Keeping up with the Kardashians isn't exactly designed for your inner cheapo -- at least, not my inner cheapo, anyway. Celebrities have deep pockets for tucks and tweaks; I, however, do not. I need my beauty tweaks to fit my ultra-tight budget. All the same, as I began doing some research on beauty products on the cheap, I found out what the average female is spending to look good. And I might need plastic surgery to help me in my recovery, because my face did freeze that way. According to a Global Industry Analysts report, Americans are projected to spend $17.57 billion on cosmetic surgery procedures in 2015, but I'm not one of them. Do you want some beauty tips that work without breaking your bank? I have them.
No. 1: Deep Cleaning
As much as I love the average esthetician, I don't have the dough to blow on microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Instead, I get my deep clean using a gelatin and milk mask. First, I place 1 tbsp. unflavored gelatin powder in a microwave-safe bowl. To that, I add 1 1/2 tbsp. milk to the powder and mix it with a spoon. Then, I place the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds, spread all over my face, and let it dry for 30 minutes. When I do this, it rivals any over-the-counter deep cleaner for a fraction of the cost.
No. 2: Take Your Vitamins
Your mother told you, your grandmother told you, and they were right. One of the secrets to beautiful, healthy skin is working on your complexion from the inside out. I take a daily women's multivitamin and drink over 90 ounces of water each day. It sounds simple, but it pays off better than going under the knife for every tiny imperfection you see in your high magnification mirror.
I also make my own homemade anti-aging and skin treatment serum once per week, and it's also cheap and easy. I poke a hole in a vitamin E capsule and slather that over my face before bedtime. It gives me great glow, and comes out to less than a penny per treatment.
No. 3: Saving on Injectables
Botox parties might sound a little intimidating, but they can save you big when it comes to injectables like Juvederm or Botox. If I went to the doctor, I would expect to spend $1,000 (or more) for two, annual treatments, whereas treatments from a Botox party can be as little as $150 per trip, twice a year, and the added social experience doesn't suck either.
No. 4: Learn to Love Generics
I am in love with drugstore deals, in particular CVS. I use my CVS card, get what I need, stock up, and earn cash back, rewards, and lots and lots of BOGO bonuses. Overall, this has saved me hundreds of dollars per year, and that is nothing to sneeze at.
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