Beauty On A Budget

Spring will quickly turn to Summer and that means one thing- sticking to a budget so that you can enjoy a vacation getaway! Most of us watch our budget on a monthly basis and we have figured out where we are willing to splurge or save money. You want to look great every day, but you don't want to be strapped for cash in the process.

1. Consider having your haircuts, highlights, and special event styling done at your local beauty school. Students do not begin seeing clients until they have completed a significant part of their training and they are always supervised by licensed cosmetologists.
2. Before going to the local spa or dermatologist for a skin "pick me up", try at-home treatments that can exfoliate the skin, absorb excess oil, or hydrate the skin. Getting a gorgeous glow can be done inexpensively in the comfort of your bathroom.
3. Invest in a set of tools that you can use for your mani- and pedi- fix. No need to run to the nail salon if you can do your own touch-ups at home! Several companies (like OPI) sell professional quality tools to the public. Also, consider taking your polish with you to the salon. If you chip a nail, you can repair it at home rather than spending more money on a polish change.
4. If your hair color is one base shade, try applying your hair color at home every 6 weeks and have a professional apply base + highlights in the salon once a quarter. Your roots won't drive you crazy and neither will your credit card statement!
5. When you are ready to splurge on some pampering at the spa, try to buy online coupons for your best deal- look at SpaFinder, Groupon, and Buy With Me for some ideas. Also, if you look carefully, many spas offer great deals on services Monday through Thursday when spas are typically the slowest.
6. Get an inexpensive sun-kissed glow. We are learning more and more about the negative impact of tanning in the sun or in tanning beds. It ages you in the long term and raises the risk of skin cancer. Don't waste money on memberships to a tanning salon - there are plenty of great self- tanners out there for every budget. Go get a healthy glow!

1. Make your hair stronger and healthier at home using Aeto Botanica Fortifying Mask. Clinically proven to improve your hair after just 4 treatments!
2. Be ready to glow with Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Masks. 6 perfectly portioned treatments designed to smooth and tone while enhancing hydration.
3. Get a sunless tan AND exfoliate for smoother skin all at the same time with Dr Dennis Gross NEW Alpha-Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner.
4. Turn your simple bath tub soak into a spa retreat by adding a capful of Dr. Hauschka Lavender Bath to your water and relaxxxxx…...
5. Always envision lying around the spa with cucumbers on your eyes? Get the best of both worlds with Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque to soothe and hydrate your skin (at a fraction of the price!).