5 big beauty problems (and how to solve ‘em, on a budget)

It’s all well and good to love the latest beauty looks and trends, but they’re hard to beat when you’re on a budget.

As a beauty writer (read: Not an investment banker), I completely sympathise with the struggle to update one’s look, without spending $$$.

So, without further ado, here are five of our biggest beauty struggles (and how to solve ‘em, on the cheap)…

1.You want a runway-worthy smoky eye look, for less

If this is the first time you’ve tried a smoky eye, it’s a good idea to look at some of the more affordable make-up brands out there. Here are a few of our members’ favourite great value smoky-eye buys:

• Mud Eyeshadow Palettes in ‘Cool Party’ ($7)
• essence easy 2 use eyeliner pen ($5.75)
• Mode Mascara ($2.45)

Alternatively, you may want to invest in a seriously good smoky eye shadow – and then use it oh-so-sneakily as an eyeliner, as well! How, you ask?

Simply mix your powder with a little primer or water, then dip your brush in, making sure the product transfer is nice and creamy so you can work with it. It should have almost as much intensity as an eyeliner!

Photo credit: ChicDabbling.wordpress.com

Try: Clarins Ombre Mineral Eyeshadows in ‘Smoky Plum’ or MAC Eye Shadow in ‘Silver Ring’

2.You’re dreaming of a signature summer fragrance (but they cost a bomb)

Summer is about being carefree, so let go of any attachments you have to fragrances in fussy bottles. Unless you want to add this one to your Christmas wishlist (also a good idea), an affordable solid perfume or body spray is a just-as-fabulous alternative.  

Impulse Sweet Smile costs just $4.95 and has delicious notes of pear and jasmine. If you have slightly more moolah to splash, L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Solid Perfume costs $16 (and you can literally throw it in your beach bag). 

Top tip: To get more bang for your buck, make sure your skin is super hydrated before you spray. Dry skin doesn’t hold perfume well.

3. Your skin ain’t looking so fab and new prods aren’t an option

The best stuff for your skin doesn’t just come in bottles. Nature has a LOT to contribute to your skin care regime. An avocado face mask, for example, is a total winner and has just four ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup corn starch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Here’s how to make it.

Alternatively, the beauty benefits of ice are very underrated. A few cubes can tighten up your skin, shrink puffy eyes, reduce redness AND soothe sunburn. And all you need is water and a freezer. #nobrainer. 

4.Your back is really sore but a massage is out of the question

We all love a good massage, but when your lower back’s giving you grief and pay day’s far away, you need a quick fix. Try these tricks:

1. Take a mineral salt bath: A deep, warm soak can calm achy muscles and joints. For added benefit, add some Epsom salts (available for just a few dollars at your nearest pharmacy or health food store). The magnesium sulphate will help relieve tension.
2. Do yoga: Exercise may be the last thing you want to do right now, but a good yoga pose will help stretch your muscles. So hit the floor and do that downward dog!
3. Ice to the rescue, again! When you apply ice to sore muscles, it slows down blood circulation and decreases inflammation. Just make sure you keep it wrapped up in a cloth. 

A photo posted by Bianca Cheah (@biancamaycheah) on

Oct 3, 2015 at 2:40pm PDT

5.Your hairdryer’s just died and you’re dirt poor

The weather’s heating up, so why not embrace air-drying! To dry your hair to perfection, minus the tools, follow these tips. Just be sure to take the time to remove as much moisture as you can with your towel. 

Alternatively, you may like to try styling your hair while you sleep. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it (hey, it’s better than tilting your head under the hand-dryer). 

What’s your best budget beauty tip? How do you look your best for less?