By Gigi Starr
Cosmopolitan Magazine makes some great recommendations in their article, "Brilliant Little Beauty Tricks." Writer Andrea Lavinthal illustrates that it's important to stretch those beauty bucks as far as humanly possible, saying "We're all forced to be recessionistas right now. But skimping a bit here and there doesn't have to cramp your style."
Take it from the experts: looking great starts in the home, with a couple of trips to some cheaper stores to fill in the gaps. New York Times writer Hilary Howard writes, "A recent report by Mintel, a market research company, said department store makeup shoppers are increasingly trading down to “drugstore selections” in the current economy."
Paring down and looking fabulous is easy. Follow these tips to reduce your spending and still look like a million.
Step 1
Use raw ingredients on your kitchen shelf for body treatments. A handful of brown sugar mixed with some honey is a great body scrub; mix in some vanilla for a relaxing aroma, or some lemon juice for enhanced skin-softening properties.
Step 2
Don't forget to use kitchen goods for hair, too. An apple-cider rinse acts as a clarifying cleanse for product-laden strands. A few drops of olive oil can tame frizz, moisturize ends and condition the scalp. Mayonnaise, meanwhile, is a terrific protein pack for dull hair; leave on with a cap for about ten minutes for a deep-conditioning treatment, then rinse.
Step 3
Pass up expensive makeup removers and toners at the drugstore. For many skin types, witch hazel works as a toner, and costs way less than a bottle of fancily colored water. Another great substitution: Johnson's Baby Shampoo instead of eye makeup remover. Makeup artist Kimara Ahnert says, "A big bottle costs less and lasts much longer than tiny bottles of actual eye-makeup remover."
Step 4
Pass the department store makeup counter in favor of drugstore brands. Many of the high-end brands produce some of the less-expensive brands in the drugstores. Makeup artist Ann Orcutt was able to spend $70 on makeup that would have cost $175 in the department stores. Don't be afraid to ask questions at the cosmetics counter, get a facial schematic and then purchase similar products elsewhere.
Step 5
If you must use the department store for cosmetics, be efficient and focused on getting in and out. Orcutt says, "Know what you want, get it and leave. Don’t get suckered in by monthly promotions and packages, because they usually involve products and colors you don’t need."
Ask for help when buying foundation, and make sure to walk outside in order to see the makeup in natural light before purchasing. Foundation is an easy place to spend dollars by mistake.
Step 6
Cut down on shampoo sessions. Many people wash their hair more often than necessary, which means more bottles of shampoo in the shopping cart. Instead, drop down to washing every two days, and dust baby powder in the roots to soak up extra oil as needed.
Step 7
Raid the drug cabinet for facial masks and creams. It's always spa day as long as there's some Pepto Bismol and Preparation H. According to dermatologist Kenneth Beer, a mask of the pink medication "works like a salicylic acid to tighten your skin and reduce redness." Preparation H takes down under-eye bags and swelling, and is a modeling industry and beauty pageant mainstay. Use it instead of eye cream for near-instant results.
Tips & Warnings
- Refrigerate makeup in order to extend its shelf life. Extra units purchased on sale will keep well in the cold until they're needed.
- Avoid purchasing mystery packages of makeup, or buying many dollar store beauty products. This merchandise is often expired, or contains ingredients that are illegal in the United States but are allowed in other countries.
- Be wary of purchasing cut-rate name-brand products on eBay and other auction sites. Often, the product has been replaced with cheap substances and is fraudulent. Check feedback before clicking the "Buy" button.
How to Save Bucks on Beauty originally
published on eHow.com
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