Need to save some dosh without cramping your style? Well, look great without breaking the bank with these cheap beauty tricks! By Shevelle Rhule.
1 Recycle, recycle, recycle:
Once you have finished using ever last smear of lipstick from the tube or powder from your compact, stop before you throw them in the bin because some brands like M.A.C will give you a free lippie for recycling the packaging back to them. Plus it’s far cheaper to buy makeup refills then an entirely new compact every time you finish one – look out for refills at Estee Lauder, M.A.C and Stilla.
2 A little goes a long way:
Most people use far too much product on their face, body and hair. It may feel like too much of a good thing can never be enough but most of the time you only actually need about a ten pence size squeeze of the product rather then a whole palm full. So cut out the waste and you’ll be surprised at how much longer your products will last.
3 Multi-tasker’s we love you!
Products that can do more then one thing can save you loads of money! Vaseline for example is a beauty do it all – it can be used as a lip balm, condition lashes and brows, soften heels and remove makeup. While 100% Natural Australian Jojoba has 16 benefits from tackling uneven skin tone to moisturizing hair and fading stretch marks. Also try doubling up your lipstick as a cream blush too.
4 D-I-Y:
We know it’s lovely to have a professional do it or even pop to the shops and buy it but one of the best ways to save money on beauty products is by making them yourself. Mix brown sugar and honey and you have your own body scrub, blend deep liquid bronzer with lotion for a face and body tinted moisturiser or avocado and virgin olive oil for a great hydrating face mask.
5 Put a lid on it:
It may seem obvious but the main reason you will need to throw away ‘spoilt’ beauty products is by poor storage and not putting lids and caps back on properly. Keep creams out of direct sunlight and if travelling abroad never allow your make up to go in the baggage compartment as the change in temperate can affect the life of the product.
6 Go supersized:
By buying beauty products in bulk or in salon sized containers direct from stores such as Sally’s will usually work out to the equivalent of getting one free bottle. If it’s way too much for you to handle or the initial cos is too significant try splitting it with a few friends and decant into smaller bottle, by doing this you will also save you money on shipping costs too.
7 At home alternatives:
You’ll be surprised at how much everyday products you have around the house can help in a cash strapped beauty fix. Apple cinder vinegar works like a clarifying shampoo and will leave hair with great shine. Tipex is an age old alternative for touching up French manicures, conditioner is ideal when you have run out of shaving cream – although make sure it’s not an expensive brand – and baby shampoo is a great way to take off eye make up.
8 Student training:
If you’re short of cash but in desperate need of a professional hair cut or blowdry try giving trainee hairdressers a go. Now, before you give me the side eye, it’s not as bad as it sounds, as a senior stylist always supervises them and sometimes the session can be completely free! Just imagine the saving in that!
9 Stay away from the gimmicks!
Vibrating mascara wands, spray on foundation or hair growth shampoo all sound great but all they do is make you part with your hard earned cash without any actual improved results. So don’t get sucked in by clever TV or glossy magazine ads, we are pretty certain the product you have in your cosmetic bag will do just as good a job.
10 Get it online:
By all means go to your favourite department stores to try out the latest products or to find the perfect foundation shade. Then put it back on the counter, make a note of the brand, colour and product name or number and buy it online from retailers like Amazon or Ebay. You’re practically guaranteed to get a cheaper price.
