1. Don't always buy in bulk. Now that you’re counting coins, you may have gotten into the habit of buying the industrial-sized peanut butter and paper towels from Costco. Stop right there! It makes sense to buy nonperishable food and household products in large sizes,but it’s not necessarily smart to do the same with beauty products. Look at the cost per unit and think about how long it will take you to finish that tube of lipstick or the bottle of perfume. If it’s an item you use every day, then consider upgrading to a larger size, but only if the cost per unit is lower than the smaller one. If it’s a special occasion product like fancy perfume or a trendy shade of lipstick, then stick to the smaller size.
2. The main difference between drug store and department store cosmetics is the packaging. There’s no shame in stocking up on lipstick or moisturizer during a trip to the drug store. The important thing is that you buy shades that complement your natural coloring and products that won’t irritate your skin. Whether you shop at Bloomingdale’s or Rite Aid, you can often request free samples before you buy (bonus: those little samples are perfect for a weekend getaway or a girl’s spa night at home). Just don’t fall for the hype about how “X cream can erase wrinkles, even out your skin tone, and score you a promotion.” Use what works for you.
3. Some beauty products do double duty. Products like sunscreen with a built-in moisturizer or a combination shampoo-conditioner can be a girl’s best friend, especially when she’s traveling with limited luggage space. But because retailers sometimes charge more for multi-purpose products, be sure to compare based on price per volume and make sure that you’re actually getting a deal.
4. Stylists-in-training can you give you more bang for your buck. It’s true: even the world’s best hair stylists were once students. Sign up to be a hair model for a budding beautician, and you can score a killer cut for a fraction of the cost (some will even do it for free). Reputable training programs will talk through your haircut beforehand and supervise students so that more experienced stylists can jump in before you end up with a bad bowl cut. Ask around to find out if there’s a training program in your area. If that doesn’t work, many salons will cut you a deal if you refer a friend or come in during one of their slow periods.
5. Some of the best beauty products are free. Think: water, sunlight, and sleep. If you take care of yourself by drinking plenty of water, making sure that you get enough sleep, and exercising (preferably outdoors with a little SPF so you soak up some vitamin D), then your skin will radiate a fresh, natural glow and you won’t need to wear as much make-up to cover up blotchy skin or bags under the eyes. After all, Mother Nature was the original beauty queen.
