Face

Beauty Bargains

July 8, 2009

Recession or not, there are times when spending top dollar on cosmetic items is unfortunately not possible. You may have just invested a large sum into your power company (as we just did with one horrific bill), had to get the car fixed, take a pet to the vet or you just splashed out on something else. Or you may be one of those people who decides to spend less on certain items so you can spend more on others. Because lets face it, yes it is nice to have a row of expensive, beautifully designed dream promising creams in our bathroom and bedroom but there are cheaper alternatives. I did an unscientific poll around colleagues and friends to find what their beauty bargains are. My only requirement was that the item be under $25, this is what they said:

 

Tamsin - Cetaphil 500ml cleanser, $23.99 from pharmacies. I keep it in the shower and use it as a cleanser day and night. It’s gentle and effective. I also use Garnier Clean Sensitive Delicate Eye Makeup Remover, $12.95, from supermarkets, it doesn’t aggravate my sensitive eyes and removes waterproof mascara.

Elizabeth - Nivea Lip Glosscare, $8 approx, at supermarkets and department stores. I always use a gloss when I go out at night - the glossier the better, anyway as an impulse purchase I decided to try this instead. It feels great on your lips and lasts for ages.

Tee - Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, $13.80 for 200ml, available at supermarkets and pharmacies. I’ve always struggled to find a cleanser that doesn’t aggravate my skin, even “natural” based formulas seem to have too much fragrance and then the traditional ’sensitive’ formulas clog up my pores. So when my old flat-mate introduced me to the Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser and it worked, I signed up for life. Gentle enough to use morning and night, gets rid of makeup, nice creamy texture and no aggravating scents! Winner.

Sandee - Palmers Cocoa Butter Moisturiser, approx $15, I love it. And I’ve just started doing my hair at home. I use Garnier Espresso hair dye - $AU15.95 vs $90 at the salon - perfect!

Kathryn - Lucas Papaw ointment - approx $10 for a tube and I use it as lip balm, on elbows, dry skin, mosquito bites, burns, pretty much everything!

Meghann - Nivea eye make up remover!  It’s just brilliant - and about $5 i think from the supermarket. I have tried oodles of expensive ones - and i always return to this.

Jill - Skinfood facial cleanser and moisturizer. I use it all the time - it’s very gentle and good for my sensitive skin!  Also takes eye make up off, I can’t seem to use any of the more specific eye cleansers or my face swells - bizarre.

Amy - I would say Bio Oil. It smells good, and a bottle lasts ages, and only costs $19.95. It’s light, yet nourishing, and is best applied just as you turn the shower off while your skin’s still wet, so you trap the moisture in. Has brilliant results on stretch marks and scars, and is fantastic for sunburnt skin. 

Kate - L’Oreal Paris Resist & Shine Titanium Nail colour $14.99 - heaps of gorgeous colours and lasts long - five days and counting so far!

Sarah - Trilogy 100% Rosehip Oil $22.90…  I use it everynight around my eyes - and if I’ve got any scars… I once got a bit retarded with my hair irons and thankfully there’s no evidence left of the awful straight line i had running down the side of my neck thanks to this wee gem!

What are your beauty bargains?

Tamsin xo