I also use Cetaphil cleanser, and all I can say is this is the best thing I’ve ever used on my problematic skin. So, really glad this article mentions it.

1. If it’s going to rinse off, I don’t spend big bucks on it. To wit, soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, and cleanser.

2. I have pared down my “routine” to the essentials. No more unused products lying around, which represents wasted money.

Yeah, right. /I/ beg to differ. I’ve known of LOTS of people, both personally and through the media, who put major effort into their appearance, but it’s so obvious they were lacking self-esteem, and sometimes their lack of respect for others is appalling.

Jersey Shore cast anyone?

I had a disaster with this. They are just trying to get customers. Good stylists don’t need anymore customers. They get word of mouth advertising.

The lady that cut my hair was missing several fingers. They also didn’t even give me the full list of things mentioned in the package.

NEVER AGAIN!!!

One concealer I use is Clinique, only place I could find that particular consistency and color.

If you buy at Nordstrom and something doesn’t work-return it for a 100% money back guarantee. Does Walgreens do that?

I’ve had the same eyeliner for at least a year, purchased at a grocery store. Probably more. Nothing irritates me more as my mom and sister always having tons of colors that just sit in their bag. If you buy a product use it ’til it’s gone and then replace it! That’s a great money saving tip.

I do use salon shampoo but I buy it from a discount salon supply store. As my hairstylist showed me I only need to use it on my scalp. When you rinse, the rest of your hair gets enough shampoo to clean it.

I gave up on Great Clips. I had little kid bangs TOO MANY times! Then a friend recommended her girl. It was a so-so cut for $40. Went back to the one originally recommended by a different friend. I choke up $60 3-4 times a year and trim my bangs when I HAVE to but it’s an AWESOME cut. She will trim my bangs in between cuts just so I won’t mess it up as much for free!

As someone who has been in the profession you are describing, I can assure you that make up is not necessary there either, unless we are talking about a minimalistic and natural look. What truly is required to be that kind of a professional, are intelligence, strength, good self-employed business skills and compassion for others.

I’m a professional woman who doesn’t wear make-up and gets taken seriously. If you don’t want to start a debate, Annelise, I can only assume you’re referring to a very particular kind of professional woman, whose profession isn’t actually legal in my jurisdiction, and who do indeed tend to look quite amateurish without makeup.

Like I try to save and buy discount for shampoo, conditioner, makeup, etc, but I spend what might be considered a lot to color and cut my hair. It doesn’t bother me as much because I’d like to think I’m supporting a local business and another professional. In fact when I use local services less I start to feel sort of bad since I know it’s rough being a small business and I have a good job so I feel good about buying local and supporting the independent hairdressers or the small food shops. Anyone else?

And Annelise, I do hope you know that I’m poking at you respectfully; we hold differing views because we’re different people with vastly different experiences. The underscore of my point is that what works for you works FOR YOU; suggesting that others are ‘less’ in any sense because their views oppose yours doesn’t serve anyone. We’re here because we’re frugal. How we achieve our financial frugal-ness doesn’t matter.

Except when it’s a juicy debate.

The next article should be about how stay-at-home-moming saves you money.

“Another trick I’ve found useful is having a I would also suggest a free consultation at a department store beauty counter. A good sales assistant will genuinely try to advise you on what products suit you best, and won’t try to sell you unnecessary items. I’ve found it’s a great way to try out products without buying them first – I’m sure lots of readers will have made the mistake of buying a product, then trying it out at home and finding it’s no good, as I have. Just be strong and don’t let yourself be persuaded to buy anything you don’t want – and if you do buy, get some free samples, which are great for traveling.”

You see how easy that was?

Again I’m one of those no make up people. I don’t have perfect skin, but I have very very fine lines and no wrinkles. Of course a good part of this is good genes, but it’s also staying out of the sun and not tanning.

I recently turned 38 years old and I’m routinely mistaken for being in my early 20s. The other day after seeing my ID, the person commented that she thought I was 19.

2. Talk to your hairdresser about your needs!

3. Like with many things in this world, skills trump money. There are many beauty mavens putting hair, makeup, nail “how-to” videos up on YouTube. Learn how to optimize the use of the products you already have and know.

I shower daily and shampoo 2-3 times a week depending on grime levels, but I use only organic products for my (basic, admittedly) grooming, with the exception of Vanicream soap that’s certainly not edible but it’s the best for me. My thinking, generally, is if I wouldn’t eat it I won’t put it on my skin, so I use coconut oil for hair, cracked skin, etc., and that takes care of most things. Oh and some organic fragrance-free alcohol-free aftershave that doesn’t make me break out in a rash but soothes my skin instead– earth… something. My wife has a more complex array of things she uses, some of which I couldn’t name, but she gets her stuff at our local food co-op, and I’ve converted her to the cult of coconut oil as well (organic extra-virgin food-grade oil– delicious on pastries too)

Choosing organic/sustainable/healthy grooming products does not mean letting your hair oils go rancid– this isn’t 1968 and there is a huge range of options out there.

… because I didn’t say that. I talked about a very specific example of two different women with different degrees of time investment in their appearance, and my experience with their professional abilities. Nowhere did I claim that all women with a certain appearance have a certain level of competence.

You’re right though — I’ve had good and bad experiences over the years. The best thing my mom did when I was old enough to wear make-up was book a consultation for me and a friend with someone she knew who sold the product. I learned all the basics of proper skin care and had someone help me pick out a few basics (like concealer and lip gloss) that suited me. If I have a daughter, I’d do the same thing.

I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a “hippie”. I work in a high-level aesthetically-driven industry, and my friends, colleagues and acquaintances have all described me, at one time or another, as “rather glamorous”. I also happen to make all of my own skin care, household cleaning, and medicinal products.

Nearly fifteen years ago, I had the misfortune of being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, which means nearly every synthetic chemical and scent (the word “parfum” gives me a case of the giggles) makes things rather, er, difficult. Over the years, I’ve learned to make everything from moisturizer, shampoo (no baking soda and water for this glamour puss), toner, hand soap, dish soap, laundry soap, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant ~ you name it ~ I can whip it up in five minutes or less. I use organic carrier oils (grapeseed and jojoba are favourites), organic essential oils, vegetable glycerin, pure castile soap and other lovely luxuries. I also purchase organic, mineral-based makeup (gasp! This “hippie” wears that!) lest my skin turns into an embarrassingly hot mess.

And Annelise, you would have absolutely NO idea. None whatsoever. My position doesn’t stem from a particular political or environmental bent (though I WOULD urge you to take a look at the ingredients of your “superior” products ~ your research might astound you). And while I love knowing that I’m not flushing petroleum-based products down the drain at every primp, my main goal is ensuring a glowing and polished presentation at every turn.

The side benefit? My hippie concoctions cost me pennies. Oh, and last I checked, my professional standing would fly in the face of your amusing assumptions.

Sometimes, using tips like these will allow you to spend a little more elsewhere on more expensive products that work for you.