Lotions, eye shadows, powders, brushes, shampoos, and mascaras… Your beauty regimen is probably eating up a huge chunk of your income year after year. Speaking as someone with a serious “beauty habit,” it can be expensive to follow the season’s trends or even just to take care of your skin, hair, and nails. Instead of dropping thousands of dollars this year on beauty essentials, follow these budget-savvy tips to cut costs.
Stock Up On Samples
Sample-sized products are perfect for travel. They’re also great to have on hand if you run out of your regular products and can’t re-stock right away. If they have them on hand, counter salespeople are usually happy to supply you with a sample or two. When you’re shopping, don’t be afraid to ask!
Rewards, Free Gifts, & Coupons
If you have a brand you can’t live without, become an expert on ways you can save. Find coupons to clip, online coupon codes to enter (or print), and get a membership to their rewards programs. Cash in on special events, like birthday promos or discounts, and don’t let coupons expire! Also, if you’re favorite brand hosts annual gift-with-purchase events, time your purchases correctly to get these great freebies!
Be Smart About Comparisons
Not all products are created equal, but there are many comparable brands to explore out there. If you can trade in any of your designer-label beauty products for the same thing at a drugstore, you could save about 40% right away! Do your homework and read those ingredient labels to determine which products can be swapped without sacrificing your style!
Beauty Swaps
Have some unused products collecting dust? Get some of your friends together for a beauty product swap! Trade unwanted items (unused and unexpired, of course) for things you WILL use! This can be a fun party to host and might even help you find some new favorite products.
Sell Makeup & Get Discounts
Ever thought about a career in beauty? Whether you work at a beauty counter just part-time or take on an at-home makeup consulting business with Avon, for example, selling makeup can reap big benefits. Not only will you make some extra income, but you’ll also get big discounts on your favorite products and sometimes even freebies!
Stick to the Classics
Following beauty trends season after season can be a very expensive habit. Instead of buying a whole new face every time the trends shift, try creating a more classic, timeless look that will withstand trends. If you have to indulge once in a while, pick out one new color here or there to give your look an exciting update. Just don’t go overboard!
References:
The Globe and Mail. Sticking to Beauty on a Budget. Savvy Miss. 10 Tips: Beauty on a Budget.
Related Content:
6 Must-Have Beauty Tools Natural Tooth Whitening Tips 15 Surprising Uses for Toothpaste