Most of us know that we shouldn’t spend all of our hard-earned cash on makeup and clothes. However, it can be difficult to resist a gorgeous new lipstick or a designer pair of shoes that are 50% off. The good news is that it is possible to look fabulous without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to help you save money and still look like a million bucks!
Look for dupes
Chances are, if you’re drooling over a high-end product, there is a cheaper alternative that will work just as well. For example, MAC’s Velvet Teddy lipstick is a cult favorite, but NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cairo is a great dupe that only costs $6.50. Drugstore makeup brands have come a long way in recent years, so do some research and find products that suit your needs and budget.
Shop at discount stores
If you love designer labels but can’t justify spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on a piece of clothing, check out stores like T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, and Marshalls. These stores sell clothes from high-end designers at deeply discounted prices, so you can snag something fabulous without going into debt.
Learn to DIY
With a little practice, you can do your own nails, hair, and makeup just as well as (if not better than) the pros. YouTube is full of helpful tutorials that will teach you how to do everything from giving yourself a mani/pedi to contouring your face like Kim Kardashian West. Not only will you save money by doing your own beauty treatments at home, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself!
Invest in timeless pieces
When shopping for clothes and accessories, try to focus on items that won’t go out of style quickly. A black blazer, for example, can be dressed up or down and will last you for years; meanwhile, something like a crop top or bodycon dress will probably only be in fashion for one season before being relegated to the back of your closet forever. If you must buy something trendier, try to find pieces that can be incorporated into multiple outfits so you get the most bang for your buck.
Be savvy about sales
Most stores have sales several times per year, so there’s no need to pay full price for anything if you don’t want to. When an item goes on sale, buy multiples if possible so you have it on hand when you need it (this is especially true of makeup and skincare items). Additionally, sign up for store emails so you’ll be among the first to know when there’s a sale or clearance event happening—that way, you can score some great deals before everyone else has the same idea!
Borrow instead of buy whenever possible
If you only need something for one special occasion, see if you can borrow it from a friend or family member instead of buying it yourself. The same goes for things like DVDs, video games, books, etc . : chances are, someone you know already has what you need, so there’s no need to waste money on duplicates. If all else fails, try renting instead of buying; this option is often cheaper in the long run anyway.
Ditch expensive habits
If your daily Starbucks habit is putting a serious dent in your budget, try making coffee at home instead or simply cutting back to one cup per day instead of two or three. Similarly, if smoking cigarettes is costing you an arm and a leg, consider quitting altogether; your health (and wallet) will thank you!
By following these simple tips, any woman can look gorgeous without spending an obscene amount of money. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, it’s easy to put together fashionable outfits, do your own Hair & makeup, and stick to a budget. So go forth and shop smartly — your bank account will thankyou!