Get Gorgeous for Less: 10 Brilliant Money-Saving Beauty Hacks You Need to Try Today!

Money is tough for many people now. Most of us are feeling the pinch of rising energy, food and living costs. It’s not as easy to splurge on luxuries as it has been in the past. But that doesn’t mean you need to feel guilty about what you buy or deprive yourself. Just be smart about it!

I am pretty low-maintenance when it comes to my makeup and beauty routine. Most days it’s just eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. But like most people – I do not feel great about myself if I am completely barefaced. So, although makeup and beauty products can be classed as a luxury, they’re also something that makes me feel confident and happy!

Fortunately, there are ways to achieve a beautiful look without breaking the bank. So I’m going to share my favourite money-saving tips and tricks for achieving beauty on a budget.

Have a Budget for Beauty

It’s easy to go overboard and spend too much – especially when many beauty-related sites have offers where you get free products when you spend more. So, having a budget for how much you spend on your beauty products every month can keep you in check. If you’re like me, then you won’t spend anything for months but then have a big splurge all at once!

Having a monthly budget will help with this. If you don’t spend any money in one month, there’s no need to spend for the sake of it, just put it aside for the next month.

I know I go on about it all the time, but Monzo pots is a great way to do this! Monzo is an online bank that lets you create little pots to put money in. You can put £50 in a beauty pot each month and just keep it there if you don’t use it.

Please do not use finance or buy now/pay later services. These will cost you more. If you can’t afford it now, don’t buy it!

Find a discount code

If you’re not using Love Discount Vouchers when you spend online, then you’re doing it wrong. You can simply use the search bar or you can head over to the health and beauty section to browse what websites you can bag a discount code on.

Easy days!

Make your own facemasks

Why not just make your own face masks using natural ingredients?

Items such as honey, avocado, and oatmeal can be combined to create a luxurious face mask that rivals those sold in the shops.

This also means you know they don’t have any nasty chemicals or ingredients in them.

Buy the largest product

For things like haircare products and skincare, you can often buy a smaller size and a larger size. Supermarket shelf labels will tell you the cost per 100ml, so if it’s cheaper to buy the larger one, then do so.

There might be an exception if the smaller product is on offer though, so watch out for that!

Invest in multi-purpose products

Having to buy just one product instead of one may say you money. Buy a moisturiser with SPF built-in, and get a combined shampoo and conditioner or a cleanser with exfoliating properties rather than spending money on a separate exfoliator.

Buy a dupe

Another way to save money on makeup is to purchase dupes of high-end products. Many drugstore brands offer affordable alternatives to popular high-end products. By doing your research and finding dupes, you can save money while still achieving a high-end look.

There are loads of makeup dupes out there! Check out the following list of the best makeup dupes of 2023:

Wait for sales and promotions

Many beauty retailers offer sales throughout the year, particularly during holidays such as Black Friday, Boxing Day and Amazon Prime. Additionally, signing up for email newsletters can provide you with exclusive discounts and offers. A lot will give you 10% off your first order if you sign up!

DIY Makeup

Feeling creative? Then try this DIY makeup hack: create your own lip exfoliator using sugar and coconut oil. This simple recipe can help you achieve smooth, hydrated lips without the need for expensive lip scrubs.

Another DIY makeup hack is to create your own setting spray using a combination of water and glycerin. This DIY setting spray can help your makeup last longer and prevent the need for touch-ups throughout the day.

There are plenty more out there on Pinterest!

Reusable remover pads

I’ve recently invested in some of those reusable makeup remover pads. I got a pot of 20 from Amazon and haven’t looked back since. I just wash them with my towels and it means I don’t need to buy cotton pads or wipes anymore. It’s also a win for the environment. Although it is more expensive upfront, it pays off in the long run!

Use what you have first!

Have a rule where you can’t buy a new product unless you’ve used what you’ve already got. Why are buy buying another brown and gold eyeshadow palette when you have 7 already?

Most of us have loads of makeup that doesn’t get used! Now get hitting pan before you open your purse to buy something new.

Can you do Beauty on a Budget?

Achieving beauty on a budget is possible with the right tips and tricks. By creating a budget for beauty products, utilising money-saving hacks for skincare and makeup, and finding affordable brands and products, you can maintain your beauty routine without overspending.

Remember, beauty doesn’t have to come at a high cost. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve a beautiful look while staying within your budget.