Beauty takes up a lot of my budget. And let’s face it – lots of products we spend our hard-earned bucks on don’t make the cut. I’ve been disappointed by purchases at the makeup counter many, many times.

Financial experts recommend we women keep our monthly beauty budget at about five per cent of our net take home, which is almost impossible when we consider the variety of products on the market!

Now – don’t judge me – but here are some things you can try with stuff that’s probably already around your house, so you can save your beauty budget for the fun stuff. Let’s get budget fabulous!

Remedy for red eyes: Your favorite eye drops (yes, the same ones you use after a night of hard partying) can also be used to take the red and/or swelling out of a blemish. Place a few drops on a spoon, let it sit in the freezer a few minutes, and place over the affected area.

Keep your eye cream in the fridge: When you wake up in the morning, the cold will alleviate the puffiness and swelling under your eyes.

White toothpaste: When placed on a breakout, will help dry it up and heal it overnight.

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste: To exfoliate lips; perfect before applying your lipstick.

Instead of buying pore cleansing strips: Steal your kid brother’s Elmer’s Glue. Simply apply a thin layer, let it dry, and peel it off. Yes girl, you will thank me later…I promise you’ll see results!

Paper toilet seat covers: They make great blotting paper! So does left over tissue from gifts and packaging.

Add Vaseline: To any powder eye shadow, be it loose or pressed. This can make a hot new gel blush or lip stain in the event you don’t have that perfect shade you’re coveting.

Instead of shaving your legs with shaving cream: Use some of your hair conditioner! Your legs will feel silky smooth and soft, and you can skip the moisturizer after.

Hairspray: When sprayed about eight inches away from your face (keeping your eyes and mouth closed, of course) hairspray is a great way to the seal the deal after your makeup is on.

I’m well aware some things sound more cheap than chic (toilet seat covers, really?), but when you add up the savings and have that new bag/shoes/dress you’ve been lusting after and still look gorge, you’ll congratulate yourself on being a true budget beauty guru.

So dollfaces, do you have any beauty tips worth trying out?  Feel free to share!

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