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7 Frugal Tips for Healthy Skin This Winter
By Elizabeth Rago
You can admit it if you have a problem buying (or hoarding) beauty products. While there is no shame in wanting to indulge your skin in the goodness of masques, cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sprays, and balms, it will most certainly get expensive. You can still baby your skin by being frugal and here are 7 tips to prove it:
1.Be honest about what you would like for the holidays.
When your significant other asks you what’s on your Christmas list, be direct! “I would like a facial from Advanced Dermatology, please.” (insert your local spa, dermatology, med spa or wellness center) This leaves absolutely no room for confusion and your splurge will be a part of the holiday budget and not break the bank.
2. Find coupons.
Subscribe to a reputable site that will make sure you are being directed to valid and current information for coupons and deals.
3. Splurge on a new product. From Ulta.
It’s not too often that department stores offer coupons that can be applied to the cosmetics department. Ulta, the largest beauty retailer that stocks prestige, mass and salon products has frequent “buy more, save more” promotions and a weekly circular that features brands like Dermalogica, Urban Decay, Murad, and Smashbox.
4. Head to the kitchen.
Beauty writer and editor, India-Jewel Jackson creates a hydrating facial for her hands by combining cold cream, two drops of tea tree oil, five drops of lavender oil, a spoonful of olive oil and a banana in a blender. “When the consistency is smooth, slather liberally all over hands and cuticles. Then slip hands into a pair of yellow rubber gloves—yes, the kind you use to scrub the tub with,” says Jackson. “For the softest hands ever, I like to sit down and watch TV with my lotioned and gloved hands underneath a heating pad so that the heat will help my homemade salve penetrate my skin that much more.”
5. Make your own sauna.
Bring a chair into your bathroom and turn up the heat in the shower, allowing the steam to gather for 10 minutes. While you are waiting, drape your body with a fluffy robe and apply an essential oil to your feet. Now, step into the steam, lock the door, and enjoy.
6. Spend time getting to know your skin care professional.
Randomly buying items off the shelf is a quick way to spend a lot more money on beauty products that will eventually be making a permanent home in a trashcan. Establishing a relationship with an esthetician or dermatologist will allow all your beauty blemish secrets to come out, but in a good way. In turn, this professional will be familiar with your unique skin type and be a good resource for troubleshooting concerns.
7. Don’t read the directions.
Have you ever noticed that some skin care products encourage consumers to wash and repeat? I have to question whether this is necessary, which is where #6, “Getting to know your skin care professional”, comes in handy. This person will become one of your most trusted advisors in regards to your skin’s health and will help you push through the fog of potential marketing rubbish on the label. Avoiding the “rinse and repeat” step will stretch the amount of product used.
You see? It is possible to spoil and nourish your skin this winter without taking out a loan. Hopefully one of these seven frugal tips will tickle your fancy and contribute to healthy skin this season.
Elizabeth Rago is a freelance writer specializing in health, wellness, and women’s lifestyle content, working with yoga studios, chiropractors, mental health, and wellness practitioners. Elizabeth writes the weekly column, The Circular Home for Chicago Shopping (an editorial partner of the Chicago Tribune) and is Senior Editor of All Things Girl, highlighting topics related to the modern domestic woman. She has been published in Mamalode Magazine, MOMentumNation.com and thesavvyfreelancer.com. Connect with Elizabeth on Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz, and Google+.