Looking good doesn't need to break the bank. As the smart woman that you are, you know that in order to splurge in certain areas, you need to save in others. These 12 beauty saving tips will help you greatly to look beautiful, and save you money.
12. Don't frown upon the drugstore brands
While many drugstore beauty/makeup brands are subpar quality, there are a handful that are great quality. I'm going to give you some good tips right now so write them down:
Revlon lipsticks- two great colors are Cherries in the Snow #440, and Demure # (which is one of Kim Kardashian's old favorites), however all Revlon lipsticks are good, Maybelline Eyeliner Master Kajal in Onyx Rush, L'oreal Voluminous Mascara Curved Brush in Black, and Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for normal to dry skin.
11. Buy eyeshadow palettes, instead of individual colors
If you buy an eyeshadow palette, it will probably last you a very long time, in turn saving you money. You can learn how to use each color, because most palettes come with a guide or tutorial. This will be a lot cheaper than buying each individually, and you will have a variety to choose from in your palette.
10. Coconut oil
You've probably heard before that coconut oil is a great product to have in your beauty cabinet. You can use your coconut oil to remove your eye makeup, and even as a conditioner for eyebrows and eyelashes. It is said that using oil on your lashes and brows will help grow them, and it makes complete sense because oil is very hydrating.
9. Baby powder
Didn't get a chance to wash your hair? That's ok, just put some baby powder on to your scalp, and rub in nicely. Baby powder works as a cheaper alternative to dry shampoo, and does the exact same job.
8. Try bargain stores, even cheaper than drugstores
Dollar stores can even be a great place to buy basics such as cotton balls, loofas, hand sanitizer, stuff like that. When you go to a drug store, you are pay 3 or 4 times what you would pay in a dollar store, for basically the same product.
Bargain cosmetic stores like Cosmetic Market in Midtown, NYC is great because you can buy Essie nail polishes, and some really cute nail kits there for like $3. Bargain cosmetic stores are also fun places to go with your girlfriends.
7. Heat up your eyeliner
Maybe you don't have a great quality eyeliner in your makeup bag, but if you have a lighter, you can make that eyeliner look 10x darker, and stay on longer by heating it up before using with a lighter. Just be careful to let it cool of for a few seconds so that you do not burn your eyes.
6. Heat up your eyelash curler
If your eyelash curler isn't curling your lashes the way you would like, heat up your eyelash curler as well. You can use either a lighter or your blow dryer. Be sure to check with your finger to make sure it is not too hot to put on to your lashes. The heat will curl your lashes better, and hold the volume longer.
5. Use Rosehip seed oil
Rosehip seed oil has been known to do wonders for the face. If applied at night, you will wake up with glowing and radiant skin. Victoria's Secret Angel Miranda Kerr swears by Rosehip Seed Oil, and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for us. Also, don't be scared that because you see oil, you think you will break out- it does not mean you will, and most likely it will be good for your skin.
4. Prolong your mani
While many salons now have 10-day nail polish that is less likely to chip over the course of your week, it also helps to apply a top coat on your nails at home 2 days after your manicure. You can reapply again after another two days if you want, and this will keep that color locked in a little longer. Also make sure to apply to the tips of your nails, as that is always where the chipping happens, and be sure to have your manicurist do this as well when she is doing your manicure.
3. Make your own exfoliant
No need to spend $60 at Sephora on a Fresh Brown Sugar Scrub, even though that sounds fabulous. You most likely have the ingredients in your own home- all you need is brown sugar and honey. Mix the two together, and there's your own body scrub, that you can also use as a lip exfoliant.
2. Biore strips
While a good facial is always very nice, it's a lot cheaper to use a Biore strip to remove blackheads/whiteheads from your pores. These strips help to clean out the gunk in your pores, but be sure to use them at night because they will make the area that you applied them on red.
1. Plump-up your lips the natural way
According to Smashbox makeup artist Lori Taylor: "Cinnamon is the active ingredient in many expensive lip plumpers- cinnamon oil, which you can get at natural food stores, is a lot cheaper and does the same thing."