How To Cut The Cost Of Your Beauty Routine

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. 

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.

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.