Money
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Save £100s on...fashion and beauty
Pampering yourself is important – even when finances are tight – but there are a few tricks of the trade to keep costs down
As well as saving a few pounds, you will get the benefit of that healthy glow of satisfaction that you have a beauty secret which no one else knows, writes Teena Lyons.
Get creative. Ever considered making some of your own cosmetics? You will be in good company: top model Marie Helvin swears by some of her home grown recipes such as using coffee sediment as a body scrub and milk as a cleanser.
For some great recipes ranging from chocolate facial masks to peppermint aftershaves, try www.spaindex.com/HomeSpa/HomeSpa.htm
Sign up. Fancy some free cosmetics? Ayton Online Research at www.cosmeticresearchonline.com needs volunteers to try out new ranges of cosmetics and beauty treatments before they hit the shops.
Don't worry, the products have been fully tested (though not on animals) and declared safe. The manufacturers simply want consumer feedback before the products hit the shelves.
Think smart. Make expensive cosmetics go further and think hard before throwing a product away. Bottles and tubes can be cut open with a clean Stanley knife – there is usually enough leftover for a number of extra applications.
If nail varnish looks past its best and clotted, it can be revived by immersing the bottle up to its neck in a cup full of nearly boiling water for a few minutes.
You could use a lip brush, too, which will help your lipsticks last longer because you apply thinner layers and can get right down to the bottom of the tube.
The same goes for your clothes – don't throw out worn or broken shoes or clothes. See if they can be repaired at your local cobbler or repair store. It could cost you less than £10 – and considerably less than a replacement pair.
Buy smart. Don't buy clothes that are dry clean only if you can avoid it.
Cleaning a £50 dress can cost upwards of £8 a time – quickly turning it into a very expensive purchase indeed. Plus, if you are delicately built or have feet which are size five or below, check out the children's section of shops.
Often they will have the same designs, but they are cheaper because they are VAT free.
Celebrate. If you are feeling good, why not celebrate with a clothes swap party. It's a great opportunity to get rid of clothes you have grown bored with and to find something you will really love.
Alternatively, you could do the same online with a larger group of 'friends' with www.whatismineisyours.com which offers a good mix of vintage, designer and high street brands.
