Inexpensive beauty tips to help save you money

What I personally spent on beauty

• 2012 = $1646.99 or $157.56 a month
• 2011 = $1385.57 or $115.46 a month
• 2010 = $1287.40 or $107.28 a month
• 2009 = $411.65 or $34.40 a month

Hmm. Somewhere between 2009 and 2010, my makeup collection exploded, and I can definitely attest to that. I started playing around with makeup more, and trying out natural products, which accounts for the higher price tags.

I admit it all!

The good news is that now I have everything I need, and I am very reluctant to buy more.

I still try to save money, and I really believe you don’t need to spend that much (even what I spend is a bit crazy to me) to look great, here are a few of the ways I save money but still keep up on looking my best:

Wear Sunscreen Daily

I can personally attest to this. After I started regularly patting on a physical sunscreen (not chemical), I’ve noticed my skin has looked much healthier, with less blotches and my dark spots are fading, and not multiplying.

It can be hard to wear a physical sunscreen because it turns your face white, it peels off when you wear a primer and it’s just another layer you feel may not be as necessary…. however it is my staple now.

With physical sunscreens, I am currently using Skinceuticals Physical UV SPF 50 Defense sunscreen by itself (no makeup needed), or the Suhadafit Sarasara Skin UV Milk in SPF 50.

Use a Clarisonic Mia Face Brush

Instead of going to spas where I spent $100+ a visit, I bought myself the cheapest-of-the-line Clarisonic Face Brush for $119.

Within the first two weeks of using it, it has been a HUGE difference.

My skin feels softer, I use it twice daily, and it’s never been better. Totally worth the cost.

Use Coconut Oil as a Hair Treatment

You can also try Argan Oil, but I read a study that said coconut oil is the only oil that absorbs into your hair, not olive oil or almond oil.

I rub a little on the ends and let it soak in.

Sleep at least 8 hours a day

I know this sounds silly, but it helps. Sleeping helps you look and feel more energized, which is always a good thing.

Always remove your makeup before sleeping

I’ve never understood the idea of not removing makeup before sleeping, because I’ve never skipped this step. I like my skin to look and feel clean before bed, which means I have to remove every bit of it before I crash!

My friends however, admit to this sin of not removing their makeup before sleeping and it shows on their faces in breakouts the next day.

Avoid junk and processed foods, even dairy in some cases

I don’t care what anyone says, the day I stopped eating junk and processed foods, was the day my skin cleared up.

Now when I eat junk, you can see it on my face.

You will look more attractive if you eat more fruits and vegetables.

Your skin will know exactly what you are ‘allergic’ to by breaking out after you keep eating certain foods.

For me, I think it’s the ‘soy lecithin‘, which pops up in processed and junk foods often, used as an emulsifier. I noticed that every time I ate something with that single ingredient in there, I broke out.

Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients were things like cocoa, cocoa butter, and sugar — everything I have independently verified I am not allergic to.

You’ll also save a bundle of cash by cooking at home and eating healthier, which drops your healthcare and dental costs as well!

How much do you spend on beauty?

Do you have any other tips?