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(Family Features) When it comes to looking your best, it’s easy to spend a fortune. With manicures, pedicures, hair stylist appointments and facials, you can quickly run through your budget. Here are a few tricks to save money while looking great:
Skip the manicurist. Regular manicures and pedicures can be expensive, but if you’re willing to purchase the tools up front, you can save a great deal over time. To get started, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Beginning with clean nails, file or cut the nail into shape. Next, soak your nails in a bowl of warm water for about 3 minutes; for pedicures, soak feet a bit longer. Follow the soaking with a moisturizing lotion or cream. To get rid of dry skin on your feet, use a scrub or foot file. Then, using a cuticle remover, push the cuticle away from the nail gently; carefully trim any excess. Follow this process by adding polish to your nails, but before you do so, remove any oil with nail polish remover using a cotton swab, so as to protect the cuticle area. Apply a base coat, two coats of color and finish with a top coat.
Give yourself a facial. Opting for home facials can also help ease the burden of a beauty budget as well. Even the most basic of routines can really make a difference. Start by cleansing the skin and removing any makeup. Fill a pan with water and bring to a boil. Use a bath towel and drape it over the back of your head, then slowly and carefully lower your face over the steaming pot for several minutes.
Next you can use a gentle facial scrub, or you can make your own using 1 tablespoon of ground steel-cut oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of yogurt. If you’re looking to create a facial and body scrub, try mixing 1 teaspoon of honey with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and apply before stepping into the shower.
Remember that the key to great skin is moisture, so be sure to apply body lotion and facial moisturizer just after you towel dry skin.
For information on how to save money on hair products, visit
www.suave.com/scalpsolutions or www.Facebook.com/SuaveBeauty.
