Four Tips to Save While Looking Good
It is not secret that all of us want to look good. It is just human nature. However, to look as good as the celebrities, it is going to cost a celebrity’s paycheck. From weekly facials, massages, and trims and blowouts, no one in the real world could afford or even have time to fit all those beauty treatments in. Here are a few tips on how to save money on beauty treatments, while still being financially savvy.
Give the Beauty School a Try: A school full of stylist-wannabes is a scary thought for many of us. However, beauty schools are not just full of inexperienced students. Instead, you can get an experienced stylist close to graduation or an experienced teacher for a fraction of the cost of a regular salon. At these beauty schools, you can get your hair cut and styled, your makeup applied, waxing, pedicures, facials, and even massages.
My experiences with my local beauty school have been satisfactory. I have had a few excellent eyebrow waxes and pedicures. I have also had my hair cut by someone who was a little nervous and it took three hours to achieve just a trim. It is a hit and miss if you do not request a certain stylist.
Look up reviews of your local beauty schools and see which stylists are recommended. Of course, you can always request a senior student, as well.
Trade Services With a Friend: If you know a hairstylist, cosmetologist, or massage therapist, you may be able to trade your services. Whether you can handle their finances or babysit their children on the weekend, there are many services they may be willing to trade with you. Just ask!
Request Free Samples: You may be surprised to find out how many free beauty samples you can actually receive. For example, not only can you request free samples from companies online, but you can also ask makeup counters in-store if they have any free samples to try. Make up counters such as Clinique, Ulta, and Lancome love to give away free samples, especially if that means you will be buying something from them. Companies such as Sephora and Mac will even give you a free mini makeover when they are not busy. Sephora will do Express Eyes, including the smoky eye look for free. While Mac may give you a new look for free on the weekdays when they are not busy.
Utilize Online Deals: With so many online deal sites, it is easy to score luxury beauty services at a Supercuts price. There has also been several makeup and skin care product deals, as well. Most online deal sites have friend referral links. Refer your friends to get site bucks to save even more on beauty deals.
The saying of, “It pays to look good” is only true if you can save on your beauty services and purchases. The best way to fit beauty services and essential beauty needs (such as haircuts or dermatology visits) into your budget is to set aside money each month. Try to go two months before getting the service done again. For example, extend your highlights with a highlight enhancing shampoo and extend your pedicure by adding a clear, protective nail polish coat on top every few days. If you are having a hard time finding money in your budget for haircuts or beauty needs, try cutting back in a non-essential category, such as clothing, eating out, or entertainment. Remember my article on Needs vs. Wants? The same philosophy applies here.
