Five Ways to Get Gorgeous for Less

A splurge is nice every now and then, but beauty does not have to equal big money. Balance your beauty budget with these cost-saving beauty, hair, and skin-care tips.

1. Do Your Own Blowout
Weekly blowouts can really add up, but you can replicate a salon-worthy 'do with big Velcro rollers. For maximum bounce, use a volumizer, then blow hair straight with a round brush. Follow by placing sections in big rollers (we like RickyCare Fusion Rollers, at just $6.99 for six). Then Spritz with a hair spray and let it set for 10 minutes. You'll walk out of the house like you just walked out of the salon.

Get shiny, bouncy hair, no matter what your age.


2. High-Performing Mascara
Expensive mascaras that promise the world (or at least your longest, fullest lashes) are tempting, but you can get the same look without spending the same money. We were blown away by L'Oréal Paris Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara ($7.95). Its lengthening, lash-building formula works just as well as our higher-priced, must-have favorites.

You can trust L'Oréal's beauty history; just peruse their incredible vintage ads.

3. Sav
e Face
You're standing in front of the mirror, obsessing over each line and sun spot, and thoughts of laser treatments and wrinkle-filling injections. But a little know-how with easy makeup will take years off your look. "Radiant skin is youthful skin," says Pati Dubroff, a makeup artist who works with Gwyneth Paltrow. Use a luminizing primer, "and stick to liquid or cream foundation, as powder can be drying," adds makeup artist Sam Fine, whose clients include Iman and Vanessa Williams. Follow up with a cream blush to add an instant glow.

Afraid of needles? Here are several ways to look younger without Botox.


4. Roll Away Cellulite
Bumpy skin got you down? Spending thousands on expensive laser treatments may knock you a few extra rungs. Instead, Wage war on wobbly bits with the Biotherm Celluli Roller ($19.50). "It pinches and leaves red track marks," says our fearless tester. It may not get rid of cellulite, but it will definitely improve the look.

Learn how to get gorgeous legs.

5. Extend Color
Stretch out the time between costly highlight appointments with the Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Pen ($23), which covers roots quickly and easily. The range of five shades suits most colors and even camouflages grays. Bonus: A brush applicator makes targeting small areas effortless.

WANT MORE? SEE THE OTHER 16 TIPS.


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