If you’re always busy, you may not have the time to factor in beauty products in your budget. As a result, you may sometimes find yourself debating whether getting a particular beauty product is worth it. Indeed, research reveals that about 1 in 10 women forego beauty products due to the high cost of living.
Although maintaining a good appearance can take time and money, there are some simple hacks you can explore that will come in handy for you as a busy mum. Here are some practical strategies to help you enjoy the best beauty products without breaking the bank.
1. Use every bit of the product
Believe it or not, the various beauty products on your shelf or bathroom closet that you thought were almost finished could surprise you if you take a closer look. Be it your shampoo, hair cream, make-up kit, and so on; they could last you a few more days if you use them to the last drop. Aside from helping you save money, it also helps you reduce wastage. If you want to take things a step further, you can even consider using a clean pair of scissors to cut open some of the containers, for instance, a tube of hair gel, so you can use the remaining amount before you buy or open a new one. You can even use this as an opportunity to teach your kids how to manage what they have effectively without wasting it.
2. Find quality products for less price
Some names and brands add extra cost to whatever beauty product you may want to purchase. You can still get the best of both worlds by searching for alternative products which look the same and are as effective as the original ones. Who knows, you could get a similar product with the same value while you only need to pay half the original price. You can also save money by exploring store brands, which often have high-quality ingredients and fulfil the same purpose as high-end products. As a plus, they also give you more options to choose from. However, as you do this, remember to read the labels carefully before making your purchase. Although you are cutting costs, you shouldn’t compromise on quality.
3. Know your hair type
It will interest you that identifying your hair type could result in significant savings on hair care product purchases. Knowing your hair’s distinctive features makes it easier to decide on the best styling methods and products to use without spending a fortune. Additionally, knowing your hair type will help you determine the kind of treatment you need to give it, how often you need to visit the salon, and the best way to handle it on your own to always keep it in good condition. It’s best to use a natural hair type chart to equip you with the right information you need to make the best and most cost-effective decisions for your hair. This way, you’ll understand your hair better and know which products to go for, so you can plan and budget accordingly. Plus, you won’t need to spend so much time on your hair since you know what to do, giving you time for other responsibilities.
4. Check reviews before buying online
Although beauty products can be expensive, you can get the best deals by comparing prices and checking reviews online before making a final decision. Before making a purchase, log on to the company’s website or watch short videos about the product to see its contents and how effective it can be. Reviews and videos can give you an idea about the product you are about to purchase. Doing this will help you get value for money and reduce the chances of you buying a product you might end up not using.
5. Bring your spa experience home
Did you know you can have a spa treatment right in the comfort of your home? Spa treatments can be pricey. However, you can find creative ways to indulge without spending a fortune. Consider investing in your very own collection of body scrubs and exfoliators to recreate the spa experience at home. You can start by purchasing some sweet-smelling fragrances to create a relaxing atmosphere while you give yourself a treat. You can add an extra touch by installing some mood lighting while playing some calm, soothing music in the background. Remember to put your phone away during these moments so that you can unwind without any distractions. You can also ask your partner or any loved one to watch your kids so you can have some alone time.
6. Be intentional about your purchases
Being conscious of the products you buy will help reduce impulse purchases and also help you make better decisions for your beauty routine. Before you buy any product, it would help if you analysed whether you truly need it or not, as well as the purpose for which you’re buying it. This prudent step will save you some cash as you purchase what is important to you now.
7. Paint your nails
If you love pedicures and manicures, chances are you’ve spent a significant amount of money on them before. However, as a busy mum, you may no longer have that luxury of time and be more focused on saving money. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you can’t still give your fingers and toes a good treat. You can learn to paint your nails with several online tutorials available. You can make this fun by doing it with your kids or inviting a few friends over when you have some time to paint each other’s nails while you catch up.
8. Buy in bulk
Who says bulk buying only applies to groceries? A great way to save money buying your favourite beauty products is to buy them in bulk so they can last you a long time. Doing this also helps you save money as you won’t have to keep going back to town to buy stuff in singles or smaller quantities. However, if you’re now trying a new product, it’s advisable not to buy them in bulk as you need to be sure how your skin responds before making a final decision. In that case, it will be better to buy a small amount to test it out first.
9. Shop during bonus time
Keeping an eye out for bonuses and special discounts can come in handy. It saves you the hassle of having to save more money to purchase something that would have been cheaper when bonuses were applied. You can also wait for sales to stock up on your finished products. While some shops offer sales at the end of the year, others also do that during holidays or special occasions. So always be on the lookout for sales. It’s certainly a smart way to shop.
10. Buy beauty products that play double roles
Nothing is more thrilling than realising a product has two uses. Buying multi-purpose beauty products can help you avoid the burden of having to buy two different items when you can save money. For instance, you can use some gel blushes as lipstick and some eye shadow kits of powder as blush. Plus, it saves you space in your handbag, so you can keep other things you may need in a hurry.
11. Try natural alternatives
Given your desire to save costs, you might consider using a natural substitute. Remember that you don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive product to appear gorgeous. For instance, you can consider using apple cider vinegar diluted with water as a rinse after shampooing your hair rather than perhaps purchasing a dandruff shampoo. Additionally, you can explore homemade facial masks, so you don’t have to spend too much paying for facials.
