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Hey, beautiful mamas! We all know that taking care of ourselves is crucial, but let’s face it – beauty products are expensive. You still want to treat yourself but you don’t want to break the bank.
As a mom who is obsessed with everything beauty, I’ve discovered some fantastic DIY ways to treat myself. That not only saves money but also makes me feel like I’m all that and a bag of chips.
Now, let’s be real some of these swaps happened because I just didn’t have the funds to keep up or I was just tired of spending that much money. I mean nails were costing me $120 to last me two weeks. I remember $60 sets, including tips.
So let’s dive into these budget-friendly beauty secrets that won’t break the bank! This post is all about how to treat yourself on a budget.
1. Homemade Face Masks
Skip the pricey spa treatments and treat yourself to luxurious face masks at home. Ingredients like honey, yogurt, and even avocado can do wonders for your skin. Not only are they cost-effective, but they’re also free from harmful chemicals.
You can make multiple fresh, facial masks with kitchen/pantry ingredients.
- Coconut Oil & Honey
- Green Tea Face Scrub
- Avocado Face Mask
- Coffee Mud Face Mask
- Overnight Moisturizing Face Mask
2. DIY Hair Treatments
We all have experience with expensive salon visits and trying to keep up with routine maintenance. Save some money by whipping up your own hair treatments. Coconut oil, olive oil, and even mashed bananas can revive dry and damaged hair.
Of course, keep in mind that different hair types and textures will need different combinations for effective treatment.
For example, I have coarse, kinky, and curly hair. So my hair can withstand heavier, creamier treatments. I would need a deeper conditioner. My daughter has, thinner, looser curls so anything heavy would weigh her hair done. She could get away with lighter oils to moisturize.
3. Natural Skin Care
Instead of splurging on high-end skincare products, get familiar with the power of natural ingredients. A simple blend of olive oil and sugar makes an excellent exfoliator (lip and face), while aloe vera gel works wonders as a moisturizer. Your skin will glow, and you’ll be saving those extra dollars.
Choose a soft, fine sugar or exfoliator. I’ve used white and brown sugar when I’m feeling extra fancy. I have also used a natural clay mask and that has lasted me years, you just add water.
Leave that on during a steaming hot shower and you have your own personal sauna or invest in a steamer. I live for a quality steam sesh.
4. Budget-Friendly Makeup
Another money-saving tip: Treat yourself to quality, versatile makeup products that can serve multiple purposes. A tinted moisturizer can act as a foundation, and a neutral eyeshadow can double as a highlighter. Less is more, and your makeup bag will thank you.
Top 5 Favorite Brands:
- NYX
- Elf
- Revlon
- Maybelline
- Covergirl
5. At Home Nail Care
Skip the salon for your next manicure and opt for an at-home nail care routine. Seriously, saves me over $100.
Treat yourself to a good nail file, buffer, and some vibrant nail polish colors. DIY mani/pedi are not only cost-effective but also a fun way to express your creativity.
I have also loved the upgraded press-on nails lately. Press-ons used to get such a bad rap but lately, more and more people are gravitating towards them. They can range anywhere from $6-$25. Your most expensive press is still cheaper than a one-time visit to the salon.
6. Repurpose Household Items
Don’t throw away anything! Get creative with everyday household items for your beauty routine. An old (sanitized) toothbrush can be repurposed as a gentle lip exfoliator, and a silk pillowcase can work wonders for preventing hair frizz.
You can use an old cotton shirt or old socks as a gentle non-heat hair curler. While your slow cooker or Crockpot can heat up some face towels for a pore-opening facial.
7. Bulk Buying
Purchase beauty essentials in bulk to take advantage of discounts. Items like cotton pads, Q-tips, and toiletries often come at a lower price when bought in larger quantities. Plus, it saves you from frequent trips to the store.
8. Swap and Share
Connect with other moms for beauty product swaps. You might find that a product that didn’t work for them is your new beauty must-have, and vice versa.
You can treat yourself to your mom’s beauty stash. My mom has had many beauty subscription boxes and products she has tried and didn’t love.
Being the only girl, she would pass them all down to me. I would get tons of free products that she didn’t like or never used.
9. Salon Services Offered Through Beauty Schools
Check with your local esthetician school for students needing training. They are still learning and will need practice. They may offer discounted prices or a promotional deal.
It’s a win-win situation. The student gets real-life training and you receive a spa treatment without the hefty price tag. I haven’t done this myself, so I cannot coach you through the process. But I have heard of people doing this with dental students, cosmetology students, etc.
10. Take advantage of your favorite Loyalty programs
You were already shopping there anyway. You might as well treat yourself to some extra points. Enter your email, birthday, and phone number so you can score some points for every purchase.
You’ll rack up some points and you can use it to get free or discounted items next time. Although you’ll purchase a product at full price you may be able to take some dollars off next time.
Ulta (in my personal experience) has a nice loyalty rewards program and I’m always shopping there anyway. I enjoy my little discount every time.
Conclusion
Remember, being a mom doesn’t mean sacrificing self-care. You can still treat yourself to quality self care, just more budget-friendly. This post is all about how to treat yourself while on a budget.
