Beauty on a Budget

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Kate

In these hard economic times, women are learning to pare down and know the difference between wants and necessities.  While our beauty routine may not fall under the needs category, this doesn’t mean we have to completely sacrifice our goal to look as good as we can. While the twice a month manicure may not be feasible, there are many ways to spend less and look just as good. We have assembled some of the most common beauty processes and given them a new, updated facelift so you can look like you stepped out of the salon, without the damage to your bank account. In these days, every penny counts, so start pinching a few pennies with your beauty routine.

First, although there is nothing that compares with the pampered feeling we get from walking in to a nail salon and leaving with that fresh coat of polish, this is one place where you can get the same results from having a friend or family member step in and do it for you. Just remember to return the favor when it’s their turn for some penny pincher’s pampering. Manicures can be difficult to give yourself. If you are like most women, you have a dominant hand, so you get one awesome looking set of nails and then one less than stellar return.  This is one reason to get some help in this area. Make a beauty date with a good friend and give each other manicures. Not only will you get a great looking set of nails, but you’ll have some great together time with a good friend; which is worth more than all the beauty secrets around.

A woman’s hair is sometimes as much a part of her identity as her fingerprints. The luxury of trips to the salon for a trim, color or hair style on a frequent basis may be one part of your beauty routine that you are loathe to give up.  Since most of us aren’t professional hair stylists, this can be a part of our beauty basics that is hard to do ourselves.  As for the trim or style, while you may not be able to do away with salon visits all together, you can make them farther apart. Have a friend give you a little trim or find a style that isn’t as high maintenance; one that you can keep at home. Hair coloring products have been available for at home use for a very long time. Because of this, this can be one of the easiest parts of your beauty routine to do at home. This can also be another bonding opportunity with a friend. Plan a day to color your friends hair one week, and they can do yours the next.

One of the most luxurious treatment that many women indulge in are facials. This is also a very expensive habit if you are going to a spa to get this done. There are many products for at home facials available at your drug store or beauty counter. With a little creativity, it is easy to be beautiful and thrifty at the same time.