Beauty writer Becci Vallis shares her savvy tricks to boosting your beauty budget
Most of us are being more mindful of our money at the moment and, traditionally, the first things to go are life’s little luxuries – especially of the beauty kind. But this needn’t be the case. Whether it’s a foundation that stays put through a hot flush, or your favourite relaxing bath soak; self-care moments, now more than ever, are much needed.
"It’s important people allow themselves to spend on non-essentials where possible. Beauty products don’t only contribute to people’s appearance, they affect how we feel and function in our lives," says Clare Seal (@myfrugalyear) a financial coach. "But if money is tight, make sure the essentials are covered first, so you don’t feel any guilt or anxiety about your beauty spending."
Keen to make your cash go even further for your beauty stash? Follow these seven simple steps…
1. Shop your stash
As we all strive to become more sustainable and get more wear from our clothes, the same intentions can be applied to beauty. So, sift through your make-up bag or drawer to see if there’s a colour or product you can fall in love with all over again. Or if there’s a shade you’ve not worn in a palette, head online and search how to wear it. There are many inspirational videos on YouTube and TikTok – you might find that green eyeshadow you’ve been avoiding actually looks amazing underneath your eyes rather than all over your lids.
2. Discover new brands
In the past, there was a tendency to view cheaper brands as less effective than their luxury counterparts, but not anymore. You can find the same skincare buzzwords and active ingredients across the board, whether it’s vitamins C and A, niacinamide, AHAs, hyaluronic acid or SPF.
Brands such as The Ordinary and The Inkey List should be your go-to for comprehensive and results-driven skincare formulas. We love The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane and The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum.
Try: The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Silicone-free
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
As well as niacinamide, this budget-friendly pick also contains 1% hyaluronic acid for a generous serving of hydration.
For make-up, 17., Collection, NYX Professional Makeup, e.l.f and Barry M have ranges that provide great colour pay-off and trend-driven shades alongside the staples, whether that’s topping up your bronzer or experimenting with a deep berry lipstick – the bargain price tag is just a bonus. Try Collection Next Level Lash Surge Mascara Black, which instantly adds volume and length, and e.l.f No Budge Matte Shadow Sticks – they’re a fast and easy way to add a pop of colour to your lids.
3. Decide what’s important
"So many of us are stuck in a cycle of spending, that we do it just out of habit. So, go through your beauty buys over the past few months and see if you can pick out anything that didn’t bring you joy or value and cut down on that," recommends Clare.
For instance, that gorgeous, classic nail varnish that gives you a salon-worthy manicure, or higher-end concealer that hides dark circles like nothing else, are things worth investing in. But do you really need to spend that much on a nail varnish if you’re just looking for a new on-trend colour? And what about that super-luxe body moisturiser? If you just need to hydrate your limbs, rather than one that has all the bells and whistles, look for a hard-working, budget-friendly formula that does practically the same job, but at a fraction of the price.
4. Go the distance
You might have heard of the term ‘work smarter, not harder’, and this is what you want your beauty products to do. So, if you find your expensive base disappears by lunch, use a more affordable primer, such as 17. Base Glow Illuminating Primer or a make-up fixing spray to make it go the distance.
Try: 17. Base Glow Illuminating Primer
• Size: 30ml
• Vegan
Not only does this purse-friendly primer add extra grip to your base, but its light pearl-infused formula gives skin a beautiful lit-from-within glow.
If your skin is looking dull, ensure you’re exfoliating regularly to get rid of dead skin cells, otherwise your other skincare products might not work as effectively. The same goes for fake tan – prep first and that glow will last longer.
Meanwhile, adding a hair mask, such as Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Hair Mask, or a clarifying shampoo once a week to your hair wash routine, will keep your colour looking radiant for longer, so you can put off a salon visit or DIY hair dye session a touch longer.
5. Be open to offers
Offers are there to entice us, but they can help when you’re trying to budget better. "Look out for offers on the items you buy frequently and utilise your Boots Advantage Card," says Ria-Jaine Lincoln (@thebeautyaccountant), a financial adviser. Not only will you collect points as you spend, which you can use to treat yourself, but you benefit from Price Advantage, where you’re given exclusive lower prices on hundreds of products every month.
Having the app on your phone makes it easy – as well as personalised offers, you can access sale and clearance deals, meaning you could get some seriously decent beauty products for a steal. And look out for 3-for-2 offers and half price deals in Boots stores, especially on the beauty staples that you love and know you’ll use.
But (and it’s a big but), don’t spend for the sake of it. "If you need something, buying it on offer makes sense, but it’s not advisable to buy things just because they’re on offer as it becomes wasted spending," warns Clare.
6. Try multitasking
Professional make-up artists rarely stick to the rules when it comes to products. They’re always mixing and matching their products; cream blushers can double up as lipsticks, eyeshadows become liners if applied wet, bronzers can work just as well on the eyes as they can on your cheekbones to amp up your complexion – even using your lip liner as a lipstick will do the trick.
Look out for brands formulating products with multitasking traits, such as Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer, that can be used both for touch-ups or full face coverage, and No7 Lip & Cheek Tint.
7. Supersize your faves
Another tip that ticks off the sustainability box, as well as the money-saving one, is to go supersize – many brands offer larger versions of their bestsellers. Refills are another good idea as they ring in with a cheaper price tag than rebuying all that bulky packaging. "If you consistently use one product, then buying it in a larger version can be a great way to save money," says Clare.
As a heads up, Radox shower gels now come in XXL, Bioderma has a one-litre body wash option, while Aussie, Dove, Sanctuary Spa and Fenty all have refill pouches and cartridges available.
All prices correct at date of publication.
Photography: Pixeleyes
