Beauty on a budget
Budgets are big on my mind right now, not just because the government has announced how it will slash spending for the country, but also because we have quite a few plans that require money.
I’m also sick of spending on the same boring old things – groceries and petrol. With a hungry 4.8litre 4wd in the family we spend a lot of money on fuel. It’s a topic of frustration – one day we’ll get rid of it, we keep promising ourselves.
Yesterday, I did the weekly supermarket shop which included meat, in-season vegetables, a few pantry items, a couple of cleaning necessities, child stuff plus beer and wine. It totalled $280. This amount isn’t uncommon for us but what we’d usually end up doing is throwing out food and buying lunch and coffees. So this week, I have pledged to myself that I will not spend a cent on coffee or lunches. I want to save money – not spend it on this shit.
I’ve also observed a few major cosmetics brands taking heed of the economy and reduce their prices accordingly. In fact, at a recent luxury brand launch we were advised that nearly every new item had a price reduction. This is smart. The simple facts are that we, consumers, have less disposable income to spend.
I’ve also been thinking about those beauty bargains – I know they’re out there. With great affordable brands like Natio, Innoxa, Sukin (to name just a few off the top of my head), I want to know what you think are true beauty bargains. Which products do you like to use that are under the: $5 (does this exist???), $10 and $20 price packet.
There will be prizes for the best suggestions…
Let me know!
Tamsin xoxo
I find when times are tough and your juggling your money around to make ends meet…You can always fall back onto some old fashion remedies to get you looking fabulous…i know a few that i use and never let me down..eg rinsing you hair in vinegar, which gives you hair great shine..olive oil and brown sugar to exfoliate your skin.. these are but a few there is so many remendies and costs next to nothing…so you dont have to alway shop for product…because there is mumerous beauty products already in you cupboard
Smashbox is my personal high-priced brand but I also love hunting for beauty bargains in stores like Kmart & Farmers. Regardless of what brand you normally can afford, it’s about being at the right time & place to find products heavily reduced for various reasons (most often discontinuation) – so I always checkout what’s on special especially at L’Oreal & Revlon.
On a regular, I enjoy buying & using Rimmel products from K-mart especially their blush range which I consider a bargain but also good value.
I’ve stopped buying Chi-chi products from Farmers because not only have I found that the casing breaks too easily, the powdered blush & eyeshadows also crack & create a mess almost instantly :/
I am a consumer who is all for quality over quantity, especially when it comes to clothing and shoes. However, I do have an exception to this rule when it comes to beauty products. Who doesn’t love a good bargain?!
Under $5:
- Nail polish remover, a basic necessity really and cheap as chips.
- Cotton buds, not only are they great for cleaning up your nail polish mishaps but they are fantastic when it comes to blending away eyeshadow fallout/mistakes or smudging your eyeliner. I cannot live without these on hand!
- Chapstick, keep them all over the place for when you need it most e.g. gym bag, hand bag, car etc, they also come in handy if you have dry skin and no moisturiser and are DESPERATE.
Under $10:
- Nivea Body Moisturiser, works a treat after every shower during all seasons. Not only does it keep your skin nice and soft but if your in a hurry it can tame those nasty flyaway hair days with a smooth swipe.
- QVS Nail files, great for keeping your nails in tip top condition and well groomed (can you tell I like doing my nails yet?).
- Vasaline, need I say more? Solves a multitude of problems. Best tip, slather feet in it before bed, pop on your old socks and let it all soak in.
Under $20:
- Lucas Pa Paw Lip Ointment, works wonders on dry lips, skin, scars etc. I keep one handy in my bag at all times.
- Clear Eyes Eye Drops, nobody looks cute with red eyes!
- QVS Eyebrow Groomer Brush, this tool is perfect for shaping your eyebrows in the morning before you rush out the door and works well when applying mascara and fanning out the clumps.
I really could go on forever, but maybe I should also stop procrastinating all this work piling up on my desk!!!
Enjoy x
My favourite supermarket range is from Skinfood! Most of their products are around the $10 mark and theyre made in nz…even better! They have a whole range from cleansing wipes to a tanning lotion. Whats better, is that theyre mostly natural! Their scrub and light moisturiser are really nice and dont irritate my skin. My other bargain is almond oil…its around $8 a bottle and its fantastic at taking off make up without leaving skin drenched in oil.
My favourite beauty product is made by LeEsscience (@LeEsscience on twitter). It’s a serum that I use on my face at night and also in my hair as a treatment. It’s under $20 and amazing, can’t go wrong with that.
You mean ‘BeautiFuel Serum’ Emma? there has just been an article about it in Wellington’s FishHead Mag
My current beauty bargain is buying my ‘salon only’ shampoo and conditioner (normally $25 each at the salon for 200ml) on the internet at starwberrynet for a mere $12.50. I also just picked up some GHD for two thirds the RRP thanks to http://www.asos.com – so while not under $20 still a bargain! I have never been a big internet shopper but am seeing how it can be handy for these kinds of items (as longs as its from reputable sites etc). I don’t think I would be brave enought to buy shoes or clothing though!