Let’s face it. Beauty maintenance is becoming a bit too expensive. When a weekly trip to the nail salon rivals the cost of your water bill, it might be time to implement some cost-effective alternatives to maintain your appearance. Whether you’re a beauty professional or a self care rookie, we’ve got you covered. There are some seriously savvy ways to keep yourself looking great, that won’t cost your whole paycheck. So put that wallet away and get to work.

Eyebrows and Eyelashes

 As the old saying goes: the eyebrows frame the face. Sure, eyebrow threading is incredibly appealing, but well-groomed brows can be achieved from the comfort of your own home. Facial razors can be used for eyebrow retouching and are easily found at general merchandise retailers and drug stores. A simple shave around the brows gives a fresh appearance. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to keep your brows shaped to your liking.

University of Miami senior Jennifer Rivera loves keeping her brows groomed at home.

“I pluck my eyebrows to save money,” Rivera said. “It’s easy and it prevents me from overspending.”

If you’re someone who needs a little extra “umph,” an eyebrow pomade is the way to go. Pomades have a thick consistently that will hold the brows in place all day. Don’t worry about refills; these tubes have a very generous amount of product that’ll last. However, it’s always a good idea to replace your product after a year or so.

If you’re looking for lash volume, mascara and lash primer will often do the trick. Drugstore mascaras are widely used by top beauty industry professionals and won’t break the bank.

If your natural lashes aren’t doing the trick, opt for false lashes or an eyelash serum to stimulate growth.

“A lash serum is a more permanent way to make your eyelashes fuller and longer without having to rely on mascara,” said, Kaitlyn McClintock, a beauty writer at Byrdie, a digital beauty magazine.

However, when trying lash growth serums, be aware of the some of the potential side effects. According to wellness writers Zoe Weiner and Tehrene Firman at the digital publication Well & Good, lash serums can cause hyperpigmentation around the eyes, orbital fat loss and red itchy eyes.

If you want to add some extra curl to your lashes without a lash lift treatment, purchase an eyelash curler. Sit back and be amazed at the instantaneous eyelift they give. Curl the lashes and finish with your favorite mascara.

Nails

If you find yourself in proximity to an overpriced nail salon, run the other way. If nails are a non-negotiable, try out an at-home treatment. For example, a Gel X manicure kit is equipped with all the features of an in-person nail salon.

Annie Blay, associate beauty editor at Allure, praised Gel-X.

“One of the biggest benefits of Gel-X is how easy it is to remove,” Blay said. “Gel-X can also better preserve the health of your natural nails.”

Professional nail tech Elizabeth Ridley also swears by this savvy tool.

“The GelX’ time for application is so much quicker,” Ridley said.

Cut the process in half while saving your coins and clip, polish, and cure right from your dorm. If polish is too much of hassle, then try your hand at press on nails. A variety of styles are available and provide salon-like results for half the price.

DIY nail work might take some trial and error, but trust us, your pockets will thank you. If polish isn’t your thing, don’t fret. A nail clipper is all you’ll need. File down those bad boys and clip away.

Hair

A basic slick back bun never hurt anyone. This hairstyle is suitable for many different hair types and textures. Plus, it requires minimal tools: a brush, hair gel and your favorite scrunchie. The beauty in a bun? It goes with everything.

For UM junior Julie Sondon, simplicity is key when it comes to at-home haircare.

“Sticking to a regime, getting into a habit of using the same things, using simple good products makes it easy to keep my hair together,” said Sondon. “My go-to hairstyle is a half up, half down.”

For the all-equipped salon-style treatment, grab yourself a hair mask and your favorite hair oils and treat yourself to an at-home spa day. Glamour Magazine’s acting associate beauty director, Fiona Embleton, claims that “nourishing oils can soothe scalp inflammation, restorative oils repair dry and split ends, and some are even rumored to help prevent hair loss.”

So the next time you’re thinking about splurging on a new do, remember that a great hair is only a few feet away.

Looking good shouldn’t burn a whole in your pocket. These thrifty beauty tricks are sure to elevate and impress, and the best part? Both you and your wallet are happy. While beauty can be tons of fun, it’s important to shop smart and utilize efficient ways of making self care accessible for you. So grab your favorite beauty products and salon away.

words_kaya langley. photo&design_valeria barbaglio.

This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2024 print issue.

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