You're Only as Beautiful as Your Budget: Get More Beauty for Your Buck

Every woman wants that put-together look found at professional spas, salons, and in upscale makeup stores. No one, though, wants the extra wrinkles that come with the stress of paying for it all. You've lost enough beauty sleep over the recession. Now, let the sluggish economy provide you with ample opportunities to save money as beauty companies work harder for your loyalty. As an extra bonus, the recession means that saving is in and Grandma's tips are making a well-deserved comeback.
 

Memberships

No, you aren't having a dream that you have gone back to high school as the most popular cheerleader. But you are sought-after to join memberships for businesses from beauty supply stores to drug stores. Signing up will make you a V.I.P to receive special discounts and email offers. Stores like Sally Beauty offer paid memberships that reimburse the cost with free merchandise, while you receive various discounts each time you shop.Many beauty stores already have the best deal on beauty supplies anywhere. Adding a discount makes it even better.

Sales, Clearance and Coupons

Cozy up to a good retail ad. Makeup and hair products go on sale all the time. In fact, beauty supplies are among the most competitively priced markets in stores. Wondering why you never noticed these great deals before? Well, those price breaks aren't on the stickers. They come in the form of rebates, sales, and coupons. Make like Indiana Jones and seek out treasures on the clearance racks that are usually well-hidden deep in the health and beauty section. With a little forethought and planning, you'll even be able to combine a few deals.

The best way to benefit from sales and coupons is to stockpile, or double up a coupon and sale deal. Look for Extra Bucks or Bucks Back deals and add a coupon. Don't buy it unless it's on sale AND you have a coupon. Look for multiple savings every time you buy and you'll make your beauty dollars go a lot further.

Many pharmacy stores have clearance sections in the back. Make it a habit of hitting the clearance rack every time you visit. You'll find awesome deals, like $1.25 for concealer, $.50 for lipstick and $.99 for mascara. The more often you check, the more likely you are to find a good deal. 

Homemade Brews

No, we're not talking about the beer-making contraption your hubby wants to set up. We're talking about the beauty secrets that your grandmother wanted to share. You probably couldn't hear her because you were jamming to New Kids on the Block on your portable cassette player while crimping your hair and teasing your bangs. These do-it-yourself beauty products and tips will give you a more natural look while making you look better than you naturally would.

• If even thinking about teasing your bangs caused a pimple to come through, dab some toothpaste on it to make it disappear overnight.
• Breakfast doesn't get any more comforting than with oatmeal and honey. When you mix these two calming wonders into a paste sans the milk, you'll have a facial mask that will comfort your wallet and your skin.
• We all know that olive oil is a great for frying an egg or dipping bread, but this oil's versatility knows no bounds. Use it as a manicure oil to keep your cuticles soft or has a hair mask for luxurious hair.
• You may have thought that Grandma kept the vinegar bottle around to sting our noses when she cleaned the kitchen counters with it. But she may have been using it with equal parts cold water to make her hair shine.
• Sugar is bad for your teeth, but a great hairspray substitute for your locks. Fill a spray bottle with water, add two tablespoons sugar, shake, and, viola, you have hairspray that is easy on your wallet and your hair.

Compromise

Honestly, can you tell a $15 hair cut from a $50 one? Most other people can't either. So stop paying the big salon price and go to the discount hair dresser. They also give deep discounts on hair color and highlights. You may have to go a few times before you find the stylist you like best, but that's true of any salon. If you really want a beautiful wallet, you have to try new things that can make a big positive impact on your budget.