A study by salon.com found that, on average, women spend a whopping $8 worth of products on their faces daily. We have yet to get to what women spend on nails, hair, teeth, etc. The cost would be outrageously high. Many studies show that women spend thousands a year to get haircuts, highlights, trims, and blowouts.
Much more is spent on makeup, especially with people’s favorite celebrities now owning and running outrageously expensive makeup lines and beauty brands.
Grooming is necessary, but is there a way of doing it frugally? Other than playing an essential role in mental and physical well-being, proper grooming greatly improves people’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
The truth, however, is that you do not have to use the most expensive means to take good care of yourself. You can groom yourself properly without breaking your bank account, which is what this post is about.
Looking for frugal grooming tips for ladies? Read on.
1. DIY Hair and Face Masks
Instead of buying pricey hair and face masks, you can use some readily available and affordable kitchen products and make your masks at home.
For instance, you can make a luscious honey and yogurt face mask for your face. Start by blending 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt with an equal amount of honey. Apply the mixture onto your cleansed face, letting it settle in for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water for a refreshed and revitalized complexion.
The yogurt gently exfoliates, while honey, a natural humectant, adds a touch of moisture for a radiant glow. This will save you so much money instead of using store-bought face masks. You can try many other face mask recipes with active ingredients such as turmeric, avocado, aloe vera, coconut oil, etc.
For your hair, try out an avocado and olive oil mask. To get started, mash a ripe avocado and mix it with two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the creamy blend to damp hair, massaging it from roots to ends. Wrap your hair and wait for 30 minutes before rinsing. This natural mask, rich in vitamins and fats, deeply hydrates and revitalizes your hair, leaving it silky and lustrous.
These are simple procedures you can do for your spa Saturdays at home.
2. Homemade Sugar Scrub
Exfoliating products for your face, body, and legs can be expensive. The good thing is that making your home exfoliating products is not complicated.
An excellent homemade sugar scrub you can try is a mixture of olive oil and sugar. Start by mixing equal parts of sugar and olive oil. Keep mixing until you form a grainy paste.
Gently massage the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions, exfoliating away dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water for a smooth and rejuvenated skin.
This homemade sugar scrub is an affordable and effective way to achieve a spa-like glow in the comfort of your home.
3. Reusable Razors
Using reusable razors is not just about saving your money. Taking this move would considerably contribute to sustainability, something the planet desperately needs.
To use reusable razors, you will have to replace a new blade on the handle when the old one goes blunt. The good thing is that you can use these razors so many times before they go blunt.
While they may be more expensive upfront, not having to replace them after every use will save you so much money.
4. Trim Your Own Hair
A 2022 study found that women spend an average of $69 per hair trim. The study found that the average American woman gets a professional trim 3-6 times a year.
If you learn how to trim your hair, you will not need to make frequent and expensive salon trips.
Now, trimming hair is more complex than many people imagine. It is not just about taking the scissors and cutting where you want to.
Take time and learn the art of trimming your hair.
Begin with clean and dry hair. Section your hair, focusing on small portions at a time. Trim the ends cautiously, cutting less than you think you need. Remember, you can always trim more, but overdoing it can be challenging. Follow online tutorials for guidance, and gradually master the art of DIY hair trims. It will save you time and money while maintaining the health and style of your hair.
5. Coconut Oil Makeup Remover
Store-bought makeup removers can be costly. On an even worse note, you have to use most of them generously to get rid of the makeup from your face. This means that many people get stuck in a cycle of buying expensive makeup removers.
Instead of splurging money on these, consider using your coconut oil as your makeup remover.
Scoop a small amount of virgin coconut oil onto your fingertips. Then, gently massage it onto your face, focusing on areas with makeup. The coconut oil effectively breaks down makeup, including waterproof products. Once done, wipe away the broken-down makeup with a soft cotton pad or a damp cloth.
Finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water, leaving your skin cleansed, moisturized, and refreshed. This DIY coconut oil makeup remover saves you money and nourishes your skin with its natural properties.
An even better thing is that the coconut oil you buy can be used for many different purposes, including cooking.
6. Use Cold Water Rinse for Your Hair
Don’t we all love the sheen hair has when it is well moisturized? Unfortunately, hair sheen and moisturizing products can be very expensive.
Are you looking to stop spending so much on such hair products? Start rinsing your hair with cold water.
After shampooing and conditioning, adjust the water temperature to cool. Then, thoroughly rinse your hair with cold water as the final step of your hair-cleaning routine.
Cold water helps seal the hair cuticles, reduces frizz, and enhances shine. This simple yet effective technique promotes healthier, more manageable hair.
7. Use Natural Teeth Whitening
According to Your Dentistry Guide, a single teeth whitening procedure can cost anything between $500 and $1000 depending on several factors.
You do not have to spend that much to achieve a brighter smile. You may want to incorporate natural teeth whitening procedures in your dental routine to save this cost.
One of the best natural teeth-whitening remedies is using baking soda.
Create a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a thick consistency. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth for about two minutes.
Baking soda’s mild abrasive properties help remove surface stains, revealing a whiter enamel. You can do this once a week because overusing the abrasive properties can also harm your enamel.
8. Buy Multi-purpose Beauty Products
Instead of buying single-use products, consider investing money in versatile products. For instance, coconut oil can be used for makeup removal, uneven skin tone fixing, and moisturizing. The same applies to olive oil, which has a lot of proven uses in beauty and skincare.
This versatility also applies to specific makeup products and brands. For instance, some blush brands work so well as eye shadow.
You also want to search and find more ways to use products you already have. For instance, some people use lipstick as blush, eye shadow and color correctors. You can do this for concealers, powder, and even setting spray. Take this trick as one sure way to exhaust the makeup product you have had for ages.
9. Learn To Do Your Nails
DenisDenisenko via DepositPhotos.com.
According to Statista, the average cost of basic pedicures stood at $35.46 in 2019. Since it has been a rising trend since 2008, you can expect that the price of getting your nails done is now much higher.
With many women getting new nails every 2-4 weeks, there is so much you can save if you learn how to do your nails at home.
Now, this is another skill that you will have to take time to learn. While it is not rocket science, you must start somewhere and grow your skills to where you want.
Start by buying a few nail equipment and products to get you started. You can then use YouTube tutorials, Free Udemy courses, and other online guides.
With some practice, you’ll discover that achieving a polished look doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
10. Invest in Quality Tools
While it might seem counterintuitive, investing in high-quality grooming tools can save you money in the long run as they tend to last longer than cheaper alternatives. Yes, they will be pricier, but you will long forget the need for constant replacement.
Additionally, high-quality brushes, hair styling tools, pedicure and manicure tools, and skincare devices often perform more effectively, providing better results with less product usage.
Furthermore, high-quality tools ensure a smoother and more enjoyable grooming experience, contributing to cost-effectiveness and enhanced self-care.
Prioritizing quality over quantity in your beauty toolkit is an investment in your appearance and wallet.
11. DIY Hair Color
Coloring hair can cost $75-$200+ depending on a few factors, such as the dyeing technique used, the color you’re going for, the current situation of your hair, the location, and the experience of your stylist.
If you color your hair, you should skip the pricey trips to your hair stylist and do the procedure at home.
Ensure you use DIY kits if you do not know how to do the professional mixing and coloring procedure. You do not want to lose your hair by trying out a professional approach you do not know.
Home dyeing kits offer a spectrum of shades, allowing you to experiment with your look without the hefty salon price tag. With practice, you can achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank.
12. Use Cold Spoon for Puffy Eyes
People go out of their way and buy expensive eye creams because, I mean, nobody likes puffy eyes. If you use eye cream for your puffy eyes, it is time to stop and consider using the cold spoon technique.
The trick is so simple. All you have to do is place a cold spoon on the puffy eyes and gently press the spoon against the skin.
The cool metal helps reduce swelling, leaving your eyes refreshed and revitalized without the added expense. You may even forget about using more makeup to cover the swelling and puffiness.
It is a very cost-friendly method because all you may need is just a spoon you already have.
13. Buy Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
The thing with disposable makeup remover pads is one is never enough. Often, you may have to use several of them to get proper removal.
Now, this is very uneconomical considering that they are not the cheapest thing out there.
If you want to save money on your makeup routine, consider getting reusable and washable makeup remover pads.
These reusable pads are not only environmentally friendly; they will help you save a lot of money, especially if you use makeup daily.
A one-time purchase can replace countless disposable wipes, making it a cost-effective and eco-conscious choice.
14. Try Homemade Acne Spot Treatment
Persistent acne can be very frustrating. This is why many people spend thousands and thousands of dollars on products trying to combat acne and blemishes that come with it.
Unfortunately, these expensive products do not always guarantee an end to the acne problem.
If you have been spending so much on dermatologist visits and acne products, it may be time to try homemade remedies.
Consider dabbing a small amount of tea tree oil or aloe vera gel directly onto the pimples. These natural remedies are cost-effective and potent, providing a wallet-friendly alternative to commercial spot treatments.
15. Use Drugstore Beauty and Make-Up Products
We live in a time when many celebrity-owned makeup brands have taken over the market. Unfortunately, such brands are typically far from affordable. Such “high-end make-up products” are not necessarily high quality, as many people perceive. Many drugstore beauty products work just as well as their high-end counterparts.
Simply put, if you’re on a budget, you have no reason to splurge on expensive brand makeup, which is not necessarily of good quality. Buy drugstore products and save your money.
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