How To Cut The Cost Of Your Beauty Routine
Simplify Your Skincare
Last year we saw a rise in ‘skinimalism’ – choices became more considered and the number of products in our skincare routines dropped. We’ve all been there: buying the latest serum, even when we have a shelf full of unfinished ones in our bathroom cabinet. To ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed, not to mention cut back on cost, it’s important to identify your skincare concerns and shop accordingly. A good day-to-day routine need only include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating or antioxidant serum a moisturiser and an SPF – you can include an eye cream if you really need it, but it isn’t always necessary. Remember, studies show that using too many products can have a negative impact on the health of your skin barrier.
It’s also worth understanding that the affordable brands are often as good as their expensive counterparts. CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Avène, L’Oréal and No7 all offer incredible formulas that won’t break the bank – and given that they’re sometimes owned by the same conglomerates in charge of high-end brands, you can be sure the research filters down. Finally, look into membership schemes, like Beauty Pie. Yes, it requires an upfront cost, but it will save you money in the long term and you’ll still get to try some impressive products and formulations at a fraction of the normal RRP.
Try Drugstore Make-Up
Just because something is more expensive doesn’t mean it’s better. Often, the more affordable options perform just as well to rival their more expensive counterparts. This is particularly true of make-up (trust me, I’ve tried pretty much everything) and some of my favourite products cost next to nothing. My advice is to allocate more of your budget to base products like foundation and concealers – not only do you use them more often, they usually come with added skincare benefits that are worth the splurge. Then, try to save on things like mascaras and eyeliners; they should be changed frequently so they don’t harbour bacteria, so it’s never worth spending a fortune. Maybelline and L’Oréal are pretty much unrivalled in the budget mascara market.
Give Multi-Use Formulas A Go
Investing in multi-use make-up products comes with multiple benefits. While it certainly helps you save money, it also streamlines your make-up routine. Try using a cream blusher on your lips as well or buying a face palette that can be used all over. More and more companies are responding to growing demand for these kinds of products, so the formulas are improving rapidly. A fantastic example is the new Maybelline Instant Age Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Primer. It can be used as a highlighter, concealer and to help even out your skin tone – so like the name suggests, you essentially get multiple products in one. Also – I know I sound like a broken record – but I always look for make-up products that contain added skincare benefits. That way you can be sure you’re taking care of your skin, while also enhancing your look.
Swap Treatments For At-Home Remedies
I love a professional beauty treatment as much as the next person, but these can be costly. I always pay close attention to the techniques and products the experts use on me whenever I do have a professional treatment, before trying to replicate it at home. For instance, during a facial, watch the movements they make on your skin, and ask them what tools they’re using. Likewise, with lash and brow tints, ask what products are being used – you can usually order these from salon shops and they will last for months.
There’s also lots you can do yourself. It sounds basic, but face masks have come such a long way in recent years and with some good tools – think gua shas and facial sculptors – you can practically do your own salon-grade facial at home. I also recommend investing in a good lash kit. The one from Tatti Lashes is so easy to use and gives you the chance to create the look of extensions without shelling out. Finally, nothing beats a good mani-pedi, but you can treat yourself at home with masks like the one from Footner. It really is ‘angel feet’ in a packet. Finally, I always have a bottle of Seche Vite handy – just a single coat of this will transform bland nails to make them look healthy and glossy.
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