Beauty and hygiene products aren’t cheap. Glancing at your medicine cabinet or toiletry bag, you’re likely looking at hundreds of dollars, if not more. While you may assume this is well-spent money, your wallet may be saying otherwise.
The rising cost of raw materials and economic inflation have driven the price of beauty and cosmetic goods. While skipping your personal care routine isn’t really an option, there are ways to cut costs. Below are four ways to make your personal care routine more affordable without neglecting yourself or your self-care routine.
1. Purchase Reusable Products
Many personal care and hygiene products are single-use. The cotton pads you use every night to remove your makeup have to be thrown away after use. The individually wrapped body wipes you use after going to the gym are disposed of. And the disposable razor you bring with you on vacation doesn’t last beyond the trip. Single-use items are designed to be convenient, but they can also be costly.
Purchasing reusable products is a more cost-effective long-term solution that is better for your wallet and the planet too. With many brands focusing on more eco-friendly solutions, the options available today are nearly endless. For those with regular menstrual cycles, period underwear can be washed and re-worn multiple times — outlasting a disposable pad or tampon. Makeup remover wipes can be replaced with bamboo or cotton cloths. And a one-use razor can be swapped for a stainless steel razor meant to last for years.
2. Streamline Your Routine
The saying “less is more” rings true here. Streamlining your hygiene routine can save you a lot of money. Because the less you buy, the less you’ll spend. Also, adding more products to your routine may not be the best for you anyway. Combining certain ingredients from various brands may actually irritate your skin, causing redness, itchiness, or dryness.
To streamline your routine, look at your current steps and identify the products you use for each step. Break down your skincare routine into buckets, such as cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and protecting. Look for ways to use the same product for two different steps. For instance, consider using a moisturizer with sun-protecting benefits. Go through the same process with your makeup routine, looking for areas to simplify and eliminate anything you don’t need.
Once you’ve found what minimal products work, stick with them. It’s easy to be swayed by advertisements and brands pushing for a seven or 10-step routine. Knowing what works for your skin will keep it healthy while also keeping your wallet happy.
3. Look for Dupes
Price isn’t a guarantee of effectiveness. Luxury cosmetic brands are perceived as being more worthy than they may be worth. These goods are marketed by celebrity and influencer endorsements, capturing attention and allure. However, if you take a look at the product’s ingredients you may notice they are equivalent to some drugstore brands.
Thanks to social media and the rise of beauty videos on TikTok and Instagram, consumers today can find lower-cost solutions to these luxury brands. These “dupes” can be just as beneficial with a lower price. Beauty brand e.l.f., for example, is known for creating copycat cosmetics with stellar results. And Pacifica is coming to market with makeup that rivals top-tier brands.
When searching for more cost-effective solutions, do your research. Go to social media, read reviews on beauty sites, and browse reputable blogs. These sources are researching the best dupes for you. Take advantage and be confident in your purchase before getting to the checkout. If something doesn’t work out, check the return policy to see if you can swap it for another item; many stores such as Sephora and Ulta want you to love what you’ve bought and will allow you to exchange for a new item.
4. Use Less Product
If you go to a beauty brand site or social media page, you may come across a tutorial video. The chosen actor is likely applying a liberal amount of the product to show its benefits. You may assume that you need to do the same to achieve the same results. Yet, using less product may be more beneficial to your skin and help it last longer too.
Instead of automatically slathering on your body lotion, use a quarter-sized dollop and let it soak in. You may find that is all you need to get the job done. The same goes for makeup. Instead of smearing around a blob of foundation, start with a light coat and see if you like it. Using less foundation or concealer can create a more desirable natural look too.
And don’t forget to keep the motto “waste not, want not” in mind. When you’re close to finishing a product, cut it open to squeeze out every last drop. Pump tubes inside a bottle aren’t designed to reach the very bottom. By cutting open the packaging and using everything you can, your products will last longer. The longer you wait between buying replacements, the happier your wallet will be.
Tips and Takeaways
Just because you’re spending carefully doesn’t mean you have to forgo your beloved personal care routine. With a few simple swaps, you can spend less and still feel your very best. Look for reusable and multi-use items to streamline your routine. Scour social media for dupes on your current favorites, and be mindful of the quantity you’re using. And do your best to finish everything you currently have before buying something new.
