Fashion + Beauty

Friday, November 27, 2009

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Beauty On The Cheap

Anyone for some great advice on spending a little less while looking and feeling a whole lot better?

Downsized corporate budgets, mandatory furloughs and a renewed emphasis on saving over spending has left many of us wondering what to do about our beauty budget. What were once considered must-haves--high-end hair salons, imported or handmade bath products, and weekly massages or manicures--are now suddenly in the luxe category.

Looking and feeling good while pinching pennies is a growing concern and a popular topic of conversation among women. ForbesWoman has tapped into one secret-sharing session, asking hundreds of women how they are cutting costs--and what they will not give up. Their answers ran the gamut from using baby products (significantly cheaper than adult products and easier on sensitive skin) to trading in a monthly massage for weekly yoga sessions at a savings of 25%.

In Pictures: 10 Ways To Cut Your Style Budget

To be fair, for every cost-saving measure there is a trade-off. Sarah Gennett, a New York City cosmetics publicist, for example, has taken to coloring her hair at home and has, much to her surprise, had great results. However, she's had to forgo her usual highlights; she admits the process is beyond her skill-set. Gennett's $16 boxed color of choice "sure beats spending $175-plus on highlights!"

Still, with her new single process color, is Gennett making an even bigger concession? A recent study published in the May issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology concludes that a "person's feeling of self-worth is enhanced by how attractive they are, and this, in turn, results in higher pay." If the trade-off for saving money is perhaps shortchanging your earning power, well, then the juice just may not be worth the squeeze.

Click through to the slideshow for the best advice from real women who are saving their dollars without losing face.

In Pictures: 10 Ways To Cut Your Style Budget

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From the Community…

Comments 1-2 of 2
  • Lucky's Avatar
    Posted by Lucky Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:17pm PDT

    Or you can check out my site on ebay (ladynestatesales) and find a dress with $165 price tag for under $40. Thank you for your interest.

    Report Abuse
  • rudraksh's Avatar
    Posted by rudraksh Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:27am PDT

    please don't try such, as it is too expensive ,if ur wealthy then its ok

    Report Abuse
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