By Maura Attardi
Engagement Insider

Let’s Face It:  We all want to look our best, but the cost of beauty can be pretty high. According to a report published by American Salon, the average haircut for women ranges from $21 to $44 – depending on location and salon size. Additionally, manicures cost an average of $20.53. Weekly manicures can drain your wallet by over $1,000 a year. But looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune!  With a little creative maneuvering you can still care for your skin, hair, and nails without leaving a hole in your wallet. Check out the following beauty tips and look fabulous for less.

Make an appointment at a barber/beauty college. Visit your local beauty college and get your hair done for a low cost or even free! It may sound scary to have an inexperienced aspiring stylist “practice” on you, but a licensed professional is also onsite supervising.

Find great skin/hair products in your home.

• Olive oil has many nutritional values in many areas besides cooking. It is good for your hair and skin. Pour a little olive oil in your bath for a great skin softener or try using it as a conditioner for your hair.
• One tube of Vaseline can be used a variety of ways, including: lip gloss, cuticle cream, lotion, healing dry skin on elbows and feet, and as a quick faux eyelash extender.
• Other great at home ingredients include: honey as a hair conditioner or facial mask, strawberries to fight acne, green tea as a toner, raw sugar as a body scrub, or bananas or avocados to fight dry skin.

Give yourself an in-home spa treatment.   Begin your day with a hot, steamy shower and right as you are about to shut the shower off, turn the water to cold for 15 seconds.  Repeat this for 2-4 minutes and you have now given yourself an at home treatment that costs $95 at the spa.

Get your hair done on a Monday or Wednesday. These are the days with the least amount of traffic for most salons, so the best deals are offered on these days to help drive business. Plus, you’ll get lots of attention from the stylist when business is slow.

Find a coupon or a special. A little research goes a long way. Look up coupons online or sign up for promotional events through email. Many of the leading cosmetic companies offer great summer deals as do many salons.

Finally, it is important to remember no matter what the circumstance – treat yourself well.

What are some Beauty on a Budget Tips you can share?

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