Resourceful Beauty

More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips

During this financial hardship that most of us have been affected by, I’ve come to know that thrifty beauty is the new thing (or the necessity).  Though I’m no cosmetic snob, I do occasionally enjoy a shopping trip to major department store beauty departments and afternoons at the spa.  As of late, however, those luxuries aren’t possible with our new, much lower budget.  But, it does give me the opportunity to be creative and resourceful with what I already have.

Don’t Skimp on Self-care Because of the Recession

When it comes to looking your best every day, a woman has to stick to a beauty routine that is time-wise and affordable.  If she has one that is too complicated and too expensive, it won’t be feasible if her life changes (less money or more work hours).  The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to bring simplicity into your daily care.  By that I mean don’t buy every product out there just because you can.  Find skin care and beauty products that are naturally good for your skin, like the ones you can find at Joyful Girl Naturals or even in your own kitchen.  I can’t tell you how satisfied I am with using skin care that is homemade.  And if you need a specialty product, try asking at the beauty counters if they can give you some samples.  It works for me.  Just don’t give up on basic care though.

The New Trading Post

I recently talked about bartering in a post about changing my style.  Well, fashion isn’t the only thing you can trade with your girlfriends.  How about having a cosmetic swap party?  I know you have a drawer with tons of  cosmetic “mistakes” laying at the bottom just waiting to be resurrected.  With just a little swipe of an anti-bacterial wipe, a cleaning of the brushes, and a dusting of the cover (everything except mascara and liquid eyeliner), all those beauty blunders can be your ticket to new products that will work for you.  Call up your friends and have them do the same with their gently used or forgotten make up and have a swap party!

Hint: If you have a good friend who sells cosmetics, ask them to bring any discontinued products or samples they may have.  For her donation, tell her that you will allow her to promo her business by doing free facials or demos for your buds or see if there is something you have that she needs.

My Favorite Sites for Affordable Beauty and Skin Care

Joyful Girl Naturals

Kitchen Cosmetics

Beautiful Soaps

Jan’s Bath Scentsations

Sacred Herbals

Aroma Artisan

 

I have personally used many of the products you can find on the previous sites.  Because I love them so much, I want you to discover them as well.  None of them paid me to say that or to link their sites; I just believe in their products.  Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Cpt. Crunch Rocks