Now, I know not all of you are as girly as me but if you are, here are my secrets to looking great for barely anything.
Couponing and sale hunting: Do not buy something at regular price with a coupon, wait until the item is on sale then use it. All my makeup [ for the most part I get some higher end items as gifts], hair care etc I have purchased for minimum 50% off but usually closer to %75-%90 off. Great resources for coupons in Canada are: smartcanucks.com, any brands website under special offers/coupons, snapsaves, checkout 51,and save.ca to name a few.
Collect points: Shoppers Drug Mart and loblaws both have great loyalty programs, especially shoppers. If you like your high end makeup then save your points and splurge using points on redemption days!
DIY beauty: Like manicures? Acrylic nails? Do it yourself! Watch youtube videos to learn and for acrylics shop sallys beauty house brand at professional level ( all acrylic supplies will run you about $30).
DIY hair: Now, by trade, I am a hairstylist and color tech BUT I do believe diy’s came be done with all styling and some color. They key is to invest time researching methods and the science behind the look and be real about your skill level! So if you have no time to research doing an ombre and you have never colored your hair- do not do it! I believe in you but you have to do your homework! Use the ‘almost-professional’ stores like Sallys or BSO rather than a box store product. Another great resource is Ebay, I buy all my hair extensions from whole salers, I have to wait 2-4 weeks but I pay 25% of the cost. Just do your research and be sure to use buyers with high satisfaction.
Makeup and clothing swaps: Get together with you girlfriends, bring all your unwanted clothes and ,makeup and shop each others closets for free!
Build your wardrobe: clean out your closet and donate, swap or sell all those items that you do not LOVE or that are not bare essentials. This will make it easier to put together outfits and keep your closet and home well organized.
Thrift: Visit local thrift stores on sale days to fill any holes in your wardrobe and to find pieces that make your heart sing ( do not buy items that will add clutter just because they are a good deal) . Use thrift stores for making your home beautiful as well! Always think of what a coat of paint can do.
Now in being frugal and thrifty the key is to understand that everything costs something! So if you want to spend $10 on your ombre vs $250 at the salon you will pay for it in time. Thankfully, time has nothing to do with the bank.
You can make any look you want if you have great style and you are patience, no matter how tight a budget you are on.
Hope this helps!
Xoxo,
V