While it’s nice to splash out on a little luxury from time to time, it makes sense to stick to a budget on everyday beauty staples. Here are seven ways to save cash without holding back on looking great.
1. Load up your supermarket trolley. In recent years the big chains have amped up their beauty offerings and now have most things covered. There are downsides to shopping this way, of course. For a start, the packaging of many products is designed to stand out on crowded shop shelves, not look good in your bathroom. And since there is no expert advice available, you need to be certain of your skin and hair type to get the products that will be most effective for you. Also, it’s often not possible to test make-up shades. Shopping with a friend is the best solution so at least you can hold a foundation or lipstick up next to your face and see if it’s a shade that suits. Recently, new budget make-up brands, like Collection and Mud, have been introduced at Countdown supermarkets and their prices are hard to beat.
2. Look for multitaskers. One product with multiple benefits will save you money in the long run.
Revlon’s new Colorstay Shadowlinks, and Inika’s Sunkissed Bronzer no 3.
3. Use it or swap it. How many of us have products sitting in a drawer or cupboard that we’ve barely touched because we don’t love them? Have a swap night with some of your girlfriends and take the whole lot along. It’ll provide an opportunity to sample lots of different things and find new products that work for you.
4. Invest in a root retouch powder for your hair. A temporary quick-fix, these are basically make-up for the hair. If you’ve got greys coming through, it will help you extend the time between colour treatments. Try Color Wow $49.90, which comes in a range of six shades and a handbag- friendly compact.
5. Look for smarter make-up. For instance, instead of buying eyeshadow palettes that contain shades you’ll never use, create your own customised version with Revlon’s new Colorstay Shadowlinks $12.95 each. There’s a choice of 30 individual shades in a variety of finishes and the cases snap together to make your palette. Revlon suggests picking your favourite colour, adding a light shade as a highlighter and a deeper one to define. Alternatively, take a tip from Aussie make-up artist Michael Brown who uses Inika’s Sunkissed Bronzer no 3 $49.99 to contour and add colour to the face. He also applies it on eyelids for a nude look or as a base for shadow.
Four great products to try
Trilogy Rosehip Oil, $39.90 – use it to moisturise your face and body, on scars, stretchmarks, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s great on the décolletage, an area that’s prone to sun damage.
Palmolive Body Butter Peppermint Crush Exfoliating Body Wash $6.79 – contains natural seeds for light exfoliation, plus the formula is moisturising and the minty fragrance makes it ideal for a reviving morning shower.
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser $14.79 – removes dirt and oil from the skin without leaving it tight or dry. As it can tackle waterproof make-up, you can also use it to cleanse the eye area.
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment $12.50 – an all-purpose balm, use it on your lips, cuticles, dry patches, rashes, minor abrasions, scalds, burns and eczema.
Take a look at three reasons to try liquid eyeliner pens here.
