A common misconception when it comes to beauty is that the more you spend, the better the beauty product is. Now we’re not disputing that some of the finest masterpieces we’ve set our magpie-like eyes on have a three-figure price tag attached, but it’s never been more chic to be a smart shopper and stretch those beauty bucks a little further.
Which is where The Good Girl Goddess Guide comes in, helping you with some basic shop-smart principles, some DIY tips and a multi-tasking bare essentials kit that won’t cost you a fortune.
Shop smart
One thing we’re hearing is that, when trying to tighten your belts, you’re a little sceptical about branching out and experimenting with new brands and products. Makes sense really – you don’t want to go and waste your money on a product that you haven’t heard much about. That’s why it’s immensely important to do some pre-shop research before you part with your hard-earned cash.
Ask for expert help – particularly if you’re looking to buy a foundation. Try on testers and ask if cosmetic counters have any samples for you to take away, that way you can see how the product wears before you part with your pennies and buy a full-sized version. (And if you’re shopping for foundation, remember the cardinal rules: shop in daylight and don’t be pressured into buying it on the spot; your best bet is to test it in several different lights, ie. Not just under the garish light of a display counter!)
Keep an eye out for special deals – you should know by now that barely a week goes by without a GWP or special offer so use that as an excuse to stock up on products or try something you’ve been lusting after. Ask stores what they have coming up, they’ll often tell you that they have great offers coming up next month, even if they can’t be more specific about what’s available.
Keep receipts – if a product is faulty or you’re not completely satisfied, you should be able to claim your money back provided it’s within a certain timeframe so hang onto those dockets.
Ask around – check out reviews on beautyheaven or ask friends if they’ve tried a product before you do your shopping; word of mouth is the best way to find out what a product is really like. (Handy hint: you’ll add more value to your beautyheaven review if you fill out your full profile so that you can help others who match your skin / hair type.)
Multi-task
We all want and need a little bit extra for our cash and multi-purpose products give us just that. Try these for size:
Johnson’s® baby Baby Oil Light Massage Blend – the brand that cared for us then continues to care for us now. Sure it’s good for soothing bub’s skin but it’s also great to get that glisten on for Friday night legs!
Australis Crème Colour Blush – this light lavender-scented cheek and lip stain delivers smudge-proof, radiant colour to the cheeks and lips.
Face of Australia Sun SPF30+ 2 in 1 Sports Combo – a sunscreen and lip balm in one.
Johnson’s® Shower and Shave Body Wash – the first creamy body wash that combines gentle cleansing, smooth shaving and around the clock moisture.
Cutex Multi 3 in 1 Care serves as a base, top coat and hardener all in one. Dries to a clear, high-gloss finish.
Almay Bright Eyes Liner/Highlighter Duo – features a liner to provide natural definition to the eyes and a chubby highlighter that brightens and illuminates.
Johnson’s® Facial Cleansing Wipes – 3-in-1 contain mild cleansing lotion which cleanses, tones and removes eye make-up all in one. Non-drying and under $10.
Musq Mineral Makeup 2 in 1 Eyeshadow – this all-natural mineral eyeshadow can be used wet or dry. Mix it with a drop of water or moisturiser to intensify the pigment or use as a liner.
Sunsilk’s Total Care 3 in 1 Shampoo, Conditioner & Treatment is, you guessed it, a rich, creamy formulation that gently cleanses, conditions and treats the hair in one simple step.
Ask Granny for tips
Granny’s lived through many a tight time so if anyone knows how to roll like a recessionista, it’s her. She’ll be a goldmine of little tips and tricks like these…
Cornflour’s the new Klorane – ask your Nan to tell you how they used to comb cornflour through roots to combat grease. And they didn’t have the ‘luxury’ of shine-inducing serums either, instead they made do with diluted apple cider vinegar to help with a glossy gleam. A combo of eggs and olive oil is also a popular foodie remedy to nourish and condition hair. (Beat together two eggs for short hair, three for long, and add in three tablespoons of olive oil. Coat hair all over and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing.)
The wonders of baking soda – not just good for pearly whites, it was also used as an alternative to deodorant. To apply, simply dip a powder puff in and apply to underarms.
Buy beets – for an English rose glow, beetroot was often the answer. Alternatively, according to Patricia Nicol, author of Sucking Eggs: What Your Wartime Granny Could Teach You About Diet, Thrift and Going Green, old lipsticks were melted down in eggcups stood in hot water and used as rouge after adding a drop of almond oil to the formula.
