Beauty Routine Basics You Could Be Spending Less On

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We all like to look our best, and a solid beauty routine is critical to achieving that goal. However, it’s easy to let yourself be persuaded into thinking you need to spend top dollar for grooming supplies. Here are a handful of beauty routine basics that might have you overspending, and tips to reverse the situation. (See also: 10 Budget Beauty Products You Can Make at Home)

Skincare

When it comes to looking your absolute best, it’s important to start with your skin. Professionals behind the product counter will do their best to convince you that you need to drop the equivalent of a car payment each month in order to properly exfoliate and moisturize. However, budget skincare is possible thanks to affordable toiletries you can purchase at your corner drugstore. Some of my favorites include Sensitive Skin Dove bar soap which includes moisturizing cream, and some of the basic salves from Burt’s Bees, which I use for everything from dry elbow treatments to lip gloss. Want to make your own? Check out these easy homemade skincare recipes.

Hair Styling

Just like with skincare, the way some salon stylists tell it, it’s practically mandatory to drop the equivalent amount of a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four in order to have the proper products on hand. While it’s been my experience that cheaping it out too much on conditioners produces seriously disappointing results, there are many ways you can still have great hair for less, including homemade detangling sprays, mid-range shampoos, classic hair accessories, and more. For example, one of my favorite bargain brands is Tresemme. They have a full range of hair care products, including such basics as shampoo and hairspray, and the products cost markedly less than the salon brands I typically see at my hairdresser’s shop.

Nails

While it isn’t necessary to have super long nails and intricately designed manicures, it is necessary to keep your nails well-groomed if you plan on making your living in a professional setting. Your hands are one of the things that others tend to see first, and they get a great deal of exposure throughout the day. This particular beauty routine doesn’t need to cost much, provided you stick with inexpensive nail care tips and limit your selection of lacquer colors. Personally, I’m a fan of going with a French pink minus the white tips for day to day and casually dressy events. The color is neutral, so it goes with anything, and it’s available at discount beauty supply stores around the world. So is basic red, in case you feel like glamming it up. Feeling a bit intimidated when it comes to handling this particular beauty routine? Here are some great tips for giving yourself a home manicure.

Makeup

While the cheapest cosmetics don’t always have the best staying power, it certainly isn’t necessary to spend the moon for the most sought-after brand. My general rule is that there’s usually good value to be found in mid-range products. You typically get a quality bump over the cheap stuff without having to pay to make up the cost of an overpriced ad campaign. For example, I’ve found Bare Minerals to be a quality, affordable product for things like lipstick and eye shadow. When it comes to mascara, L’Oreal’s waterproof double extend product gets the job done for me and comes in a single, double-sided tube that saves me valuable luggage space on the road. Saving tips include eye shadow sets instead of individual shades, sticking with neutrals instead of seasonal shades to avoid having to purchase more than one set, and choosing multipurpose beauty products to maximize your beauty routine dollars.

Haircuts and Hair Removal

Keeping up with facial landscaping, shaving, and other hair removal needs can be a time-consuming and expensive proposition. Beauty schools are a helpful resource if you have one in your general area. Because students are in constant need of practice, most training centers offer discount beauty services performed by those enrolled in the institution, but supervised by experienced instructors. However, there are DIY options as well. You can buddy up with a few friends for a threading party, make your own sugar wax to groom your legs, or tweeze — as tedious as it can be, it does get the job done.

You don’t have to have an expensive beauty routine to look your best. Choosing your products with care and incorporating some minor DIY strategies will go a long way towards controlling costs.