Expensive makeup and beauty products are like the sirens of old,
luring us with seductive songs. But just as sailors smashed into the rocks in
search of imagined mermaids, your bank account could crash and burn if you give
into temptation.
Sure, expensive cosmetics and body-care products are glorious but
they are not necessary much of the time. Here are a few tips to help you stay
looking your glamorous best while keeping dollars in your wallet.
Hair
Unless you have extremely oily hair, there is no reason to shampoo
every day, or even every other day. This is especially true for color-treated
hair, which benefits from less frequent washes.
Your hair will be easier to style—particularly for updos—if you
wait a day or two after washing. Clips and pins slip right out of super clean
hair so plan ahead when you know you will want to try something snazzy.
Only squeeze a little shampoo in the palm of your hand when
shampooing. No need for gobs, even if you have very long and thick hair. A tablespoon
or two will easily do the trick. Ditto for conditioner.
If you have a collection of shampoos and conditioners with just a
dab or two left, combine them for super shampoos and conditioners.
When you buy these products, go for the largest bottles available.
You can transfer the liquid to smaller, more manageable containers (a funnel
works well), but with the giant bottles, you will save money every time.
And if your bangs start to look shaggy between cuts, your stylist
may very well give you a free or low-priced trim. Ask about his or her policy
next time you get your hair cut.
Face and Body
Don’t waste money on body washes; go for bar soap instead. Not
only is it far more cost effective, you are doing something good for the planet
by avoiding yet another plastic container.
A clean face is a happy face. Your skin stays fresh looking and
you are far less apt to break out. Makeup is easier to apply when your face is
clean and moisturized, and stays in place better, too.
This does not mean you should spend a king’s ransom on face
cleansers and moisturizers. Many of the products sold at the drugstore or
supermarket are great. Buy a reputable brand of a simple, gentle cleanser. Same
for a face cream. (Word of warning: While moisturizers designed for the rest of
the body do the trick on your face in a pinch, it’s good practice to use a
richer one formulated for the face.)
Always remove makeup before bed and then wash and moisturize your
face. Vaseline is a great way to gently wipe away eye makeup and then lubricate
your lips and even very chapped hands. Another inexpensive product that removes makeup in a nano-second is
tear-proof baby shampoo. Both these products come in large containers and
cost very little.
Makeup
You probably have a jumble of expensive products and drugstore
brands in your makeup kit—and that’s fine. Many of the less costly ones do just
as good a job as those priced in the stratosphere.
Regardless, preserve your makeup by capping it tightly between
uses. Nothing spoils and dries it faster than air, so take advantage of the
packaging.
If your mascara is drying up, extend its life a little by sitting
the case in a glass of warm water or heating it with a hair dryer.
If you have a number of nubby lipsticks, dig out the various nibs
and melt them together in the microwave. When they are warm and soft, mush the
colors together and then transfer to a small metal container (a used-up makeup
vessel). Presto! Your own tinted lip balm.
Makeup brushes are great for applying color to your eyes and
cheeks, but they are expensive. Try paintbrushes from a local craft store
instead. They are far cheaper and work just as well.
To extend their lives and keep them safe, wash your
brushes weekly with gentle soap and running water.
Only you can decide when a splurge works best. You may love
expensive lipstick or believe a certain face wash works wonders on your skin.
On the other hand, modestly priced mascara and bargain shampoo may do the
trick for you.
Decide what works best for you, your budget, and your family. You may be
surprised at how much money you can save with a little common sense!