By Heather Muse on July 12, 2011 in
Let's face it: we're all a little vain, and that's OK. What isn't: overspending on beauty products. Paying for shampoos, sunscreen and other items to keep you looking your best can add up. Here are a few tips and tricks that will keep you looking beautiful without breaking the bank.
Be conscious of how much product you actually use. Slathering on that night cream in excessive quantities won't make you younger, but it might make you poorer, especially if you're a devotee of some of the more expensive brands. As Skincare News points out, you don't want to over apply anything because that's going to waste product and send you back to the store sooner. The simple act of following directions can save you time and money.
Another reason to be aware of your actual usage is to prevent yourself from getting tricked into a "good deal" that is anything but. That three-pack of deodorant at a warehouse club might save money and a last-minute, smelly trip to the drugstore, but will the third stick be expired by the time you finally get around to opening it? (It probably won't, but you might not be able to say the same about sunscreen or self-tanner.) If you're aware of how much of a certain product you actually use over a certain period of time, you can save yourself the headache of storing products that you might never actually get to use because they're past their prime. Clear clutter and clear skin: Who wouldn't want that?
Use two for the price of one. No, we're not talking about the aforementioned big-box 2-for-1 packs in the store. Look into what Sheknows.com calls "products that do double duty" -- you may already have some in your bathroom. These are items like tinted moisturizer -- the site notes it can double as an anti-aging cream (or, if you're lucky enough to have clear skin, foundation too) - or body lotion with a sunscreen component.
Check the Web for deals. It never hurts to comparison shop, but don't fall into the time-versus-money sinkhole and waste an entire day seeking the perfect price for your favorite shampoo when in reality you're only saving a grand total of 25 cents. Be sure to factor in any shipping costs if ordering online.
If you're feeling more adventurous and want to try something new, or if you just want to see if your favorite product is on sale, sites like Temptalia will aggregate beauty coupons and sales from around the internet on a variety of products, from cosmetics to hair products and everything in between.
Join your drugstore's beauty club. If you're a true product junkie, you might spend enough to get savings. CVS's Extra Care Beauty Club gives you $5 back in "ExtraBucks" (coupons for future purchases) for every $50 you spend in their beauty department. These savings are independent from the regular ExtraCare program, so you have to sign up separately. (You can still use ExtraCare coupons on beauty products as well.)
Other pharmacies like Rite Aid and Walgreens have similar rewards programs, so check in with your favorite store to see what they offer.
Beauty may be only skin-deep, but with some of these techniques, your pockets of cash might be just a little deeper.
