When it comes to looking and feeling beautiful without breaking the bank, it’s possible if you know the right products and hacks. Whether you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine or need to refresh your makeup bag, the good news is there are plenty of affordable options out there that will give you great results. From DIY masks and at-home facials to beauty products you can find in the drugstore, find out how you can stay beautiful on a budget!
1. Be Beautiful Without Breaking the Bank
With urban life often comes a hefty cost for beauty treatments, but achieving the same look needn’t come at such a corrosive price. Combining natural oils and herbs and a little resourcefulness, both money and time can be saved allowing you to still look and feel fabulous.
Tools of the Trade
- Carrier oil: Will hydrate the skin
- Essential oil: Offers a range of benefits used for specific treatments
- Herbs: For infusions and homemade beauty masks
Such ingredients can be found almost anywhere. An easy way to source sweet-smelling essential oils is from local supermarket shelves; they can even be used for aromatherapy and cleansing the air. Plus, if you’re fortunate to have a garden, you can find many herbs already available.
Mixing these with a high-quality water-based moisturizer helps create a wide variety of beauty treatments. For example, you can mix essential oils and small amounts of carrier oil to make a potent scrub– perfect for exfoliating skin and removing toxins. Herbs can also be steeped in hot water to make cleansing masks for the face.
Using all-natural ingredients is an economical yet effective way to keep skin healthy and radiant. So, why pay extra to look and feel beautiful when you can get it without breaking the bank?
2. Low-Cost Routes to Fabulousness
- Your budget doesn’t have to limit your fabulousness. There are plenty of stylish and savvy ways to have the look you want without breaking the bank!
- Make sure to take advantage of sales and promos. Stores often have special offers or discounts, so grab them when you can for extra savings. Many apps also have rebates and special discounts that you can take advantage of.
Make clever substitutions. Many of the “expensive” fashion items have cheaper more affordable rivals. Invest in staple pieces like a classic blazer and a pair of black pants, then choose affordable variations of current trends. Chunky jewellery can be easily found at thrift stores or even on the side of the road.
Avoid buying pieces you don’t need. Buy only pieces you will actually use, and take time to consider the cost before committing to an item. If you’re not sure you love it, wait it out and find something that fits you and your style better.
Explore online options. Websites such as Etsy, eBay, and Depop are great sources for new and gently used items at very reasonable prices. Some stores also have “seconds” collections at discounted prices. Shopping online is also a great way to avoid paying taxes!
3. DIY Beauty on a Budget
Taking beauty regimens into your own hands can be fun and cost efficient. There is a wide selection of natural beauty treatments that you can do from the comfort of your own home. And you can do it without breaking the bank.
1. Keep Your Skin Clean
Properly cleansing your face and the rest of your body is fundamental for great skin. You can make your own facial cleanser at home with ingredients that can be found in your own kitchen. Honey, apple cider vinegar, and green tea are recipes for a gentle and pH balanced cleansers.
2. Nourishing Hair Mask
A homemade hair mask can provide the nourishment your hair needs. You don’t have to purchase expensive hair or scalp treatments, simply use things like eggs, mayonnaise, honey, yogurt, and banana. All you need to do is mix the ingredients and leave them in your hair for thirty minutes before rinsing off.
3. Natural Facial Scrub
There is no better way to get rid of toxins and antigens on the skin than a natural facial scrub. Better yet, it helps get rid of blackheads and breakouts. Making your own scrub is as simple as combining two parts of white sugar with one part of your chosen natural oil. You can also add sea salt or ground coffee for an extra exfoliating effect.
4. Make Your Own Moisturizers
An aromatic and natural moisturizer is always a hassle-free way to keep your skin hydrated, and the best part is that you can make it yourself. For a mild moisturizer, all you need is beeswax and your favorite natural oil. You can also make a more active moisturizer by combining shea butter, coconut oil, and witch hazel.
4. Get the Most From Your Money
Your hard-earned money is something you need to make the most of in life. Thankfully, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure you get the maximum gain from what you have.
Set a Budget
The most efficient way to ensure you make the most of your money is to make a budget. Start by tracking your income and outgoings for a few months. Then, create a spreadsheet of your different categories of expenditure. Set yourself limits and stick to them. By doing this, you will be able to see where you’re spending the most of your money, and make necessary cutbacks.
Spend with Intent
If you want to increase your savings and investments, it’s time to plan your purchases. Before making any major purchases, unpack the reasons why you’re buying. Is it something you really need or do you just want it? That way, you’ll be more likely to think twice before making an unplanned or unnecessary purchase.
Look for Deals & Discounts
It pays to be alert to potential deals and discounts. Whether you’re scouring websites such as Groupon or looking for sales in your local store, look out for 25-50% discounts, clearance sales and promotional times. Additionally, don’t forget to identify loyalty schemes and card providers, which can provide you with additional discounts over time.
Make Smart Investments
Once you’ve set yourself a budget and become savvy at spending, you can start to think about wise investment. Consider options like bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and pension plans. If you’re not sure how to invest, speak to a financial adviser for assistance.
By following these key tips, you can make your money work hard for you and, in turn, make your life a lot easier.
There are plenty of tricks and tips to keep your beauty routine affordable so don’t hesitate to explore your options and find new ways to make the most out of your budget. Shop smart, have fun, and always, always remember that true beauty comes from the inside out!