun. Being burnt causes your skin to look irritated and red and can even lead to peeling. Some sun is great because it gives us Vitamin D, healthy bones, and a nice tan. But too much is never good. Down the line, it can result in premature wrinkles and sun spots and even lead to skin cancer.
- Remove your makeup. Removing your makeup, washing your face, and applying lotion every night before bed is a simple way to get a great complexion.
Hair Care
- Skip using hair products every now and then. If you are sitting around the house or if you feel like you can just throw on a hat or throw your hair up for the day, then skip the hair products altogether. Gels, mouse, and hairspray can also leave your hair dry and brittle. Giving your hair a break is a good choice and also will save you money on hair products.
- Brush your hair daily. The days you do skip washing, be sure to brush your hair root to tip at night. This spreads the natural oils from your scalp throughout your hair to soften it.
- Use baby powder. If you realized you’ve sweat throughout the day and your hair starts to look a little greasy, simply put a little dab of baby powder in your hands and work through your hair. The baby powder dries up the oil in your hair.
- Get a beauty school haircut. Try heading to a beauty school for your hair cuts instead of an overpriced salon. These men and women are almost certified, but they need to practice on people before getting their license. Their talent and skill is there, and you’ll receive your hair cut at a fraction of the cost. Be willing to be flexible though because many times they need a particular hair color, style, or technique they need to fulfill.
- Stop dying your hair. Consider stopping highlighting or dying your hair. If you’ve been getting it professionally done, it will save you hundreds of dollars every year and the time it takes to keep up with it. It is also a healthier option for your hair.
- Let your hair dry naturally. Give your hair a break every now and then from using your blow dryer, curling iron, and straightener. Heat styling is damaging for your hair leaving it brittle and dry. Plus, you will save on heat styling products, electricity from the styling tools, and your tools will last longer.
- Stop washing your hair everyday. Using shampoo and conditioner is important for your hygiene, but washing your hair every day can leave it dry and brittle. By all means, don’t leave the house with greasy, dirty hair, but if you can afford to skip a day every now and then, it’s healthy for your hair and saves you a little money on shampoo.
- Ask for free hair product samples. Anytime you’re getting your hair done, ask if there are any free samples available. You may be able to grab great quality samples of shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner, or other great products.
What are your favorite inexpensive beauty products? Do you have any money saving beauty tips?