Look Good for Less

When we’re all struggling to pay the household bills and afford a night out every now and then, it’s hard to justify spending your extra money on pampering. Instead of skimping on the beauty products and manicures, here’s a few ideas to keep you feeling pampered without making a huge dent in your savings.

Shop Smart
We all have products that are simply not negotiable. For me it’s face lotion and shampoo and conditioner. I’ll take a cheap body wash and hand lotion over cheap shampoo and conditioner any day! But instead of just picking these products up at the salon after a cut, or at the counter at Macy’s, I shop smart for them. For example, the bulk version of my favorite Redken shampoo and conditioner is cheapest at Nordstrom’s Rack, so I wait to buy until I’m headed there for another reason. Sometimes you’ll find excellent deals on your favorite products online – shop around and you’ll still be able to afford those luxury necessities!

Use Generic
If you aren’t too picky about the brand name for certain products, try looking for the store brand or a generic brand – these often have the exact same ingredients, but since the manufacturer isn’t spending anything on marketing or packaging, you reap the benefits! I also find that drugstores carry interesting lines of natural products or local products that are cheaper than the big name brands – try something new, perhaps you’ll find your next favorite product!

Conserve your Expensive Products
When you do splurge for the expensive stuff, conserve as best you can. If it’s shampoo, try purchasing a cheap bottle of shampoo as well and rotate the good stuff with the cheap stuff. You won’t notice a huge difference in your hair and you’ll stretch the length of that product twice as long! And remember to cut open those packages to get every last drop of your lotion or cream.


Homemade Treatments
Can’t afford a facial or that awesome face mask you love? Try getting online and finding some homemade beauty treatment ideas to get your pampering fix without hurting your wallet! You can find hair, skin, cleansing and other beauty product ideas online. Invite some friends over and make it an affordable girls night in.