6 Money-Saving Beauty Hacks You Should Be Doing
If you're a makeup addict, finding it in your budget to buy the latest and greatest palette being released isn't always easy. We can't all have an expendable budget just for Urban Decay and Benefit products. However, there are a few simple and easy ways to make the products you do have survive a little longer. Take a look at these 6 money-saving beauty hacks you can integrate into your beauty routine today!
1. Stop buying dry shampoo
Yes, you heard me. The mark-up on dry shampoo products is appalling. Whether you're suckered into it at the Ulta checkout counter or you're browsing the aisles of your local drugstore, dry shampoo is one of the most over priced beauty trends on the market. Yes, we all hate washing our hair everyday and that second-day hair look is SO in right now. But, instead of paying $8 for name brand Batiste, take a trip to the baby aisle. Baby powder is a great alternative to dry shampoo and costs much less. Because it isn't in an aerosol can, you also get months more use out of it than you would a traditional dry shampoo product.
2. Put down the expensive lip plumpers and glosses
We all want that Kylie Jenner lip look, but spending thousands of dollars on lip injections and fillers isn't practical. That's why there's the next best thing: lip plumping glosses. However, a high-end lip plumper can cost upwards of $30 and the results aren't guaranteed to last. Meaning, you waste most of the product reapplying throughout the day to keep your lips looking full and kissable. Instead of feeding into the major brand markup pricing, make the gloss yourself. Simple essential oils and Vaseline give the same effect as a plumping gloss for way less money. Adding in peppermint or cinnamon oils to a small container of Vaseline will plump your lips, and you won't feel guilty reapplying it throughout the day.
3. Don't throw out broken eye shadows or powders
We've all been there. You bought a brand new eye shadow and within days it's smashed on the ground. There's no greater fear for a makeup lover than looking down to see $20 in pieces. Don't fret! Simply mix in a few drops of rubbing alcohol into your broken powder products and smooth them out with your finger. Not only will your products look as good as new, but you won't have to worry about wasting time trying to return it or money on a new version.
4. Revive old or dried out mascaras
If you've recently left the lid on your tube of mascara open, you know the pain of trying to make the dried out version work. Mascara is expensive and, because of bacteria, has to be replaced every 3 months. Having a tube dry out even sooner is like a blow to the budget. However, there are a few tricks and tips to keep your mascara kicking longer. First, try soaking the tube in hot water before you apply. This reactivates and melts the mascara eliminating the dryness. You can also heat the tube gently with your blow dryer while styling your hair. Second, add in saline solution to your dried mascara. A few drops will moisten the product and extend the life of your tube if you're nearing the end of the product.
5. Invest in a good set of brushes
Yes, the initial cost of this is higher than you would probably like, but having a good set of makeup brushes is important to not only the look of your makeup but also in making it last. Things like eye shadow and foundation are two of the most wasted makeup products. Using a brush ensures you use less and get a much better payoff. Unlike brushes, using your fingers to apply eye shadow can ruin the product. The oils from your skin mix with the powders and create a barrier. Meaning, you have to use more and more to get the same color pigmentation. Similarly, using your fingers or a sponge to apply foundation soaks up the product causing you to have to dip back in multiple times to get the coverage you desire. A good brush can glide the product on with a flawless finish.
6. Avoid buying tinted moisturizers
During the hot summer months, the last thing you want to do is put heavy foundation on your skin. There's nothing worse than sweat messing up the look of $40 foundation. That's where a tinted moisturizer comes in handy. However, owning a high-end foundation and a tinted moisturizer isn't always budget-friendly. Even drugstore tinted moisturizers from can set you back $12 with boutique or high-end versions ranging from $30-$50. Create your own easily by mixing a few drops of your favorite foundation into your daily moisturizing routine. You'll get the same great coverage without the heavy feeling and save yourself from spending double the price. Do the same with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
