Over the years, I’ve found myself sharing my tips with clients on where to spend vs save on beauty rituals. I thought I’d not only let you in on my secrets, but help guide you on where it’s good to spend money and when you can save a few bucks. Whether you are someone who keeps up your rituals month after month or only for special occasions, this should help you navigate your budget.
I am someone who feels that beauty is very important so I invest both time and money in the products and services I use. It makes me feel really good to look in the mirror and love what is looking back at me. I get a sense of pride and unshakable confidence when I’m coiffed just right. This same feeling is something I want all of you to experience.
Hair
I think it’s really important to have great hair which means both a cut and color that looks great, is easy to maintain daily and requires less effort. For as long as I can remember, I’ve made my appointment to get my hair done every six weeks. Lately, since I am getting Balayage done for my color (see my post, Balayage Technique – A Must), I can go more like eight weeks. I have some clients who can even stretch their color out 12 weeks using Balayage. The ombre look is also helping us ladies avoid doing our roots every 4-6 weeks. So, if you want low maintenance, use these techniques and spread your appointments out.
Facials
This is something I feel very passionate about. I meet women everyday in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s that do not get regular treatments done on their face and to tell you the truth, I can tell. Their skin ages prematurely. I’m a firm believer that it’s important to start taking care of your skin as early as you can. You can start at home with using good products, exfoliating and using a Clarisonic daily. When you are in your late 30s-early 40s, if you want to keep your youthful appearance, it’s now imperative that you see someone regularly. I go to a medical esthetician every 4-8 weeks to have my skin worked on. She usually starts with Dermaplaning my skin which essentially removes dead skin cells as well as any peach fuzz hair and gives a great glow to the skin. Then, I like to do some laser treatment to tighten my skin (especially under my neck now that I’m in my early 40s) and usually we finish up with a light peel. This is where I splurge, as you only have one face to last you this lifetime and you need to take care of it. If you can’t splurge on this kind of treatment, do some at home treatments to keep you looking great.
Clarisonic ‘Mia 2 – Fuchsia & Caribbean’ Sonic Skin Cleansing System Duo, $199.00
Nails
Oh how I wish that I had perfect nails every day but the sad reality is, I don’t. This is one area that is time consuming for me. I used to get a manicure every other week religiously but quite frankly, I run out of time for it. Lately, I’ve started giving myself a manicure in between my professional appointments. Sometimes I do clear polish and sometimes a light pink shade. This way, when I make little mistakes, you can’t tell. As for my pedicure, I get one every 4-5 weeks even in the winter. It makes me feel great to have nice nails all the time.
Wax
I was talking to my esthetician one day after Valentine’s Day and she told me that it’s the busiest time of the year for her. I thought that was interesting that everyone rushes in to get coiffed. I’m a believer that you should look that good all year rounds Therefore, I go every 4-5 weeks. I don’t know how to get around this as I could never inflict the pain to myself.
Spray Tan
This is where I save. I have only gotten two spray tans, ever. I have clients that swear by them but I guess I don’t mind my skin that much in the winter. Sure, it would look better with a nice glow but in my opinion, that’s where Jergens Natural Glow Lotion comes into play.
Massages
I am someone who feels that massages are not a splurge but rather a necessity. If at a five star spa, it might be considered as one, but for something that is a monthly appointment, I don’t believe so. Years ago, I found an amazing masseuse who happens to work at Massage Envy and now I book my monthly appointment with them and I’m good to go. My splurge for massages would then be setting up two appointments for one month.
Blowouts
I can go both ways about blowouts. When I was pregnant and had long hair, they were a necessity and I would get one a week in my last trimester to keep me looking great. Other than that, this is where I save. I’ve learned over the years how to do my own hair fairly well so unless it’s a special occasion, I skip it.
Where do you spend vs. save?
