Beauty on the Cheap

Being in control of your personal finances is a beautiful thing, but the cost of beauty products might not be so pretty.  A global survey on beauty, conducted by the Neilson Company, found that 2/3 of US consumers agree the pressure to look good is much greater  now than ever before, but the costs of personal grooming products can take a bite out of their budgets.  According to the survey, the most popular beauty services include hair care, skin care regimes, and facial treatments.  These services are not free, but there are ways to get spa like treatments for less than a pretty penny.

Simple, Inexpensive Hair Care
Chose hair styles that are easy to care for and require very little upkeep.  Hair that has a specific cut will be more expensive to maintain than a simple wash and wear style.  In general it’s best to work with your natural hair texture and color to save maximum money.

Easy Skin Care
Reduce your skincare budget by making your own products.  There are simple recipes for face masks, scrubs, and anti-aging products.  Check out Skin Care Recipies for ways to turn your kitchen into a beauty supply store and keep your skin radiant.

Manicures and Pedicures
There are many inexpensive home manicure and pedicures kits on the market that are far less expensive than salon nail care. Spend one hour per week doing your own nails and you’ll save a bundle.

Hair Removal
If you are used to a full face wax every 2 weeks, try to stretch out the time between services to 4 weeks.  Keep on top of stray eyebrow hairs by tweezing regularly.  Invest in some waxing products to use at home for lip and chin.  Other ways to save on beauty and personal care:

• Salon coupons
• Try a licensed beauty school for massage or haircuts.  Usually these services are about half the price of a regular salon visit.
• Comparison shop.  With nail salons on every corner most are willing to negotiate.

Beauty Is on the Inside
True beauty begins on the inside.  We all have physical flaws.  We can obsess about them or embrace them as part of our quirky humanity.  Learning self acceptance does not cost a thing, but getting a little help with what nature provided does not have to cost much either.