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Feature article: Save money looking great
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Save money looking great
If you plan to look drop-dead gorgeous, you don't want to be dirt poor. So stop buying those super-expensive shampoos and makeup that is paid in installments. Instead of blowing your paycheck on looking good, here are some good, hard-working substitutes that won't break your bank and work just as well as their more expensive counterparts.
Hair - We spend a lot on our hair, from pricey shampoos to styling products. You can save by using these tips:
- Buy generic shampoos. You've seen the Suave ads. If you can't tell the difference, why not save some money?
- Use natural products. Use olive or sesame oil for a real hot oil treatment (you can heat it gently in the microwave), make a hair mask of eggs, rinse your hair in lemon juice (blonds) or vinegar (others) to make it shine.
- Buy double duty. You can buy your products in bulk to save money (check the price per ounce to compare) and buy shampoo-conditioners or shampoos that have built-in abilities (antidandruff, shine, color care etc) that suit your hair type.
- Sometimes the simple stuff works. Don't go out and buy a $20 bottle of shampoo when a little dishwashing detergent or even soap will work. You can usually use this gently to scrub hair in a pinch (if your hair gets too dry, put oil in first). For a dry shampoo, corn starch will work.
Body - Our bodies take things that smell every different fragrance, so we smell like a mix of orange and lavender and mango and mint all at once. What a clash! Go natural:
- Substitute moisturizer. A mix of oil and water or a light oil spritzed on your body often works better to moisturize dry skin. Apply right after your shower to seal in. Sometimes even cream is great to moisturize really dry skin - rub in and rinse off gently.
- Substitute scrubs. A bit of sea salt or even sugar are great to exfoliate skin and cost you much less. Mix into your regular body wash to make a lathering one.
- Use soap. Although soaps can be drying, it's worth it at times to get clean. A bar of soap lasts long in a dry dish and the slivers can be stuck into a sponge to lather so you don't waste. If you must use a bodywash, try using your regular shampoo on your body - it's usually very gentle. Again, dilute dishwashing detergent can also do the trick. Don't forget to moisturize after.
- Soak in stuff. You can create lovely soaks out of baking soda, oatmeal, milk or cream, and so many other household items, so why spend a lot of money? You can also scent your bath with a drop of your favorite essential oil or olive oil or perfume.
Face - The face is where we tend to spend the money. Expensive lipsticks, foundations, shadows, liners, curlers, powders, not to mention scrubs, blemish treaters, toners, astringents, moisturizers, night treatments, sunscreen and more. Get rid of them.
- Develop a simple regimen. More than three things on your face and you'll probably stick to it once a week. Instead, do a wash, tone/cleanse, moisturize/treat routine that will be quick and easy. You can often wash with hand soap or any mild soap, or even just cold cream if you have dry skin. In that case, skip the middle step.
- Double duty. Use your sunscreen as your moisturizer and blend in a little foundation for color (buying a tinted SPF moisturizer doesn't give you enough sun protection) and wear it generously. Get an all-over color that works on eyes, cheeks, and lips. Use your eyeliner on your brows. Think of ways to double up.
- Go natural. Try going without makeup once in a while. Use vaseline or an oil to moisturize lips and really dry areas. Coat lashes with a thin layer of oil, and use cream to moisturize your face. Other natural masks can be made from cucumbers, yogurt, oatmeal, strawberries, avocados, and other things from your refrigerator.
General tips - In general, there are a few things you can follow:
- Use what you have. Go with what's at home, what's in your fridge. If you have a million different travel-sized bottles of shampoo, use them instead of buying a whole new designer bottle. Dump them into a common big bottle if you like.
- Use generics and knock offs. If you check the ingredients, they are often the same. In the case of face makeup, you might want the real thing for some items, but some glosses and shadows work great in drugstore brands.
- Be creative. Combinations of things can work (careful with hairsprays and things that contain alcohol) if you do them right. Mix colors of lipstick to get the shade you want, try things in new ways. You'll find something that works for you and save bucks into the bargain.
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