I like to live a frugal life but I also love pampering myself and glamming up every once in a while. I have used a lot of mid-high end makeup and skincare and learned a few tips along the way.
• I use Cetaphil as my face wash and makeup remover. It’s a super gentle and effective cleanser, takes off my makeup and doesn’t dry out skin.
• visit /r/skincare addiction!! They give you straight facts about what ingredients you should look for. I ended up pretty happy with some Cerave brand night cream and eye cream, both around $10-$12 each.
• Barbasol shaving cream is the cheapest and best one I’ve ever used, better than the Eos and Skintimate and Kheils.
•I also use men’s shick disposable razors. As far as I have tried, these give me the smoothest shave and least knicks for the price. But I’m very open to other suggestions!
•I have curly hair and need to use very gentle no-poo shampoos. Baby shampoo has been the perfect solution and is nicely priced.
•beauty boxes: I have been ordering Birchbox for about 5 years and haven’t cancelled it even through tight financial times. It’s easily worth the $10 per month, I get 5-6 pieces of makeup hair care and skincare each month. I don’t use it all at once and I store the rest. I end up reaching for extra products or travel size products, and I have frequently given away some of the goodies as gifts.
•Wet n Wild is an outstanding drugstore makeup brand. I’m personally a fan of their lip products, some eyeshadow, and nail polishes. Their nailpolishes give thin coats and thus are chip resistant. Just be patient and apply more coats, letting each one dry in between. I have also heard great things about their primers, foundation and concealer.
•I only use department store mascara. My lashes need the good stuff. The drugstore ones just aren’t impressive and they flake throughout the day. The tube also dries out faster, like in 3-4 weeks. A dept store mascara costs twice as much but has better performance and the tube stays fresh for 2 months or more. Nordstrom has mascara madness a few times per year; buy 2 get 1 free, extending the savings.
•Speaking of mascara madness, try the MAC brand. If you bring back 6 empty makeup containers to their counter, you can choose a free lipstick
•Speaking of Nordstrom, I’m a happy frugal card holder. I got a $60 credit just for signing up, and recently after only having their cc for about 4 months, received a surprise $20 credit for no reason at all! It’s the only place I buy bras from because of my specific size and fit needs, and I’ve been able to find great bras for less than $30. Nordstrom rack is also a great source for discounted makeup, very inexpensive costume jewelry and sunglasses and hosiery, and often clothes and shoes. I’m talking Target prices or better. I just got my 4 year old shoes that look like Ugg’s for $19, and that’s better quality than what I might get at Target or WalMart.
•DIY skincare: there are so many amazing skincare ingredient in the kitchen. Doing regular diy masks makes my skin visibly healthier! There are also a lot of remedies and treatments.
•rose water in a spray bottle can be used as a daily refreshing spray instead of fix+.
• Most makeup brushes will last you years and years with proper and regular washing. This can also justify the purchase of a pricey brush. My MAC 217 that I bought in 2008 is still rocking daily! I wash with baby shampoo, cetaphil or Mona Lisa brush soap (the pink one).
Phew, I think that’s all I got! I’d love to hear feedback on my strategies or your tips for getting amazing and frugal beauty products!
November 18, 2018 at 10:36PM
