SHARING MY FAVORITE SECRETS FOR SAVING MONEY (AND CHOOSING MORE NATURAL ALTERNATIVES) ON COMMON BEAUTY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
Let me guess. You’re wondering how it’s possible, aren’t you. Saving money on beauty buys? How? From hair salon appointments to waxing and skin care regimens, the dollar signs certainly add up.
Admittedly, I not entirely a girly-girl. I do wear makeup and like to look nice, but wear simple jewelry and don’t keep up with the latest fashion trends. I’d also rather be go-karting with the guys than going to spa day with the girls (although I do love a good facial!).
So despite the fact I don’t spend a TON on beauty items and services, I have found several ways to save money on common beauty purchases. Success!
Of course, we all deserve a little pampering once in awhile! Perhaps a guilt-free trip to the spa or splurging on a name brand product. But if you’re looking for a few new ideas to keep a little more in your bank account on a routine basis (while still looking and feeling great), I’ve got you covered with a few little secrets!
Eye makeup remover
Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I purchased traditional eye makeup remover. In fact, I’m not quite sure how I discovered my new means of removing stubborn liner and waterproof mascara. Pretty sure it was when I began my journey to reducing the amount of harsh chemicals and toxins swimming around in my daily routine.
And although I’m sure there are plenty of eye makeup removal alternatives to any chemical-laden version, I’d much rather continue using my current choice!
HOW I SAVE
I LOVE using sweet almond oil! Find my favorite brand on Amazon here. I purchase the 4-ounce size since it lasts so long and I only need the tiniest amount to get the job done. Did I mention it’s cheap?
Sweet almond oil is just that. All natural with no funky ingredients. Plus, it’s lightweight, odorless, and sits low on the comedogenic scale. My skin has never reacted negatively to it. As one who has sensitive skin, I think that says something. (Keep in mind that I only use it around my eyes, not my entire face. But I also use it as an arm and leg moisturizer!)
Body exfoliating scrub
Skin exfoliation is a great way to rid your body of dry and dead skin cells, plus promote hydration and battle ingrown hair. Soft and silky legs, anyone? Currently, I exfoliate my legs prior to shaving. I only incorporated this step into my routine a few years ago, but should have started a long time ago! (Try it. You’ll see what I mean!)
Similar to why I use sweet almond oil as eye makeup remover, using an alternative to store-bought exfoliator minimizes exposure to unnecessary, harmful toxins and is uber cheap compared to some of the pricier options.
HOW I SAVE
Enter homemade exfoliating scrub. The scrub I make works wonders and is amazingly simple:
- Sugar
- Olive Oil
Only two ingredients! I use a small glass container and mix roughly equal parts sugar and olive oil. Experiment to find the consistency you prefer. What’s more, you can make it your own! Use a different type of oil if you prefer (like coconut, sweet almond, or canola) and add a little something extra with your favorite essential oil.
Eyebrow maintenance
Some would argue that brows are a defining feature. And personally, I always feel a little more presentable when I have a polished set.
However, what I don’t enjoy is paying $20+ each visit. And that’s on the lower end of the price range (at least in my area) before tipping.
HOW I SAVE
A coworker introduced me to eyebrow threading, and I haven’t looked back! If you’re not familiar with threading, it’s a technique that originated in Asia and is one of the gentlest forms of facial hair removal. It uses a twisted cotton thread that when rolled, removes hair follicles directly from their roots.
It’s not entirely painless, but I find it less painful than waxing. Plus, I always hated the anticipation of the wax removal!
With eyebrow threading, I pay $10 (before tipping), but I’ve seen prices in the $8-12 range. At first glance, comparing prices between threading and waxing may not seem like you’re saving much, but it’s half the price! That’s huge depending on how often you schedule services.
Pedicures
A fresh new pedicure and splash of color instantly makes me feel more put together and dare I say… pretty! Like I said earlier, I’m not an extreme girly-girl, but painted toenails are a win in my book.
I’ve found prices starting around $25, but up to $55+. Of course, this all depends on the salon and how you customize your experience with add-on services.
HOW I SAVE
To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised after my first attempt of an at-home pedicure and polish! I did not have much experience painting my own nails (and to this day, I’ll let the professionals handle my fingernails), but the toes! SO MUCH EASIER.
I simply made a few initial purchases, like a pumice stone, manicure/pedicure tool set, nail file and buffer, toe separator, and nail polish. For the polish, I use OPI base and top coats in addition to their nail lacquer polish.
Once you have your supplies, the only price you’ll be paying is for whatever color you want to try next. And I’m sure you’ll be able to catch deals at your local beauty supply shop.
Hair coloring
Highlights have been a big part of my life since high school. By big, I mean I haven’t had completely natural hair color from about 16 to 29 years of age. That’s when I chopped my bob into a pixie cut. I managed to get highlights once more after that, but then the pixie cut struck again.
I’ve since grown my hair into another bob and have been debating coloring my hair once again. Especially with all of these new techniques I’ve never had the joy of experiencing (I’m looking at you, balayage.) So what’s holding me back?
Frankly, the money! I also want to try to keep my hair as healthy as possible.
HOW I SAVE
Embrace my natural hair color. This might not be a popular solution to saving money on hair color treatments, but it’s my solution. Moreover, going natural is helping me be more content with who I am and my appearance.
(If you’re curious, my natural hair is halfway between blonde and brown. I used to think I was dirty-blonde, but if someone were to ask me today, I’d say I’m light brown.)
Alternatively, you could try a product like Sun-In (which I’ve used as a teenager), but some recent bad reviews have scared me away from trying it again! There’s also ways highlight hair naturally, but I don’t have any first-hand experience with those options. Do you? Maybe one day I’ll give it a try!
What’s your advice when it comes to saving money on beauty buys? Any tips or tricks you’d love to share?
My sister dyed her own hair at home using crepe papers (?) you could buy at the stationery. There were colors like the purple that wasn’t so obvious, probably because she didn’t bleach her hair first, but the green one looked vibrant on her! Love these money-saving tips. I’m not one to wax my eyebrows myself. I prefer plucking it so I have full Control of how my eyebrows look. AND it only takes me minutes now 😄
Crepe paper—how neat! I haven’t heard of that technique, but I just looked it up and that looks awesome! I might even try that for a Halloween costume this year. And ah yes, plucking. I should probably do that more often in between services. 😀 Now that’s the ultimate way to save on brow maintenance! Thanks!