With the average woman in the UK spending a staggering £872 a year on makeup and facial cosmetics, according to a recent survey by the online perfume shop Fragrance Direct, we've put together some top ten thrifty beauty secrets you need to know.
- Coconut oil can be used as a natural and effective makeup remover. Rub the oil on to your face to breakdown the makeup, then use a regular cleanser
- Facemasks can be expensive, and you can get similar results from using what’s already in your cupboard. Try this simple DIY mask –
- Mix half a cup of warm (not boiling!) water and a third of a cup of porridge oats
- Leave it to settle for a couple of minutes
- Stir in two tablespoons of plain yogurt, two tablespoons of honey and one small egg white
- Apply a thin layer to your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
- Rinse with warm water (place a strainer in the sink to catch the porridge oats and prevent it clogging the drain)
- Don’t overdo it… when using shampoo or bodywash. Try cutting back on the amount you use and see if still gets the same job done
- Budget basics. There’s no reason you should be paying more for basics like cotton wool, hair grips and nail files. Stock up at places like Poundland
- Use a cheap conditioner on your legs instead of more expensive shaving foam
- Vaseline is most commonly used to treat chapped lips. But it’s an all-rounder that can also be used as a hand or foot cream and can be dapped on top of lipstick for a DIY gloss look
- Extend the life of your mascara. When it’s running low, add a drop or two of contact lens solution to loosen the product stuck at the bottom of the tube and rub the tube between your hands to warm the product before using
- Know where to cut costs, sometimes it’s worth splurging on a good foundation. But ask yourself if a cheaper brand of lipstick or eyeshadow will achieve the same overall look
- Instead of expensive anti-frizz products put a bit of hair spray on an old toothbrush and use it to comb and tame flyaway strands
- When your gel manicure grows out, paint a bit of glitter nail polish along the bottom to cover up the growth and buy yourself more time before the next trip to the salon
For more budget tips, tricks and hacks, check out Take a Break Savers.