Beauty related money saving ideas: share yours

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Today when I was removing my eye makeup, I thought someone else may find my frugal idea helpful. I like to use a bi-liquid type remover like Neutrogena's eye makeup remover, I cannot use any oils, I've tried but they irritate my eyes. My tip is to save a TON of product by not using a cotton ball to absorb a half a bottle of the remover but rather, I use my makeup remover cloth such as Pond's, that I'm already using to take off my makeup, to dribble just a tiny amount of remover onto the cloth and use that to remove my eye makeup, works great. You can even cut them in half if you only use them for your eyes! Another item I have discovered to use to remove eye makeup is to buy yardage of 100% cotton flannel fabric, wash it and dry it and then cut it into approximately 3" X 3" little pieces and that works WAY better than a moisture hungry cotton ball, you only need a few drops on the flannel fabric, I do throws these away after use, I don't bother washing them...it's CHEAP. Another tip for liquid eye makeup remover is to reuse your expensive eye makeup remover bottles that brands like Mary Kay's remover comes in because they have a handy top that only allows drops to come out. I just remove that top and pour in my Neutrogena product into that Mary Kay bottle. I've also heard that Target's brand of generic remover works great, just like Neutrogena's does.

What are your ideas to be frugal that are cosmetic/beauty/bath/hair etc. related?

Featured Answer

amylou321

8 years ago

I don't wear makeup. At all. I bet I've saved a TON!!!! ;)

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Comments (73)

Izzy Mn
8 years ago
Vasoline works well for removing eye makeup and mascara. It seems to make my lashes thicker too.
wildchild2x2
8 years ago
I don't always wash my face before bed either. Only if I've been in the dirt and am sweaty. Then I am showering anyway. My skin is fine too. I don't plaster on layers however. My makeup is water based and I avoid products containing sunscreen. Just water based foundation and blush. No moisturizers or anything like that. Nothing is going to magically hurt my skin while I sleep if I have worn it all day without harm. LOL
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Alisande
8 years ago
With those who sleep with makeup on, I'm picturing stained pillowcases and raccoon eyes in the morning. But I guess it's not like that, or you wouldn't be doing it.
Hareball
8 years ago
Castor oil is supposed to be good for getting hair, lashes and brows to grow back. :)
sushipup1
8 years ago
For a facial scrub, use about a tablespoon (or less, a bit in the palm of your hand) of baking soda and a couple squirts of Cephalon cleanser (or the Walmart Equal version). I keep the baking soda in a plastic refillable water bottle with a flip lid, and refill it from a box.
pudgeder
8 years ago
I have the same routine as Chloecat.

I also use waterproof mascara, and it comes off just fine in the shower with a wash cloth. No mascara or make up on my pillows. This has been my lifetime regime.

Even as a teen, I had clear skin. Guess I'm blessed.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
Alisande, I also wondered about the makeup on the pillowcases but figured they most likely change the pillowcases.

I read somewhere on line awhile back about mixing Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo with distilled water, I think it was 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water to use as a makeup remover but...what's in the J&J baby shampoo that makes it no more tears?

I only wear a bit of makeup, foundation, blush, eyeliner, mascara, shadow, lipstick, ( I know that sounds like more than a little bit lol) when I'm going somewhere special or to the school. Always remove it in the evening with whatever I grab which is usually a few drops of vitamin E oil than a face washing with Cetaphil bar. I moisturize my face at night with whatever I happen to have on hand. I try to buy trial sizes as I can't find what I like. I'll gI've the St Ives that Always likes a try. If I don't care for it Amiee will use it.
arkansas girl
Original Author
8 years ago
mama, I love the St. Ives lotion also. My skin is very sensitive and I have no issues with that one.

I have no luck with removing waterproof mascara with just washing my face. In fact, the other morning when I was removing my waterproof mascara and thought about posting this, I had mascara on for going on two days because I had been lazy and just washed my face...that Cover Girl Lash Blast(WP) ain't goin' nowhere! So I finally had to drag out the big guns and take it off like I meant it! HAHA!

Another money saving tip, make your own foaming hand soap with a liquid soap and distilled water. I just refill my old foaming soap bottle. I use about one third soap to two thirds water and it works great. I use Dr. Bronners for mine.
lucillle
8 years ago
I also remove makeup with a little remover and a wet washcloth rather than splashing with a lot of water at the sink at night.
rob333 (zone 7b)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I thought of another one. When I want a cream eye shadow or rouge, I just dip my finger in moisturizer (like tinting moisturizer with foundation), then the cake shade, and apply it. Twofer! Cake or cream that is. I've been digging cream shadow so much, I'm seriously considering turning them all into creams by breaking them up and mixing them with glycerine. I put them right back into the container they were already in. Right now, I have three with which I've done that. They go on smooth and stay just as well as the original formulation.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
Arkansas girl, your comment seals it...I'll be trying the St Ives.

As for making your own foaming hand soap. I do the same as its soo much cheaper. I use 1 part Dr Bronners or dish liquid to 5 parts distilled water. I also add a drop or two of vitamin E oil. I read somewhere that it keeps the pump in good working condition. My choice is Dr Bronners peppermint I love the cool scent. I see walmart now has a generic version of Dr Bronners (liquid) I wonder if its any good.
User
8 years ago
LOL - my pillowcases are not stained, and I don't have raccoon eyes in the mornings. But if it makes you happier to believe that, since I don't follow the "norm" with regard to nightly face washing, it's fine with me. :)
tackykat
8 years ago
chloecat, I hope you have a nice day. I was going to make the same observation regarding pillowcases. I doubt people care that much. It is just an observation.
Chi
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I've heard wearing makeup to bed dulls the complexion and can lead to wrinkles and acne. The body does most of its healing and repairs at night, so I cleanse when I can to help the process, but I certainly have my days where I don't wash it off!

My skin seems fine but it's one of those situations where I might be losing out on even better skin if I took better care of it. Like people who eat junk food and say they feel fine because they don't know anything else.

I like Origins products but they are expensive. I try to go as natural as possible. I'll have to try coconut oil.
lgmd_gaz
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I save tons of money by pretty much accepting what is a natural state of aging. No pricey stuff to slather on and scrub off other than a little moisturizing lotion after washing off the days grime/pollution before bed and to start the day with a quick splash of warm water, damp dry and then apply a moisturizer with sunscreen. The brand name would be the common everyday cheep Oil of Olay. Oh, and it helps to have picked the right ancestors.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
Chloe I'm sorry if I came off sounding rude. I didn't mean it to be. I don't think for a second you sleep on dirty stained pillowcases. As for not washing your makeup off my cousin doesn't either and her skin for a 70 yo is amazingly youthful. She told me her dermo told her women wash their faces too much and that the natural oils will act as a better moisturizer than anything that comes in a bottle.

Anyway I'm sorry Chloe if I was rude.
Hareball
8 years ago
I think women wash their faces with soaps and cleansers too much yes. I only wash my face at night to get my makeup off. In the morning I just rinse it off with water in the shower and that's it. If I don't wear make up I don't wash my face. Soap can be kind of drying depending on the soap. I use goat milk soap or another one from Living Libations. A lot of people like cleaning their face using the oil cleansing method. Get's makeup off well and is moisturizing. :)
Chi
8 years ago
I agree, Hareball. I don't wash in the morning if I wash at night. Rinse and moisturize.
pekemom
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
In the morning I use Noxzema with a microfiber cloth. At night I use an Equate makeup remover towelette. I also like the St Ives renewal cream.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
I don't know....the thought of going to bed with a dirty face seems icky to me. It can't be good for the skin or eyes. I'm going to wash my face, my hands, and brush/floss my teeth every night before my head hits the pillow.
pudgeder
8 years ago
"I've heard wearing makeup to bed dulls the complexion and can lead to wrinkles and acne."

Wearing make up during the day would have the same effect.
arkansas girl
Original Author
8 years ago
To be honest, I just don't see why it would really hurt your skin to keep the makeup on unless you have acne prone skin that it could cause a break out, like pudgeder just said, it would have the same effect to wear it during the day...right? I really think that wearing makeup has a more positive effect on your skin and actually helps keep the skin looking more youthful. All of my sisters and I wear makeup when we go out and we are all younger looking than our age and have pretty good looking skin...for our age. And none of us really do anything special to our skin.
Chi
8 years ago
Here's an interesting article with info from dermatologists about it. Basically makeup holds onto the free radicals our skin acculumates during the day, which can cause breakdown of collagen, leading to wrinkles. Sleeping in makeup also doesn't give your skin a chance to recover from the stress of the day.

I'm going to try harder to take it off each night.

https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/2289084
kadefol
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I take a shower every night and wash off makeup with a mild soap. I was advised to shower nightly by my allergist because, according to him, pollen and dust stay in our hair and on our skin until washed off.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
All these veiled insults and passive/aggressive words about those of us who choose NOT to wash our faces at night!

First of all - my face is not dirty or icky or dull or zitty or wrinkled. If my face is dirty, of course I'll wash it - no matter what time of day! For those who are insinuating that my skin and eyes are suffering for it, well - as arkansas girl said - I look far younger than my years, and my eyes are just fine, other than needing cheaters to read. lol

You ladies certainly aren't very nice about things that go against your personal opinions - yet you call out others (me, Elmer/Snidely) when we voice OUR personal opinions... because we're direct in our communications, and not catty/snide/subtly insulting with our words.

What a nice, lovely, supportive, friendly group you are! Lordie, I need a break from this catty group! Me.Ow.
wildchild2x2
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Arkansas girl - I agree. I see makeup as a buffer between my skin and the elements. I have worn light, water based foundations my entire life since I was around 13. I'm from the generation that believed the darker the tan the healthier you were. Never wore sunscreen until I approached middle age. I'm 67 now and have hardly any wrinkles. In fact my friends and family in their forties have more crows feet than I do. You have to look really close to see mine. I can see hints of very, very fine lines where they will eventually be on really close inspection with a magnifying mirror but they haven't shown up yet.
Maggie200
8 years ago
I think crows feet are sexy. They show you have laughed a lot. My father had the best. When people get face lifts they get rid of them and they lose that indicator of happiness.
Chi
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I don't see anyone insulting those who don't wash their face?

I was sharing my belief and my own experiences about wearing makeup to bed. I was not referring to anyone else or implying anything about anyone. I often wear makeup to bed.

It's known that wearing makeup to bed can cause pimples. It doesn't mean that everyone who wears makeup to bed will get pimples or automatically has a "zitty" face.

Calling people catty, snide and passive aggressive isn't very nice either.
lily316
8 years ago
I have never in my life not washed my face before bed and in the morning when I get up. I have never worn foundation or blush or mascara. I used vaseline on my eyelashes and have since HS. I have zero crows feet and my daughter wonders why since she does. Maybe it's the vaseline.
Chi
8 years ago
I think most skin qualities are genetic, aside from obvious factors like sun exposure and smoking.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
chloecat, I think that you are being defensive when some of us asked questions or expressed surprise at your habit of going to bed with your makeup on. I think that it's rather unusual....hence my comments.

There was absolutely nothing passive aggressive about my remarks, nor anyone else's.

If I were defending a similar position, I like to think that I would handle it with a sense of humor.

Lily, I've heard (and read) of many famous beauties who used Vasoline religiously. I don't like the feel of it on my face, but I sure use it on my lips and on my feet (with a pair of socks!)
wildchild2x2
8 years ago
There were a few comments about makeup getting on pillowcases. I can understand that form people who like to go to bed squeaky clean. I don't understand it from those who would slather on other products at night time. What about the oil and grease from nighttime skin products? What about all the miracle chemicals etc. in some skin care products that get on the pillow and people are breathing into their lungs?
Elizabeth
8 years ago
As a teen figure skater, I used a light coating of Vasoline on my face and lips to prevent chapping. My skin looked very healthy with a little pink in my cheeks and a bit of shine. It did not cause any pimples.
Mrs Pete
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Another item I have discovered to use to remove eye makeup is to buy yardage of 100% cotton flannel fabric, wash it and dry it and then cut it into approximately 3" X 3" little pieces and that works WAY better than a moisture hungry cotton ball, you only need a few drops on the flannel fabric, I do throws these away after use, I don't bother washing them...it's CHEAP.

I was wondering as I read how you would wash these ... I was imagining them magicking themselves into the innards of your washing machine and clogging it up. I totally agree with throwing them away.

However, to make it cheaper yet, instead of buying yard goods, I suggest you go to Goodwill and buy old flannel nightgowns, shirts, or sheets ... and rip them up. Sure, you'd lose some of the fabric to the seams, but I think it'd be cheaper than yard goods.

I haven't used shaving cream in decades. I use conditioner. Dirt cheap, and it's a natural hair softener.

I do this too. Shaving cream is quite expensive.

Thought #1:

I've recently started makinghomemade liquid soap -- SO CHEAP and easy:

- Buy an 8 oz bar of soap -- note, this is a large bar -- I chose a store-band bar with lemon scent because that says "clean" to me. I read that Dove doesn't work well, but I don't have personal experience with that. Grate /run through the food processor.

- Add the soap to 1 gallon of bottled water and bring ALMOST to a boil (or, if you want to use tap water, boil it to get rid of any bacteria ... then cool it a bit ... I was happy enough to buy water because I needed the container to store my finished soap). Melt the soap into the water.

- Add 2 Tablespoons glycerine (find it near the bandaids).

- Remove from the heat and let it sit for hours. It will "thicken up" and be absolutely wonderful soap.

In the end, I got a gallon of good-quality liquid soap for about $5, and this stuff is so nice! My daughter and I put this lemon-scented soap into small mason jars as gifty-gifties for a shower, and it was very well received. I am looking forward to trying the recipe with my special facial soap ... but I'm thinking of, as we say in the country, "halfing it in two" because it'll take me a long time to use a whole gallon.

Thought #2:

Similarly, if you like bath bombs (but don't like paying $4-5 apiece), it's very easy to make your own. Recipes vary and are all over Pinterest. I think my homemade bath bombs run about $4 each. Do pop for a metal mold.

Thought #3:

I follow the sales at CVS. Their normal prices are pretty high, but their sales /coupons are often good on toothbrushes and other oral hygiene items, though their hair care is too expensive most of the time. I buy when stuff's on sale and keep a stock pile.

Thought #4:

No matter what else you do, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of sleep helps your skin (and health in general).
Suzieque
8 years ago
I see nothing insulting or passive aggressive. Just people asking questions when they are curious about something. And some resulting crankiness.

I use Clinique mild facial soap to wash my face. I don’t use anything else, like a make up remover or anything. I guess I think that does it. Hopefully anyway. And I always use moisturizer. I am happy to read some of these money saving tips and will give them a try.
Texas_Gem
8 years ago
I do not wash my face nightly. I also don't bathe or shower daily.

It's just my opinion, but it seems like people are a little too obsessed with cleaniness as well as with beauty and maintaining a youthful appearance.

I rarely wear makeup, if I do it's a light swipe of mascara. If I'm getting dressed up for a special occasion, I will wear some powder, blush and eyeshadow. I use bare minerals so I'm not sure if that even counts as foundation!

If I've actually put on full makeup like I described above and my face feels caked, then I wash it off. Otherwise, I don't bother.
Jennifer_in_KS
8 years ago
Slightly different tip: Skin allergy testing

I struggled for years with not-so-great-skin. I didn't have traditional acne but my skin wasn't smooth either. Testing revealed allergies that were delayed onset so it took time for reactions to appear. Actually, I lived for years with them and just thought I didn't inherit good skin.

It's saves me an immense amount of time, money and stress being able to quickly look at an ingredient list and determine it won't work for me.
Hareball
8 years ago
I didn’t see anyone being catty or insulting either. I never saw anyone say any of you who wear makeup have a dirty pillowcase or a face full of zits. I simply asked because I know my skin has freaked out just forgetting to wash my makeup off before bed. And yes I can see how wearing makeup before bed can be bad for your skin. There are a lot of things in make up. Your skin needs to breathe. There is a difference between wearing make up 8-12 hours and wearing it like 23 hours a day. People were just letting some of you know that they have seen information saying it can be bad for the skin. No biggie. Just stating opinions and providing a little information. Just like you provided your opinion that your skin is just fine. And if you’re skin looks great good for you. Seriously you’re one of the lucky ones.

I’m sure people that responded about this were just curious and just wanted to help. Nothing to get upset about.
lovemrmewey
8 years ago
Dermatologist recommended Cerave. I continued with my Lancome Milky Cleanser for a year or so but like others, have been trying to find less expensive options. The Cerave Hydrolating cleanser is wonderful! And inexpensive around $13 for large bottle. It feels silky and leaves skin feeling so clean. I will not go back to Lancome and will replace it with Cerave as I run out of current supplies. Derm also said the Cerave face creams will reduce age spots.
lovemrmewey
8 years ago
'Never go to bed with makeup on!' has been preached to me lo! these many years and I imagine to some of you also. I think there is a little shock when someone says they pay no attention to that with no ill effects. I'm all for reducing the beauty routine. But questioning that practice was just a reaction to age-old advice. I would not have taken offense to those comments.
Hareball
8 years ago
Getting a simple exfoliating glove to use in the shower is also a good tip. It helps get rid of dead skin and makes it soft :) then you can put a nice oil or lotion of your choice after getting out of the shower. I got one of these gloves at the dollar store and it works great :)
Yayagal
8 years ago
My Mom always said the above and I have five sisters. One of them never takes her makeup off because wetting her face wakes her up when she's become sleepy and she can't sleep. She's 75, has incredible moist beautiful skin.
Alisande
8 years ago
Lovemrmewey, even though I've been happy with Walmart's version of Cetaphil, your recommendation for the Cerave cleanser had me looking it up. Lots of rave reviews on Amazon, and I discovered Walmart has a special on it--$9.49. I ordered it for in-store pickup today. Thanks for the tip!
rob333 (zone 7b)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Texas, it seems like you're a bit younger than I am and I have just transitioned from "young makeup" to "old makeup". I will tell you, I too didn't wear foundation and powder often. But it's because when I got older it made me look really old. Wearing it by tinting moisturizer makes it so much lighter, and I don't use any powder any more whatsoever. I guess I don't want matte skin? But it feels a hundred times better. If you get tired of bare minerals (I actually can't wear it, allergic!), and consider wearing liquid, suggest going that route. Night and day difference to my skin.
lisaw2015 (ME)
8 years ago
As I stated above, I also skip washing my make-up off before bed. So, 2 things I wanted to add. 1. I DO have to change my pillowcase several times a week because they are light colored & I do see make-up residue on them. I also have to let them soak in Oxyclean or shout or whatever I have on hand before laundering order to get them as bright & clean as I like. You would think it would be a lot less work to just wash my face before bed, right? Lol, doesn't make sense but apparently, I am just lazy at bedtime. 2. I will be 54 in August & nobody ever believes how old I am. Often mistaken for being in my early 30's. And that is NOT genetics, my Mom's face is a road map & has been for as long as I can remember. She is not fair skinned like me & was a sun lover in her younger years. I avoid the sun directly on me like the plague, I am ALWAYS looking for the shade, lol!
donna_loomis
8 years ago
Rob333, I wish I could like your post a dozen times regarding eyeshadow! I haven't found a dry eyeshadow that stays on all day, even if I use primer first. Eyeshadow pencils or crayons are waxy and they don't last all day either. Liquid or creme eyeshadows work best for me, but the color selection is a bit more limited. I will definitely try using my tinted moisturizer to make my own creme eyeshadow with my current favorite shades. Might try the glycerin, too. Thank you!

No tips for saving money from me. But I do have a product recommendation. I wear makeup every day, but I have always had a love/hate relationship with lipstick and haven't worn it for several years. Boy, have things changed. I discovered Maybelline Makeup SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick recently. I put it on before I leave for work in the morning and it NEVER needs a touch-up. I eat 3 meals a day and snack a couple of times a day and when I take my makeup off before going to bed, it still looks just as good as when I put it on. There are some other long lasting lipsticks and I've tried a few, but this is my favorite. Yes, it remains a bit tacky, which some people don't like, but I don't see it as a big deal. A very small price to pay for all-day lipstick. And it doesn't rub off at all.

I use some beauty products that are waterproof and others that aren't. I just clean my face with soap and water and everything comes off fine. Except the lipstick. It won't come off unless I use makeup remover.
joyfulguy
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I look into the mirror (before I put my glasses on, by the way) ...

... when I consider what I see, I think ...

... "You don't look too bad - for an old guy".

Pretty well leave it at that ... and walk away.

o j ... whose glasses are those dollar-store "reading glasses"
Hareball
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Another inexpensive beauty tip. Use Milk of Magnesia when you feel a pimple coming on. It really helps to reduce inflammation and if caught early enough gets rid of it. I've also used some on things like bites from mosquitos and it helps with the inflammation and itching. Some people even use it under their arms for deodorant. I suggest getting the Dollar General brand because it doesn't contain bleach. If you see sodium hypochlorite in the ingredients that's bleach. I was surprised to see it in something people take by mouth.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
Rob could you explain how to tint moisturizer for foundation? I am thinking just some foundation stirred into moisturizer?

Lisa send me your pillowcases. ..I enjoy a challenge and some makeups can be challenging. LOL. Ya there's no way makeup wouldn't get on my pillow if its on my face unless I sleep flat on my back and don't turn my head. BUT lets think about this ladies... what's worse some makeup on our pillowcases or hairsprays, hair products in general and natural scalp oils. LOL. Makes ya wanna change your pillowcase day huh..that's one reason I do. Haha
rob333 (zone 7b)
8 years ago
Super easy mama. A drop of each mixed :)

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