If you're constantly wondering where your money goes or why your products aren't lasting as long as they used to, you're not alone. And thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, not only are prices for everything skyrocketing, but pack sizes are getting smaller (we're looking at you, Cadbury).
Honestly squeezing money out of your already stretched budget for beauty products can seem like a bit of a waste, sure those high end brands are luxuries and did wonders for your skin but when you’re looking down the barrel of yet another rent or mortgage increase that's risen yet again you have to think do I really need that Clarins moisturiser or a roof over my head?
But fear not, you can still keep your skincare pretty much at the top of its game with a few simple tweaks to what, how and where you buy your beauty essentials.
Streamline, Don’t Sacrifice
When you're making a choice of where to spend your hard-earned cash, it can be tempting to push things right back to the bare basics, but simplifying isn't about doing less; it's about finding what works and cutting the rest.
This is where the whole “skin minimalism” concept comes to the forefront. Most people are layering too many products on their skin, and realistically, swapping your 7-step skincare routine for a good cleaner, serum, moisturiser, and SPF can be just as effective and much more affordable
Choose Multi-Products
Multiproducts are the way forward, honestly. You need products pulling double duty so you're not pulling double shifts to afford them.
A tinted moisturiser can give coverage and skin protection. A cream blush can also be a lip tint or an eye shadow, while cleansing oils pull everything off, meaning you don't need multiple cleaners to clean your skin.
But that's not all, look for ingredients that also work twice as hard for your skin; for example, niacinamide can help balance oil, reduce redness, and smooth texture in one fell swoop - you have to admire its potential and its ability to save you money on buying separate products for each issue.
Switch to More Affordable Brands
Dupes are a lifesaver here, and for many cost-effective products, the results are the same, if not better than their more expensive counterparts. Take Aldi’s Lacura range, they regularly go viral for matching high-end serums and moisturisers at a fraction of the price (plus if you're buying your skincare with your food shop, it's one less trip out you need to make too).
If you're unsure of whether or not they'll be suitable for your face, buy one before you need it and test it out while you still have your current product in rotation, this away if its not for you you can switch back easily - oh and track reviews and look for those with similar skin types to you for a more accurate picture of what results to expect and potential issues.
Buy Essentials Online
It can be all too easy to fall into a rut of buying things in the same places because that's where you've always shopped, but honestly, this is likely costing you a lot more than it needs to.
Buying things online can easily unlock you massive savings on any purchase, not just beauty products. We’re talking about cotton wool pads, contact lenses, contact lens solution, brush cleaners and more. Even your glasses, too. You can buy cheap glasses online, so you can put money towards buying the beauty products you need, meaning you can see well and look good (oh, and also see what you're doing when carrying out your beauty routines, too, of course!)
Extend this thinking to things like shampoo vitamins if you use them, refill pouches, subscriptions, etc and check for discount codes, use cashback sites, and make sure you get the best deals instead of heading to the most expensive places to buy.
Shop Smart
Buying in bulk can sometimes open up bigger savings (especially for those retailers who offer discounts for bigger spends or free delivery), and timing your purchases well can save you a lot of money. January clear-outs, Black Friday sales and member events are perfect times to shop and stock up on your essentials. Check out comparison tools like Cosmetify or use outlet sites to help you find price drops for a bargain or two. It's worth the extra 5 or 10 minutes to get more for your money.
If you're loyal to certain brands or you can only use certain products thanks to sensitive skin or allergies, sign up for a mailing list or a reward scheme, and this will help you get what you need for less.
Stretch It Out
Before you run out and buy more, check what you already have.
Cut open tubes to get them out, scrape out jars, and mix old foundation with moisturiser for a lighter tint. Use the ends of your conditioner as shaving foam. These are small tips that can deliver bigger savings over the course of a year. It's not about being stingy, it's about getting use from what you have already paid for and not wasting money unnecessarily. Stretching out one moisturiser or mascara can save you up to £100 over the year, depending on how much you pay for it.
Add Luxury
Luxury isn't always a price; it's a feeling, and you can recreate some of that at home with a few changes to your routine. Clean towels that match, a candle during your skincare routine, soft mood lighting and that soft music in the background with a hint of fragrance that transports you anywhere but your bathroom. All luxury tricks brands and spas use to help you feel relaxed and pampered. And there's nothing that says you can't recreate this at home. So throw some soothing spa music on Spotify, turn the big light off, and indulge yourself for a better pampering experience.
If you need to save a few pounds, and honestly, who doesn’t these days, it's the small tricks that will accumulate and help you get exactly what you want for less, so you're not missing out or wasting money.
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