Frugal Beauty Tips and SecretsBy: Juliana Weiss-Roessler
Just because you're trying to cut back doesn't mean you want to stop looking good! The salon and spa budget may be the first to go, but there are still many very inexpensive ways to look your best.
rink water and tea. Want to improve your skin? Forget expensive lotions and serums, just hydrate! It will help your skin look healthy and clear. Tea is another great option because of its antioxidants.
Exercise. When you get your blood pumping, it brings oxygen and nutrients to every organ. The end result is healthier skin and hair. You'll also notice you have a natural glow, so you may be able to use less blush. And of course, you'll look trimmer!
Give yourself a pedicure. It can be hard to give yourself a manicure at home, but taking care of your toes isn't hard. You can invest in nice equipment for under $20, and you'll save yourself $20 to $40 per month from then on. Want to give your feet a nice soak? Try adding a few bags of black tea in a bowl. The tannins in the tea help to reduce odor and sweating.
Try a vinegar hair rinse. Skip the conditioner. Instead, add a tablespoon of cider vinegar to water and use it as your final rinse.
Go to beauty school. Not to get a degree, but to be a test subject! Students offer all the normal services as a normal salon at discounted prices. You may even be able to find students training to give massages.
Try a natural facial. Can't afford a facial at the spa? No problem! Many household items can help keep your skin looking your best. Here are two:
Yogurt: If you're looking to moisturize and prevent premature aging, look to this dairy product. The lactic acid in yogurt helps to dissolve dead skin and tighten pores. And why not throw in some oatmeal to help remove excess oil and dead skin cells? Mix a tablespoon of olive oil, four tablespoons of plain yogurt, and a ½ cup of oatmeal, and apply it for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Cucumbers: Most of us know that a slice of cucumber over the eyes can help with puffiness and dark circles. The chemicals preventing water retention, ascorbic and caffeic acid, can be good for all of your skin, improving your complexion. Peel a cucumber, put it in the blender, and then use a strainer to collect just the liquid. Beat an egg white and add the cucumber liquid. Then apply and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes before rinsing.
Make your own body scrub. Don't waste money on the fancy stuff. Keep it natural (and cheap!). Mix one cup of olive oil, a cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Rub a little into your skin before showering.
Take a nice, warm bath. You'll benefit from the relaxation. You can add some olive oil or powdered milk to soften your skin.
Give your skin a break. If you're not heading out for the day, skip the serums, creams, and make-up. Not only will it save you money, but it's also good for your skin to have time to breathe.
Add a little remover to your nail polish. It may sound counterintuitive, but when the bottle of polish is about half empty, add a few drops of remover. This will keep the polish from getting too thick to use and make the bottle last longer.
Skip eye primer. Instead, use a tube of vitamin E. It will cost you less than a dollar, and it serves the same function!
Use cooking spray to dry your nails. It's a lot cheaper than quick nail dry spray, and any brand of vegetable cooking oil spray will work just as well.
Make your own detangler. Mix one part conditioner to ten parts water in a spray bottle. Be sure to shake it well before you use it.
Learn to cut hair. Or teach your spouse. This isn't for everyone, but it can save your family quite a bit of money. If you're going to give it a try for the first time, go for a cut that is a little longer than you really want. That way, if it doesn't go quite the way you wanted it to, you can always go to a professional to fix it.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving money on your beauty care. If there's a product or a service you're spending lots of money on, do some research. You may find that there's a do-it-yourself option that's just as effective.
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