Beauty On A Budget: How To Look Fabulous For Less

Beauty is a luxury, and few can afford it. But if you’re looking for ways to look fabulous without breaking the bank, this post is for you! 

We’ll show you how to save money on beauty products, services and even clothing so that you can “do it yourself” with style and still have enough left over for a nice treat or two!

LOOK EXPENSIVE ON A BUDGET
Takeaways
Looking fabulous doesn’t have to be expensive.
Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean compromising on style.
Discover tips and tricks for looking chic on a budget.
Learn how to shop for high-end brands without overspending.
Explore sustainable fashion options that align with your values and budget.
Find out how to achieve a designer look for less.
Embrace eco-friendly beauty brands without sacrificing quality or style.
Enhance your style without breaking the bank.
Save money on your appearance while still looking great.
Get advice on how to always look good on any budget.

Shop Your Closet

The beauty of shopping your own wardrobe is that you know exactly how well the clothes fit and how you look in them. If you don’t like what’s hanging in your closet, then it’s time for a new wardrobe.

When it comes to shopping, there are endless ways to save money and make a great outfit out of items already in your possession. 

You can shop your closet by looking at all the outfits that are currently hanging or folded up in drawers and closets around your house or apartment and then figure out which pieces will work best as part of another ensemble. 

By combining different shirts, pants and accessories from existing wardrobes, anyone can create several different looks without having to spend an arm and leg on buying new clothes!

Building a fabulous wardrobe on a budget is possible with a few secrets in mind. Discover the top tips for looking chic on a budget in our comprehensive guide on 10 Secrets to Looking Chic on a Budget, and transform your style without breaking the bank.

Thrift Shop

Thrift stores are a great place to find items for your beauty routine. You can find items that are brand new, and some that have been used by someone else. The price is usually a fraction of the cost of new items, so it’s easy to get excited about finding something!

Some of my favorite places to shop include Goodwill, Salvation Army and Value Village (which is just like Goodwill). 

In general, thrift stores have clothing sorted by size in bins at the front of their store you’ll want to look here first for any makeup or skincare products you’re looking for. 

If you don’t see anything there yet then check out their jewelry section (if they have one) because sometimes these stores will sell makeup in little plastic containers with fake names on them they’re usually pretty cheap!

Thrift StoreDescription
GoodwillA nonprofit organization offering secondhand beauty products
Salvation Army Thrift StoreThrift store chain with a variety of affordable beauty items
Plato’s ClosetSecondhand store specializing in trendy clothing and beauty
Value VillageThrift store with a wide selection of affordable beauty products

Thrift Stores for Affordable Beauty Finds

Thrift stores offer a treasure trove of affordable beauty products, both brand new and gently used. With prices significantly lower than retail, these stores provide an exciting opportunity to discover hidden gems. Consider visiting popular thrift store options like Goodwill, Salvation Army Thrift Store, Plato’s Closet, and Value Village for budget-friendly beauty finds.

Coupons, Sales, and Online Promos

You can find coupons for beauty products in the newspaper, in magazines and online. You can also ask your friends if they have any coupons they don’t use or just want to share with someone else. 

Try looking up the brands you love on their websites to see if there are any special promotions going on. If you’re shopping at a drugstore or department store, try looking for sales as well!

Makeup Perks

It’s no secret that makeup is expensive. From foundations to mascaras, eye shadow palettes and lipsticks it’s easy to rack up the cost of a small country on your credit card bill. 

If the idea of spending $300 on high-end beauty products makes you cringe, try one of these tips for scoring makeup at a bargain price:

Sample packs are an excellent way to get acquainted with a new product before committing to buying it. They usually come with three or four different shades or options so you can try them out before committing to one color or formula. They’re not too pricey either; most sample packs cost under $10 each!

Gift with purchase promotions can help reduce your outlay when it comes time to buy more makeup. Some brands will offer free samples with any purchase (just ask at checkout), while others offer discounts on certain items when you spend over a certain amount during their promotional period (usually 30 days). Keep an eye out for these deals!

Finding designer deals and shopping high-end brands without overspending is every fashion lover’s dream. Explore our insightful article on Score Designer Deals: How to Shop High-End Brands for Less, and get ready to elevate your wardrobe with luxurious pieces at affordable prices.

Salon Deals

Get a discount if you’re a regular customer. If you go to the same salon on a regular basis, chances are they’ll be happy to give you a discount. There may be a certain number of visits or amount spent required before this happens, but it’s worth asking.

Ask for a student discount. If your child is in school or taking classes at an accredited learning institution, ask if they offer any type of student discount that might apply to their services as well!

Ask for senior discounts. Senior citizens often receive discounts when purchasing products and services from many different businesses throughout the world; why not take advantage of those savings? Start by asking questions!

SalonRegular Customer Discount
La Bella Salon10% off for customers with 5 or more visits
Styles Unlimited15% discount after spending $200 in total
Glamour Studio20% off for customers who visit twice a month
Shear Perfection10% discount for customers with 8 or more visits

Salons Offering Regular Customer Discounts

Many salons offer special discounts for their loyal customers. Take advantage of these offers by visiting the same salon regularly. Here are a few salons that provide discounts based on the number of visits or amount spent. It is worth asking your preferred salon about their regular customer discount policy.

Don’t Be Afraid of Seconds!

One of the best ways to look fabulous on a budget is to buy things that are discounted or discontinued. 

You might think that trying out a product that’s been returned is risky, but it really isn’t the risk is negligible if you’re buying from an established store (like Nordstrom Rack) or reputable brand (like L’Oreal). 

Plus, most secondhand items come with a return policy so you can always swap it out for something else if you don’t like what you bought.

Discounts and sales can also help make your beauty budget go further: if something’s on sale at half off, then it’s more affordable than if it was full price! 

Also consider shopping at department stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s during their semi-annual clearance events; they tend to have all kinds of discounted makeup products including discontinued colors and styles from previous seasons.

Embrace eco-friendly beauty options without sacrificing quality or style. Discover our curated list of 10 Eco-Friendly Beauty Brands You Need to Try Now and find innovative skincare and makeup products that are good for both your skin and the environment.

Discount Websites

Discount websites are a great way to find the best deals on cosmetics, but it can be difficult to find the best ones. If you’re looking for specific products, use Google to search for “discount beauty websites + product name.” 

For example, if you want to buy a Nars foundation at a discount price, type “Discount Beauty Websites Nars Foundation.” This will bring up results of all of the discount sites that sell Nars products. 

It’s easiest to start with these sites because they’re already established and have proven themselves as reputable sources of discounted products.

Once you’ve found some good ones, take advantage of them! Sign up for their newsletters or follow them on Facebook so that they send along updates when there are new sales or discounts available. 

You’ll also want to make sure that they’re selling authentic product; some discount sites may sell fakes instead of real items from big brands like Clinique or Tarte Cosmetics (which is especially dangerous when dealing with things like fake eyelash glue).

Sustainable fashion is not only a conscious choice but also a budget-friendly option. Dive into the world of eco-conscious style with our comprehensive guide on The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Fashion Brands, and discover the best sustainable brands that align with your values and budget.

Trade Services

Trade services are another way to get beauty services on the cheap. There are many online marketplaces where people offer their services in exchange for others’ or barter them with other users. For example, you might pay someone to do your taxes and they’ll do your makeup.

It’s a great idea if you’re looking for something very specific or exotic—like a henna tattoo! But it can also be helpful if you’re just looking to save money.

To find people who are interested in trading services, try posting an ad on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. 

You could also check out local community boards (like this one) or even post flyers around town advertising what you’re looking for and asking if anyone would be willing to trade their service with yours instead of paying cash!

Achieving a designer look without breaking the bank is easier than you think. Uncover the secrets to shopping designer brands on a budget in our article, Get the Designer Look for Less: How to Shop Designer Brands on a Budget, and add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe without compromising your financial goals.

Buy Used Beauty Products Online

To save money, you should buy beauty products online. There are a lot of options! Check out Amazon and eBay, as well as Craiglist and Craigslist (for buying and/or selling). 

If you’re looking for gently-used goods, check out Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark. You can also search ThredUp for gently used clothing—they have a nice selection of vintage beauty products too!

OptionDescription
AmazonOnline marketplace with a wide range of beauty products
eBayPlatform for buying and selling new and used items
Craiglist (for buying)Online classifieds for local buying and selling
Craiglist (for selling)Platform to sell and buy pre-owned beauty products

Don’t Fall for the Hype!

Never be afraid to ask questions. If you’re not sure how a product works, speak up! It’s better to ask an employee what they can do for you than it is to sit there looking clueless while they try to sell it.

Never be afraid of trying new products. Many people avoid trying new things because they’re afraid that they won’t like them or won’t work well with their skin type, but the truth is that there are so many different brands out there and so many different types of makeup and skincare products, it’s impossible for one item (no matter how expensive) to work perfectly on every single person out there.

Never be afraid of returning items if necessary and don’t feel bad about doing so! Stores like Sephora will give you store credit as long as your receipt shows that the product hasn’t been used outside its original packaging.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

12 Tips for Looking Stylish on a Budget: Discover practical tips and tricks to enhance your style without overspending.

13 Tips to Spend Less on Your Appearance but Still Look Great: Learn valuable strategies to save money on your appearance while maintaining a stylish and presentable look.

How to Always Look Good: Clever Girl Finance: Find insightful advice and guidance on maintaining a polished appearance consistently.

FAQs

How can I look stylish while on a budget?

There are several ways to look stylish without spending a fortune. Consider shopping during sales, thrifting, or focusing on staple pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.

Are budget-friendly fashion choices low in quality?

Not necessarily. By being selective and researching brands that offer affordable yet durable and fashionable options, you can find budget-friendly clothing that doesn’t compromise quality.

How do I prioritize my spending on appearance?

Prioritizing your spending on appearance involves determining which aspects are most important to you, setting a budget, and focusing on investing in those areas while finding cost-effective solutions for others.

Is it possible to look good without spending a lot of money?

Absolutely! From exploring affordable fashion brands to learning how to style different pieces, there are endless ways to enhance your appearance without breaking the bank.

Can I maintain a stylish look without constantly buying new clothes?

Yes, you can! By learning how to mix and match your current wardrobe, accessorize effectively, and incorporate small changes, you can create fresh and fashionable outfits without constantly buying new clothes.