Tips and Tricks to Afford Life’s Luxuries:

Although we’re in a bit of an economic crunch right now, one thing is certain:  Things will change.  Nothing in this life stays the same for long.  And these days that’s probably a good thing.

Regardless of Wall Street’s ups and downs, most of us continue to want the best in life.  The purpose of this three part series has been to illustrate ways to save on the NEEDS in life in order to afford the WANTS.  (After all, the WANTS are usually a lot more fun!)  And we all need a splurge once in a while.

Monday we discussed savings at the Grocery Store.  Yesterday we moved into Health Care.  Today we conclude with Personal Maintenance for Less.  Here are some ideas:

Facial.

This tip requires an investment on the front end.  For some women, the only time they feel their face is really clean is after a facial.  These women get a lot of facials.  And this can add up quickly!  A relatively new product on the market is the Clarisonic Skin Care System.  Editors can’t stop talking about it…and with good reason!  Benefits include:

• 6x greater makeup removal.
• Cleanses so well that products absorb better.
• Has been proven to reduce oily areas, dry patches and blemishes.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.

The Clarisonic system is gentle enough for twice daily use.  With a patented sonic frequency the brush moves 300 times a second!  It’s like getting a facial every day.  They come in different configurations and colors.  I’ve had the original model since it first hit the shelves and still use it every day and love it.

Brows.

Between visits use an angled tweezers and take out strays as they appear.  Don’t attempt to shape the brow on your own. Just remove strays.  This can add an extra 2 weeks to the time between professional visits.

Hair Care.

Hair Cut-If you have bangs in need of constant attention either find a hair stylist that trims bangs between visits for free–or have them teach you how to trim your own bangs.  I had bangs for years and after a quick lesson, was able to trim my own.  If I can do it-I bet you can too.

For hair’s overall cut: choose a softer style that requires less upkeep.  Remember, the more manicured-looking the cut, the more attention required for maintenance.

Hair Color-Instead doing an all over color, combine highlights with a darker (and closer to your natural hair) color.  By subtly combining shades, re-growth is much less apparent.  This of course means not coloring as often.

Nails.

Manicure-The expense of nails can add up fast.  If you really want to economize, here’s my story: I wore faux nails for years.  Recently in an attempt to save money, I had my gels removed.  Immediately I felt like a fish out of water!  But I kept reminding myself of the cost savings.  Eventually my nails rebounded and felt like normal nails again.  Now I keep short, shiny, buffed nails.  With my love of gigantic rings (seriously just strap a big sparkly paperweight to my finger)… it seems to work.  Now my rings take center stage.  And I save over $100 per month.  I know this tip is definitely not for everyone.  Just an idea.

Pedicure-Who doesn’t love a good pedicure?  So don’t give them up completely!  Just make your pedi last longer.

• First, maintain soft heels with regular moisturizer.

• Then when they do get a little rough try the PedEgg.  Yes, this is one of those “As seen on TV” products.  But it works wonders!  This is a must-have item in my house.  In just a matter of minutes heels are restored to their post-pedi glory.  (I find it works best if I use when my feet are completely dry.)
• Another must-do is bringing your own nail polish for the pedicure.  Otherwise you have to return to have chips repaired.  If you have your own bottle, you can re-touch chips on your own.
• Also keep in mind that darker colors show wear faster.  Opt for a lighter polish color.
  

That concludes our three part series.  Hopefully you’ve found a few things you can use.  By implementing several ideas from over the last three days–you can afford a few splurges.  Enjoy them!  And if you have any money-saving ideas, please send them in for next time.  We love to hear from you!

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