I’ve always been a firm believer in spending a pretty penny on a beauty product when you see real results, however when it comes to us college gals we have to get extra creative when it comes to saving money. As great as these products may be, they sure do come with a big price tag. My self-proclaimed expertise in beauty hacking has come with years of practice and sample sized goodness. I’m happy to share a few of favorite beauty hacks I’ve found to be a win in my book. I can’t promise to give all my secrets away.
- Skin Care- / Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Detox Clay Mask $7 /Glam Glow SuperMud Clearing Mask $59
A few months back I received a sample-sized Glam Glow SuperMud Mask and I couldn’t have loved it more! I’ve always heard great things about this skincare brand and let me tell you this mask lived up to its name. This mask gently exfoliated my skin leaving it feeling smooth, refreshed and helped significantly lower breakouts. I was desperate to get my hands on this stuff untill I saw the soul shattering price tag of $59. Every time I went to the beauty isle of TJ Max or Target I tried finding a mud mask that could potentially give me the same benefits of the Glam Glow SuperMud Mask. After several months, I finally found the one. At only $7 dollars, Clean & Clear’s Night Relaxing Detox Clay Mask feels so refreshing for both my face and my bank account. This mask has an amazing scent and leaves your skin so soft. If you’re interested in using a cheap and efficient mask that exfoliates, detoxifies and clears the skin this is one for you.
- Beauty: Elf Poreless Primer $6 – Urban Decay Self Adjusting Complexion Primer $34
Makeup primer is a staple in my makeup bag, and I’ve tried quite a few. My go-to primer and setting sprays have always been Urban Decay.
I ran out of my Urban Decay Self Adjusting Complexion Primer the night before one of my sorority formals. What seemed like a nightmare turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Deciding that I couldn’t’ go without a makeup primer, I went to target for a cheap alternative that would hold me over until my next Sephora haul. It was Elf’s Poreless primer that saved the day and my makeup. With a smooth and fresh finish, it levels any imperfections and creates an airbrushed look. It also has a blend of tea tree oil to brighten the skin as well. I’ll always love my Urban Decay primer; but Elf’s collection of makeup primers do just the trick for a fraction of the cost.
- Skincare: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Gel $6 / Clinique Moisture Surge $39
Having a skincare regime is vital for a healthy completion and natural glow. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping out on moisturizer is the end-all be-all leaving my skin dull, tired and dry. I received a Clinique skincare set as a Christmas gift with the well-known Clinique Moisture Surge. This miracle goodness is a gel formula that feels so silky smooth and well worth the hype. It wasn’t long after using that I saw results in my skins appearance. I started lathering this stuff on multiple times a day. It was great-until it wasn’t. I knew that Clinique was a high-end beauty brand, but who know you were practically rubbing money on your face. The way I was going through this stuff I knew I couldn’t continue to shell out $39 dollars for a 1.7-oz. jar. I resorted in finding a cheaper gel-based moisturizer and I finally came across Garnier Skin Active Moisture Rescue. It’s the same price as a large coffee and I don’t have to feel guilty for using as much as I want. It still leaves my skin hydrated and renewed without feeling oily, just like Clique’s Moisture Surge. I use it under my makeup primer as a first step and at night before bed.
- Haircare: Toni & Guy Texture Spray $9 / Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray $ 27
There is nothing like a good hair day and it’s almost like you’ve got super powers when you find something that gives you the perfect beach waves every time. When I was introduced to Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray by my bestie turned hairstylist, I knew I would never go back to boring curls. Bumble and Bumble Surf spray gives you the beachy loose curls with an effortless appearance. I never minded spending the money on this stuff because it is a genie in a bottle when it comes to hair care. However, Target’s BOGO deal on Toni & Guy hair products really changed the hair goals game for me. I had never tried Toni & Guy products before but I knew they were a trusted hair brand in the business- so I gave it a try. Since I loved the Surf Spray from Bumble and Bumble I obviously had to try the Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturizing spray. It’s also a salt based spray which gives the same effect for effortless beach waves. I paired the sea-salt spray with the Texture Dry Shampoo, which is unbelievable duo. (You really can go days without washing your hair with this stuff) This flawless duo is a staple for my summer hair routine. All in all, I got two incredible hair products for less then what I would normally pay for my Bumble and Bumble Surf spray.