Just because you have chosen the thrifty lifestyle, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty. There are some very simple swaps you can make for your beauty routine that are not only frugal, but often healthier and more natural.
1. Swap out that expensive skin toner for vinegar.
Seriously, it works wonders and costs pennies per application. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water (for most skin types, adjust as necessary if you are getting too dried out or it’s not taking care of oil) and splash on your skin after cleansing. If you can’t stand the small of it, try adding citrus peels to it and letting them sit.
2. Swap using cosmetic sponges for your own hands.
Unless you are throwing one away after every use (which can get very costly), you are wasting money on these. Your own hands. Be extra careful not to drag your fingers too hard across your skin, especially in the eye area, as this can cause, premature wrinkles to form and always, always wash your hands before you start.
3. Swap out whitening strips for baking soda.
Those expensive whitening strips for your teeth can get outrageously expensive. Instead, opt for good old fashioned baking soda. Mix 1 tsp baking soda, 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide and a half a teaspoon of water in a small cup. Brush with this once a week until your teeth are at the shade you want them. Do it again once a month to maintain.
4. Swap expensive body scrubs for coffee grounds.
Body scrubs from the store can cost way more than they are worth. Instead, just combine course ground coffee with coconut oil and you have a wonderful smelling and effective scrub.
5. Swap shine serums with apple cider vinegar.
Using Apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your hair. The shine serums that promise an end to fly-aways and dull hair are laced with chemicals. To get the same effect for a lot less, try rinsing your hair with apply cider vinegar a couple times a week after washing.
6. Swap out make-up remover for mayo.
I know what you are thinking, “Gross!” Seriously, though mayo contains eggs and oil. Both of these are great for skin’s health and the oil will remove the make-up in a flash. Just don’t get too heavy with it and use care not to get it in your eyes.
7. Swap out expensive manicures and learn to do them yourself.
One beauty routine that is at a huge mark-up is nail treatments and manicures. Doing a manicure on your own is so simple, even for the woman who doesn’t think she can. You can save a ton by just painting your own nails and eventually learning to do your own acrylics if you normally wear them. An acrylic kit is only around $20.00 and you can do many manicures from that.
8. Swap out new lipstick shades and make your own!
Lipstick shade trends change often. Instead of buying new shades every time a season changes, layer or lighten the ones you have. To lighten, use liquid foundation or a white eyeliner.
9. Swap out buying too much and make your make-up do double duty.
If you want to really save some extra cash, make your make-up you already own do more than it’s intended use. Use a dab of lipstick or gloss on your cheeks to highlight, use a brow liner on your lips, turn bronzer into blush or use liquid concealer as an eye shadow primer.
10. Swap scar creams for Vitamin E capsules.
If you buy the Vitamin E capsules, you can use them for so many things. Just poke a small hole in one and apply directly to scars and even use as a lip balm in a pinch.
Do you have a fabulous beauty swap you use? Tell us about it in the comment!