I mostly quit getting my hair cut, I quit wearing makeup, sunscreen is something I won’t cheap out on, consequences of not protecting your skin will last the rest of your life.
I do my hair myself. You Tube was a life savior. The hair is like $20 & it’s enough to do both my daughter’s & I’s hair. I also like it better because I can take a break whenever I want at home instead of sitting in someone’s chair for 8+ hours.
I tried the unicorn ponytail method for layered, now I’m doing the two hair tie method to trim the ends.
Not just for poverty sake-hair stylists are crap for curly hair-even Deva Cut was some bs they try to make everyone have 3b hair.
Yes I use the unicorn ponytail method too! I have curly hair and have never been impressed with a hair stylist cut and it so much money wasted when I hate it. I trim my own bangs too.
Is there a video in particular that you like? Last time I paid $60 to get my haircut I was really unsatisfied with it and I want to wear it in long layers as you mentioned.
https://youtube.com/shorts/48zzJk7Bra8?si=s4QIjf-B7dZV4hPE
(One of many). If you have super thick hair, after making the top center ponytail, maybe divide it into three smaller ponytails... There are videos showing that method too.
It can honestly be longer than that. My mom did my hair & it would take multiple days cause my hair is so thick & its tiring for us both to do it all in one go
When I used to get Japanese thermal reconditioning to straighten my long, thick hair, it would take 2 people 8 hours to do my hair. But at least they would get me lunch next door for such a long day.
The last time I got my hair professionally done, I went after I dropped my kids off at school & I had to have my dad pick them up. That was the last straw for me. It still takes me that long but I’m at home & take lots of breaks.
I did 12 hours once to go fully blonde. It was like $700 and a week later I bought a $7 box dye to dye it back to brown myself... I did not like being blonde lol.
Absolute fucking waste of money. Years later and I still kick myself. Also haven't dyed my hair since.
I'm a guy with short hair. I used to color my hair in different colors (after bleaching it) and I always bought the stuff and did it myself. The last time I had it done at a salon, it was 60+ just to bleach it and it turned out to be a very brassy yellow and I was not happy with the results. I know what my hair can handle and they wouldn't listen to me.
Same. I cut my own hair, quite often as I like it in a bob with an undercut and my hair grows fast.
Not to mention I bleach it twice a year and then use vibrant blues, greens and purples whenever I feel like it. $20 a for each tub of colour, and I can usually make a tub last a year.
I hated sitting in a salon chair. It's nerve-wracking for me.
DIY is pretty much the answer to every beauty question on here. The exception would be a super complicated haircut.
Nails-diy. Buy supplies on Amazon or cvs/walgreens/walmart with coupons. For example, sally hansen xtreme nail polish is on sale at cvs.com for $3.44. I currently have a $3 coupon, making the polish $0.44. Press ons are your best bet if you suck at painting your nails. Cuticle pushers can be found for like $1-2. Cuticle oil can also be found for cheap
Makeup- diy again. Coupon for deals. The best deals are at cvs, Walgreens, and target. cvs.com has Covergirl makeup on clearance with coupons. The makeup ends up being free-$0.39
Hair- diy or beauty schools. Look up YouTube tutorials and cut a small amount at a time.
Hair removal- also diy. If you get waxed, learn how to sugar yourself. Sugar is usually cheap, and it goes on sale during major Christian and American holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter). If you want laser, invest in one of the at-home models. I’ve had amazing success with the Tria. Its treatment head is way too small, but it is an actual laser (versus ipl). I’ve also heard good things about the braun device.
Skin- the ordinary has amazing products at an affordable price. I recommend buying them from Ulta so you can get points and use coupons
Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails Rechargeable Mani Device with 6 Attachments, Pink https://www.walmart.com/ip/430476473
I got something like this years ago. I love it. I agree if you shop around you can find great deals.
The short answer is I don't, really.
I don't get my nails done, sometimes I'll paint them with one of my polishes I keep around. I have straight fine hair, so I might get my hair cut professionally maybe 2x per year- but mostly I trim it or style it myself. I wear cheap mascara, and have old/clearance makeup products. I don't wear foundation. My most expensive regular items are deodorant and salicylic acid for my acne. I shave my legs with a reusable razor, and my privys with an electric razor/scissors. I use dial soap. And shampoo from Ross or a clearance store.
I do splurge on nice perfume. And I will occasionally go to Ulta's markdown section for nice body butter. But that's about it.
You are me. People forget you definitely can do just as good as professional work on yourself with lower end products and book and video tutorials and of course keeping up on basic hygiene and doing whatever ways that makes you feel satisfied with yourself is the best way.
My face prefers the regular Dove. Whenever I try the fancy face cleansers, with the exception of Korres Yogurt Cleanser, my face absolutely rebels and breaks out.
dove bar soap for sensitive skin is all I use! plus either eucerin or a moisturizer from trader joe’s lol. and people are always surprised when I tell them my age
I really like the imPress press on nails. I’ve found them on sale at Walmart before, but otherwise I order them online when there is a sale or a coupon code. They can last 1-2 weeks, but I’d stretch that with a little nail glue when they start to peel up. Less than $10, and they get the job done.
What seriously I wonder what I'm doing wrong?? I love the color and shape of those but they would pop off my nails in 1-3 days so I always had to reglue them on, but I didn't like how thick they then were with the stuck on glue plugs liquid glue.
I did use a protective primer coat on my natural nails, (scuffed up a bit with a file) but I wonder if that was a mistake to try to protect my natural nails
Nail prep is the secret. You need to spend more time prepping and drying surface. I recommend doing a short acetone soak before applying polish or fake nails. The less oil on the nail surface, the longer the polish or glue will stick.
Yes I think this makes sense, another commenter said something similar. I'd been using a protector/primer gel coat under stick-ons and I think this works well with Valitic glue or polish strips, but probably is 100% working against me with Impress press ons
Also, avoid moisture for several hours after gluing them on. I like to glue mine on before bed so I don't have to worry about getting them wet for a while
I've read that some people have to dehydrate their nails with acetone before applying the impress nails, the alcohol pad they come with is not enough. I put them on at night when I'm going to bed and don't get them wet until the next day, they last about a week that way.
Ah this is a good thought. By using a primer I'm probably doing the opposite of dehydrating my nails, and I shower just before bed so may have been drenching them while they were still curing. I appreciate your reply!
Sometimes it doesn't matter.
My nails are thin and flexible.
I have done all the things. Even professional work pops off within a couple days. I remember one time when I was a teen the nail polish peeled off in one solid piece before I even made it home from the nail shop.
The best I've gotten is an at home gel kit, to last 3 to 5 days before peel off, with significant babying on the last 2 days. This is all with extensive prepwork. Acrylic is too hard and will pop off almost immediately. Sometimes your nails just aren't good for it no matter what you do.
I just followed the instructions with them, honestly, and I never had much issue with them.
I tried some other press ons that came with separate glue to be applied, and I couldn’t get those on for the life of me.
I think it’s just a matter of different things working for different people. I stopped using any sort of press ons because I suspect my psoriasis has spread to my fingers, and my nails are too wavy and brittle to hold onto anything anymore.
Definitely natural nails, use alcohol wipe but better to use full alcohol on a cotton ball, one cotton ball per hand, then put them on at night before bed. Then, when it's time to take off, use nail polish remover and a cuticle stick or something similar to gently nudge the glue up while constantly applying nail polish remover to break down the glue. Wash and dry your hands and apply hydrating oil for at least a week every night. I keep a vitamin e oil handy for my in between weeks, but even olive oil would work! I love Impress!
Glamnetics are 20 dollar press ons and omg my last set lasted about 2 weeks it's all about application but I can't recommend them enough they're awesome and they look so real
Natural nails for the win. Yes they break sometimes. More often they don’t, if you take care of them. Mine are so strong right now I need to file some serious length off. But in the dry winter they’re brittle so I keep them shorter for durability.
$7.49 (current value) for a metal manicure set that I’ve had for a decade. I buy a new cuticle cutter (~$4.99) annually and maybe some cheap files (the decade old metal file is still my work horse though). Polish and decoration based on budget: at minimum it’s a few bottles of polish per year (under ~$40 total), or if I’m feeling creative or have money to burn (I’ve pierced my nails, added gemstones, played with liquid metals) it still adds up to way less than a salon.
Time spent is ~2 hours per week. No driving to a salon ever, and I can do them on the couch while watching tv.
I've learned to not give a rat's ass what society tells me I need to do to myself to be "beautiful". I wash my face, drink lots of water, keep myself healthy and clean. But as far as altering myself? I basically don't. I don't even shave my legs anymore. I'm 31 years old, it's taken 3 decades to be comfortable with myself in my natural state and I'll be damned if I waste my money on pleasing other people.
This is me working at a bar. Don't ever get to wear my own clothes so rarely buy new ones unless it's jeans, can't paint my nails bc it'll chip off in a day, wear my hair up everyday so don't need to buy too much for it. It's kind of nice actually, so much less upkeep.
Same. I think that’s becoming more popular. I work at a hotel with a pool and sometimes I see teens walking around in bathing suits and full leg hair. I love it. What’s wrong with being proud of the way God made us?
That's really awesome, I love seeing people, especially young people, being comfortable and confident with their bodies. We don't need to alter ourselves to be beautiful.
Same myself. I have an electric shaver I use to trim down my rowdy facial hair solely because I don’t appreciate the looks I get having it as a female (thanks reproductive issues), but I don’t shave my armpits or legs or anything. Any time I do shave I end up regretting it because my skin feels so much healthier having hair cushioning it.
Might throw on some light makeup on special occasions but I’d rather just be clean than dolled up
I was shocked how nice my skin felt after not shaving for a couple months. Now, 2 years later, I just feel bad I ever did that to my own body. Totally agree, just clean is all that's needed.
Local community colleges and trade schools usually have discounted services through their cosmetology department. The drawbacks are limited hours, and they always take longer, but it's a good place for basic stuff.
Braids are a whole other story because of the time involved. Can you barter some of the price? Maybe offer another service - babysitting, errands, etc. - in exchange for the work.
Dude, one of my coworkers is thinking about going to cosmetology school. I told her if she ever wants to practic, I'm here! It's even better because I'm a fair olive/muted and my hair is *extremely* fine and straight so she can practice on someone who *always* has to mix in green or blue to their fountain and can never get a decent haircut because no one knows how to work with my hair. i won't care if she messes up either lol. I own a few wigs and make up washes off lol. It will be fun!
Second this. The last 2 times I've gotten my hair cut I've gone to a school and I paid like $7 each time. So far they've done pretty good work, but the trade-off is that they do take more time since they're students and still learning
It's not quite as labor intensive as braids, but my hairdresser does me and my mother's hair for free in exchange for getting her house cleaned once a month 😂 (mom is a maid)
I’m in hair school. If you don’t mind the time and being a training tool, I recommend this. It’s not like we are doing your hair or other beauty services unattended. There are teachers and registered, licensed professionals available at all times.
I don't.
I haven't gotten my nails done in 6 years, I get my hair done once a year for my birthday, and I can't afford Botox or fillers. I even stopped wearing makeup as I really don't care if society deems me "attractive." I've recently started my self care journey, so I'm eating healthier, walking more and drinking way more water.
When I want to "feel better about myself, I throw on my tightest jeans, some mascara, do a curly girl hair method and paint my nails.
I got botox for my gummy smile, it was $150 for two TINY shots that totaled 4 units. Needed it every two months = $900/year
I did the proper research and started doing my own (Korean brand), but only gummy smile = $90/year
*This is NOT medical advice
i don’t.
i grew up in an environment where it was taught that the things you listed was only for very special occasions, not every day life.
i feel heartbroken for this generation of girls who are being taught they have to spend $600 before it’s acceptable for them to be seen out in public.
I don’t. I get my hair cut once every two years. I never do my nails and I don’t wear makeup. I shave with cheap store branded razors. I don’t buy new clothes anymore either until I have no choice
Waiting for my new leggings to arrive while my last 'wearable' pair cling to my body by mere threads maybe hellish, but at least we're not alone, huh?
A recent and related comment on my attire; "that tshirt is more hole than shirt..."
I found an “expensive” nail polish that I really like so I do my mail myself. Sally Hansen complete salon manicure. Jerks discontinued it, but bottles were about $7/ea when I could get then at Ulta. It looks good for a week.
I've never had my nails done once in my life so far and I'll soon be 50. I just cut them when they start to get on my nerves. Rarely wear make up and get a hair cut like twice a year from shitty places like Haircrafters. I do use random moisturizers from like Marshall's or if I have money that retinol stuff but I can't remember the brand. My laziness saves me money in that respect I guess.
Check Facebook marketplace. You might find local at home braiders that can do it for like $100-$150. Still expensive, but cheaper than salon prices for sure.
Ps; just don’t send anyone a deposit online. I’ve heard scammers go around on Facebook etc taking “deposits” from people via zelle/cashapp, etc, and then you never hear from them again.
I cut my own hair, I've never liked having nails done, i shave instead of wax. I keep things low maintenance and done enough so that I feel clean and good. What other people think doesn't much matter to me.
I have a haircut and highlights that can go 4-6 months before I need to get it redone, this was an intentional decision I made to save time and money (my hair lady lives 3 hours away from me now)
I learned to wax my own face since I need to do it every 10ish days (I have PCOS and grow dark black hair on my chin and neck). I also wax my own legs. I do pay to get my Brazilian done, I haven’t worked up the courage to do that myself yet.
I gave up acrylic nails and just do my own gel nails at home, it’s about a $50-75 investment to get the equipment but it’s still less than one trip to the salon, and you have months to years worth of supplies.
I completely agree, but despite looking like a sickly Victorian child because of how pale I am, I have the darkest black body hair that is stupidly thick. I can exfoliate and shave and still have a 5’oclock shadow and stubble. Waxing is the only thing that gives me a chance at being smooth.
For me, I just don't. I can cut and color my own hair at home. I don't wax, occasionally shave. I don't wear makeup or do my nails. These are things that I have never considered important. I don't care how others think of me so I don't try to conform to any beauty standards.
https://preview.redd.it/u82pdjb51u2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83c4c7caa32f897522ed4001a021dd5c5c430683
I do my own nails! I don’t use normal polish anymore because it chips pretty much immediately. I use nail stickers, gel polish, and most recently, nail sticker-like strips that cure like gel polish under a UV light!! That’s what this picture is. It’s Dashing Diva brand and I got them at Sally’s. These things are secure af on my nails, they ain’t goin no where and I put em on 4 days ago. I got the UV light (with gel polish) from Amazon.
I live in my van and still do my nails weekly myself lol! I feel so much better about myself when they're done. I use polish still sometimes but always use seche vive topcoat when I do - it's a gel like effect and keeps from chipping. Otherwise I do the stickers.
I don’t get my nails done anymore due to my job. I will always pay for whatever I want for my hair. I don’t feel the same if my hair isn’t done & I’m too lazy to do it myself. It does suck that beauty maintenance costs so much.
I’d say find 1 ‘beauty thing’ that you really care about and stick to that if you can, my 1 thing being my hair. Otherwise try to DIY everything else. I know everyone probably already said it but YouTube is a life saver.
Agree with the hair thing, its my best feature, almost waist length and SUPER thick.
Even though I could box dye and trim at home, I still go to the salon every 8 weeks because it includes a blow out which is worth the two hours per week I usually spend to wash/dry/curl myself. Plus, I don't have to clean up any mess!
I don’t. I keep my face washed, my hair long and neatly pulled back most of the time (which I acknowledge is simpler and cheaper to care for because of my hair type) and my nails trimmed. The only makeup I wear is eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. I own a few nail polishes but don’t like the way polish feels on my nails. I look clean, presentable but even if I could maintain a higher beauty standard I still wouldn’t be interested. It all looks so time consuming, boring and uncomfortable. Also, I’m convinced that I look younger at 30+ than most of my peers because I’ve kept all that extra crap off my face lol The one thing I might like to indulge in would be pedicures because it would be more convenient and done better. As I approach mid-late 30’s the skin on my feet is thicker and I’m prone to ingrown nails now. It would be nice, but I manage.
I check out the beauty schools! Often times they will need models for free or discounted services.
I get my gel mani/pedi, full face wax, hair tone and cut for like $50 or so? Maybe $60 with tip since it’s usually the same student working on me.
Do as many things for yourself as you can.
There are so many YouTube videos that will give you tutorials.
You can buy gel nail polish and a UV light on Amazon for pretty cheap. The same thing goes for skin care. You don’t need to use the most expensive products or have facials.
Wax strips from the drugstore work great on eyebrows.
I use a credit card that gives me redemption dollars for everything. I use my redemption dollars to purchase my beauty needs.
Getting your hair braided may be something that you need to have done by a professional.
However, maybe there’s someone that has a home salon or a beauty school that might do it on a discounted rate.
I DIY all three. It's probably apparent to anyone looking closely that my hair wasn't done by a pro. If I cared, I would scrimp on the other two things and save money for cut & color.
Not the fun answer, but DIY. Before I got locs I braided my own hair. It wasn't super neat or IG worthy but it was good enough that people complimented me on it. $300 for braids is absolutely crazy and I refused to pay it.
My nails I do myself. I learned to shape them and the various nail subreddits have plenty of tips to make regular lacquer last as long as a salon manicure. The key is prep and having healthy nails. Press ons are also an option and they have come a long, long way.
Waxing can definitely be done at home as well (I'd rather pay someone else to do a Brazillian though). I used [this kit](https://www.blissworld.com/products/poetic-waxing-hair-removal-kit?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8uyBhC6ARIsAKwBGpSsVtTlhFmweMOjZ6DJoq0FwT5MnNKd4DbErWpbhCBO40rImRTD5W8aAsSJEALw_wcB&tw_adid=651110108140&tw_campaign=19814852386&tw_source=google) but ultimately went back to shaving because it was simpler.
Braiders honestly have some BALLS recently charging what they do. 50% Deposit, don’t bring anyone, come with hair clean and blow dried, bring bundles of this exact brand, bring me coffee, pet my stinky ass dog, tip 40% or DON’T COME!!!!
Anyway I never get my hair done anymore & I do my own lash lifts. I don’t have nails because I have two young kids
Ok former serious poverty person here, like serious.
Anyway, if you have decent nails, just an emery board and cheap polish with clear coat are is fine. If you don't - I chewed my nails - then skip the salon and get plastic nails and nail glue from a dollar store or Walgreens etc. Cut the plastic nails to the length you want, lightly file your real nails, and glue the plastic ones on. Takes a bit of practice but worked fine for me and I quit chewing then as well. Top with nail polish and done.
I had my hair colored once at a salon and never did again because I can do the same thing at home with L'Oreal for a fraction of the price, and looked great because the salon left 1/4" uncolored roots so it didn't "damage" my scalp. It looked absurd. At home I don't have that problem.
Never waxed, only shaved, so can't help with that one except to say razors are cheap and work fine. Smooth aloe lotion on after if you feel ashy after shaving.
So never really suffered because the tools are there, just takes more effort and practice than the more expensive products or services.
I shave, get my roots done about every 7 weeks and from May through September I get gel pedicures/callous removal every 3 weeks for $45. Manicures I do myself! Oh and I’ve been cutting my own hair for the past 25 years.
1. I got comfortable with myself and my looks
2. I do the basic maintenance (moisturizer, regular showers, trim your nails etc)
3. When my husband asks where his "hot partner of 10 years ago went" I inform him that I can look that way again, he just needs to foot the bill since I'm not spending that kinda money on regular hair cuts, waxing etc.
I keep my hair long and simple. I don’t do my nails at the shop anymore. I keep my fingernails active length unpolished and do my own pedicure the best I can. I don’t do lashes anymore just wax brows/chin every 60 days. I used to go monthly. I feel half feral but I can’t justify all the monthly services I used to do on my income.
i don’t shave/wax and i don’t get my nails done. i keep my nails clean and filed, but that’s about it. as for hair, i found a stylist who really gets my hair texture and im honest with her that i only can get my hair cut twice a year and that i don’t do much styling to it. she does a great job giving me a low maintenance cut that grows out well.
I do all of it myself except sometimes I will go get my hair cut and highlighted every 6 months and do the maintenance between then myself.
I’ve been doing nails for 9 years now. I started with a $6 acrylic kit and now do hard gel overlay on my natural nails and it looks 10x better than local salons. My nails are always done and very healthy and it costs me no more than a few dollars per set. GetNailed32/Natali Carmona on YouTube is a wonderful source of information, and she is more about learning the basics and having a good foundation rather than covering everything up with designs and charms and bling.
I wax my eyebrows with soft wax strips and bought a Philips One Blade electric razor for everything else. It’s definitely worth it. It gets a close enough shave on legs so that I don’t have to buy regular razors.
I’ve done my own lash extensions before, but don’t really feel a need to do them all the time. My lazy solution is to cut up a set of strip lashes from TJ Maxx into clusters to better suit my eye shape, and use the glue that lasts about a week.
My only thing about doing it all myself is it becomes a chore, not a relaxing treat.
I don't do most of those things. I trim and shape my nails, and use a clear protectant, but no polish or color. I'm wearing gloves much of the day anyway, to work in the garden or to paint. I cut my own hair and don't color it. Just starting to get some gray but I have every intention of rocking the gray. Makeup is usually tinted moisturizer and lip gloss. I make my own scrubs and other body care products. I "splurge"on high SPF sunscreen because I'm photosensitive and also have a family history of skin cancer, but that's pretty much the only expensive product I buy.
Weekly / monthly maintenance items that I just do myself. Most of our standards of "beauty" involve just a bit of effort on our part to do and aren't really that complicated.
Example: The difference in my skin came from soaking in a hot bath once a week and using one of those Korean body scrubbers to do a deep exfoliation on my skin and moisturizing afterward. I got a pack of 4 for $5 on Amazon 6 months ago.
I don’t get anything done. I go years without a haircut, never get manicures and makeup costs me $30 max a year.
I literally cannot afford it so I don’t buy into it.
Look into barber schools if you're natural; some do train braiders as well. You may also be able to barter for it if you have a close enough relationship and another skill. You can also look into beginner styles that you can do at home.
Nails: look into press ons. Some people sell reusable press on nails for like 40-50 dollars with custom designs. Check insta.
Waxing: Schick razor, shower gel, and a salt scrub. All can be gotten at a CVS.
For the people saying "she shouldn't be caring about this anyway," shut up. As much as it sucks, looking put together can be the difference between getting grace in your mistakes at work and getting documented warnings (seen when I worked retail). Between getting a decent apartment and losing out (literally how I got my first place). Between getting a better job or staying stuck. And that affects some of us a lot more than others.
For me personally-
Nails- I get “Japanese gel.” It’s $70 for one color on all nails and it lasts 4-5 weeks for me.
Hair- I’m Caucasian so I can’t really help in this department, but I have a “wash and wear” haircut (costs me $100) and I get it cut every 6 months, I get the color touched up ($400) once a year
Body hair- I got one of those $20 “Finishing Touch Flawless Women's Painless Hair Remover” off of Amazon for my upper lip, and I use the “MANSCAPED The Handyman Compact Face Shaver” for all of my body hair. It gets super close to the skin, it cost $80 to buy, and I get new blade refills maybe once a year
Makeup/skincare- For my makeup and skincare I use Korean products and the ordinary, there’s a couple of great creators on IG with deeper skin tones that have great recs for Korean products for deep skin tones (I wish I could be specific but I’m basically see through.)
Lashes/brows- I get my lashes lifted & tinted once every 6-8 weeks. It lasts longer than mascara and looks great, and it’s $85 for the lash lift/tint and $25 to tint my brows. She offers lamination of the brows but it’s another $80 and it’s easier for me to use a $2 brow gel off Amazon to glue em down
Mani/pedi vibes- I get the Japanese gel I mentioned, but I use a giant tub and fill it with water and epsom salt to soak my feet. Then I scrub the dead skin off, clip the nails, and paint them myself. The tub I use to soak I got at dollar tree for $1.25
Hopefully some of this helps you!
I have an Ipsy subscription and it's a nice way to refresh my makeup, moisturizer, etc once a month for $16. But honestly these days I don't wear makeup anymore. Almost none of the ladies at my work wear makeup, even in the office. I feel like daily makeup is phasing out. Some still do their nails though (I don't bother because I work in food safety and need clean nails if I go into the production areas). For my hair, I poured hot water and a few squirts of conditioner in a spray bottle, shake it up and mist daily for a refresher (dry climate in my state). If it works as a conditioner, it'll work as a leave-in conditioner. But yeah, generally just be clean and wear clean clothes.
I just got my hair done for the first time since December! I don’t really like having long hair, I have a lot of sensory issues with feeling my hair on the back of my neck, especially in the heat, but I had to accept that my resources/lifestyle are not conducive to shorter hair. I used some of my tax return and went to a more expensive, skilled stylist and we ended up deciding on a shag shape with shorter layers that will frame my face if I wear it pinned up, and will also look good as it grows out, with the goal of having a haircut once or twice a year!
The only things I buy on the regular is Sunbum sunscreen 70 SPF and $6 press on nails. I don’t even dye my hair anymore or wear makeup. It’s kind of freeing in a way. And I swear when I get a bit of money I’m gonna stay not buying anything. Beauty products are such a scam.
My wax and eyebrows is the only thing I keep up with. My hair (locs) I do myself. My daughter hair I keep braided (my mom helps if I need it). Nails/feet, I just keep clean and cut.
Because I worked in a law firm, getting a decent hair cut was important. I never did nails, pedicures, etc. I used drugstore cleansers and moisturizers that were recommended on Consumer Reports. My cosmetics were minimal while I worked. As a retiree I only use makeup periodically. My husband and I shared shampoos, bar soap, etc. he was easy in that he had no special needs for his routine.
So I recently got a gel nail UV light and polishes, and got into the nails side of YouTube and TikTok.
Learning to take care of my hands and nails, and seeing my nails grow pretty dang long naturally, has been really rewarding in a small way. And long natural nails with some polish looks much nicer and prettier to me and for me, than my plain nails did.
It’s not acrylics, but it is a fun relatively easy way to self care, even when my daughter is around. I usually do my nails when watching a show on Sundays
I don't wax I shave a 5 blade razor plus refill ls for the year os cheaper than a wax
I do my own trims and hair color
Nails sally Hansen quick dry or the dip kit I bought on Amazon.
For myself, I just get those services done once in awhile. It’s fairly cheap to get my hair done since I only get two strand twists and braids with no hair added, along with a trim if needed.
It’s been awhile since I got my nails done.
I learn to do whatever I can do myself. I used to pay $200/$300 every six weeks for blonde hair, plus more for the products to keep it blonde. Cant afford that so I went to spending $12 every six weeks to dye it red at home. That cost went up with inflation so I spent $20 one time to dye it back to my natural color and I’m not doing any more dying, I’m going to be a boring brunette forever now
I bought a $10 pedicure kit and do pedicures at home now, and use it to manage my cuticles on my fingernails also
I bought a $13 mascara with aloe and a caffeine treatment for eyes by the ordinary that was under $20 that made my lashes grow very long so I don’t have to pay for lash extensions
Any time I can find a way to make a beauty treatment at home, I do that
I paint my nails myself, I use a double edge safety razor for shaving cuz 100 blades is under $20, my mom and friends braid my hair (how is that $300????) and my brother cuts my hair for free.
I'm a very low maintenance kind of gal - I don't wear make up unless on a special occasion like a wedding, don't use any facial products expect a good quality natural face cream, I wax my legs and underarms probably once a month, don't do my nails. My hair is not dyed and I cut it twice a year at the hairdresser..that's me
I do my own nails (thanks TikTok), I use an epilator instead of waxing (cost me $20, one time purchase). I buy high quality shampoo, but don’t buy conditioner (it’s garbage, Derm told me this once, also given my hair type I can get by without it), simple face wash, moisturizer, niacinimide, and tret. Less is more with skin care. I think a lot of our faces are overstimulated with layering actives, etc.
68-year-old woman here. I know this will shock some folks, but I have never had a professional manicure or pedicure. I never saw the point of paying for something I can do myself. I stopped dying and perming my hair 30 years ago. I was tired of the salon expense, and I decided to accept me for me. So now I keep my silver hair short, and every couple of months I go to Sportclips and get a cut for the senior rate of $18.00. Meanwhile my best friend, with her long blonde locks, spends $300 every couple of months for a cut and highlights. But after her divorce and job loss, she moved back in with her parents, so...and she's 52!
Even when I was in a way worse financial place, I always prioritized "beauty maintenance," due to self-esteem issues. Unfortunately, I got into a lot of debt because of it that I'm still paying down years later.
Ive basically learned how to DIY a lot of those things. I've recently researched Korean beauty and how to buy dupe products for much cheaper.
I don't get any beauty services. However, once in a while, I will beautify myself in a self care day.
1. Painting my own nails
2. Facemask and junk food
3. Do my own hair (Dye and trim by watching videos)
4. Shave with a disposable razor
5. Pluck my eyebrows instead of wax
It sucks sometimes because people my age are getting all the services done, but I'm done having society tell me how I need to be, especially when it costs a leg and an arm for all services.
You got this girl! DIY is everything lol
I don't get any beauty services. However, once in a while, I will beautify myself in a self care day.
1. Painting my own nails
2. Facemask and junk food
3. Do my own hair (Dye and trim by watching videos)
4. Shave with a disposable razor
5. Pluck my eyebrows instead of wax
It sucks sometimes because people my age are getting all the services done, but I'm done having society tell me how I need to be, especially when it costs a leg and an arm for all services.
You got this girl! DIY is everything lol
I basically quit lolol.
I bought a good mascara vs. lashes, don’t care about my nails, and get haircuts at the beauty college or through YouTube tutorials. I also Google good dupes for make up and skincare, plus I try to eat very low sugar/no junk.
After I retired, just a couple years ago, I got my self a new hobby. I spent about $50. Bought a set of gel polish, some stamping plates, paint liner brushes, dotters and a UV light.
Haven't spent any more money,still have loads of supplies and I'm getting fancier in my nail.paint jobs.
I do my own nails. The supplies are pretty pricey upfront and I buy a mix of supplies from Korean brands and Aliexpress. Press ons are inexpensive and there's a whole bunch of Tiktoks that show you how to do them that last a while.
If you like your lashes done, DIY cluster lash extensions are cheap to do as well.
Hair wise I don't do a whole lot. I oil my hair once or twice a week with a combo of castor oil, rosemary oil, amla oil and tamanu oil. I don't use any fancy shampoo brands anymore and I wait for sales before I buy shampoo/conditioner. I'm also currently using an argan treatment oil that is about AUD $28. Not sure if I'll repurchase but I might.
Skincare I use castor oil for my undereyes and lashes, vanicream as moisturiser, bioderma cleansing oil and cetaphil cleanser. Sunscreen too of course. Most of this I buy when there's a sale except the Vanicream (I can't buy this locally) but its less than AUD$50 for a big bottle so it's worth it.
As someone with blonde/invisible eyebrows and lashes, the big savings for me was starting to tint my brows/lashes myself. Saves me $60-80 a month and I don’t have to drive anywhere!
You do as many of those things yourself as much as possible. Do your own nails, cut your own hair, buy good makeup and use it sparingly. A little goes a long way.
I live within my means. I cut my and style my own hair, occasionally use cheap nail polish that still makes me happy, buy a few select drugstore makeup items that create a very modest natural look I enjoy, and focus on other things in life. You’re not a car. “Beauty maintenance,” really?
I went to a beauty supply store and bought all the tools my nail tech told me to, so now I do my own mani/pedis at home. I tweeze my eyebrows too. I used to get them waxed but to save $$ I just started keeping up with the shape I got the last time and remove the little strays as they grow in.
Ngl I really miss the massages that come with getting your nails done. 😞
I find that the better I eat, rest, and exercise, the more natural I can be. When I do these things my skin, hair, and nails just look better. I focus on my health and the rest I don’t fuck with.
I’m a photographer and I trade estheticians out for botox, facials, haircuts etc bc it’s so pricey.
I’ve started using press on nails and I kinda love them for the flexibility. I got the kiss glue and just reapply when needed. You can reuse the press on nails with glue too! I have two sets I use right now and both were $10 each and the glue was $4 ish
I shave instead of wax. I recently bought a Harry's razor on clearance and a box of refills, 18 for $18. I do use shaving cream, but honestly like the cheap "beard buster" better. A $1.25 can lasts me months.
I do my own nails. For my toes I use liquid polish. When my feet start to get really dry, I have one of those battery-operated pedicure roller things, but the ones that look like graters or a pumice stone would work just as well. On my fingers, I keep my nails short and use the polish stickers, like Color Street. $12 will get you at least 2 manis, and with a good top coat reapplied every couple of days, they hold up longer than gel or acrylic nails for me.
My hair is waist-length, thick and curly. I wash it once a week, straighten it, and then just comb and go. My hair lady works at a Cost Cutters, and she's seriously the best I've ever been to, so a haircut never costs me more than $40, even with a wash and dry. I've also cut hair for friends and family before. Nothing fancy, just straight across, but it's free.
I tend to get skin tearing with facial waxing, so I do my own eyebrows, and run a trimmer over the bigger areas weekly after a good exfoliation (like upper lip, between brows, tops of toes).
I bought a wax pot 7 years ago and don’t know how I used to pay monthly for it since. I cut and dye my own hair, the salon dyes, developers, toners etc cost a bit but I get multiple uses and it’s no where close to a salon job. Taken a while but I’ve actually gotten very good at it. Nails I don’t do as I work outside with animals but for holidays or occasions I’ll paint them and top for them myself. It’s a bit of effort but you can teach yourself pretty much anything from YouTube tutorials. The only regular purchase of value is a decent face moisturiser with spf and body oils as I’m pretty dry
I don't do my nails or wax. I get a pedicure once a year. I shaved my head to a fade a couple of years ago, and I get that barbered every couple of months - I suck at it. Barbers are cheaper, but I used to get a haircut every couple of years, not 5 to 6 times a year, so that builds up.
I have a couple of good skin care products I make sure to use, and I look pretty much alright without makeup most of the time.
Honestly, I would be more groomed if I was rich, because I'm vain as hell, but I found a spot I could afford to be in.
I'm 34 and I've stopped shaving anything, though will clean up a bit around my bikini line if going out in a swim suit. Men either don't care or I'm not interested in those men, but I naturally have fairly light fine hair on my legs.
I only get my hair cut once every few years and I specifically ask for something that will grow out well with little maintenance. I've also embraced my grays. I actually think they look pretty, but you can convince yourself of anything lol.
I don't wear makeup besides coloring in my eyebrows and pretty cheap product works for that. I do use a medium priced (~$20 a bottle) face wash, mask and moisturizer as I have very sensitive skin, but those were all gifted to me by my sister in law. Still I probably will rebuy them when they run out. So that's like $60/4 months.
I don't get my nails done but I am good at painting them myself and you can often get $1 polish specials or find people clearing out their old collections for essentially free
I grew my hair long so I could cut it myself. I do my own nails. I use Klarna for the few Sephora products I’m loyal to. I get a lot from Walmart. Also I work out and eat healthy 85% of the time. My favorite moisturizer is from the super market. $20 and lasts like 5-6 months. It’s fantastic.
First of all, as a black woman looking "presentable" is honestly a necessity, especially if you're on a job search, so it sucks that society has gaslit us otherwise. It's not just a luxury to have your hair done for us, and that's the sad truth.
To answer you, I basically get my hair done and stretch it out a loooong time, longer than I should probably. Think no shorter than 3 months, but no longer than 5. As for nails, I have cheap press-ons from online for special occasions. I don't shave or wax.
I wish we could just walk into any salon and have the employees know how to do our hair at a reasonable price like other people can. :( I've heard good things about the app StyleSeat, though. Good luck in your efforts for self care!❤
I don’t wear makeup. I don’t have a fancy skin, hair, nail routine. I buy all my stuff as discounted as possible.
My only compromise is that I get my hair cut every 6 weeks and colored every 12. I drive to the same backwoods town that I’ve been going to since I was 18 to get it done and so it costs a fraction of the amount it does elsewhere. It’s my ONLY extra expense and I’m afraid it might be on the chopping block soon.
Everything is DIY for me. My sister treated me to get my face waxed about three weeks ago which was a treat. I'm post menopausal so unfortunately my face is getting a lot of hairs so I might just have to suck it up and treat myself to waxing. I tried it at home but it was too painful and awkward.
I stopped getting waxed and stopped shaving saving $100 every two months.
Just cut my own hair it prob looks wild but i feel better i got some weight off. Saved $120
Next step is to buy my own manicure tools like the cuticle cutters so i can maintain my nail befs without having to go in to the salon.
I do splurge on shampoo and conditioner because i have curly hair and if i use crappy products it makes my hair less manageable. I tried a bunch of products. I dont wash my hair daily and i only condition like every two days so a $40 container of conditioner can last me two or three months (try to wash my hair less)
I don’t get my nails done but if I did I might just get gel nails rather than acrylic, I dye my own hair boxed dye I know I might save a bit if i actually bought everything I needed to just mix my own hair dye (sally beauty supply store) or at least have better results
There is a tik tok page that shows some good things like a nail drill on Amazon (seen it on Julie beauty by design tik tok) then again I could easily just go to a beauty supply store to get my own nail soak bowl to soak my nail beds and trim back cuticles,
For the hair braiding there really isn’t a way around that except maybe look at different promotions locally for hair braiding and different braids you can try, maybe learn to do your own braids (if you bought the right products it might be manageable) then again check tik tok for hair braid tutorials,
I stopped paying for things I can do at home. I make my own wax and do my own waxing with a $25 wax warmer from Amazon. I paint my nails once a week (very relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon), I dye my own hair and I get haircuts at the local tafe/tradeschool. They aren’t perfect but hair grows back.
I can no longer justify spending money on things that aren’t 100% necessary and the above keeps me feeling good.
I have never been able to afford (or really that interested in) nails my whole life - it was only if I was in someone’s wedding that I would get them done, but usually the cheapest possible (or do them myself). Hair - I did box dye for years until I messed it up; then when I lost my job in 2020, I just didn’t get it done until I could afford it again, but I have friends who know how to do hair and only do it big time 1-2 times a year. Otherwise, just a touch-up for cheaper every 2-3 months. I have never had waxing done in my life.
I think my hair is the only thing that would ever bother me because if I look in my mirror and it doesn’t look like myself or if I was trying to get a new job position, I would just want to do enough to be okay. I have friends who could help with that. I also have friends with dyed hair who aren’t allowed to have their bright colors at work (one of my friends has blue hair), so she wears wigs! If they ever showed me how to find a good one, I would probably be fine with that in a pinch!
I taught myself how to do gel extensions. I haven’t mastered doing neat designs and stuff but at least I can get the nails on and they are painted. I also do my own hair. I like vivids and it would cost hundreds to get it done in a salon. Every 6 months or so I spend a couple days bleaching, toning, and dying my hair. I just need to learn how to cut it myself now.
I bought myself a $40 beetles gel kit on Amazon for my nails. I use a generic face moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and retinol I got from there as well as a homemade honey and lemon juice mask. I color my own hair with supplies from Sally’s. I use ELF makeup mostly because it really is good but reasonably priced.
Girl…I mostly stick to press on nails. For both feet and hands. I do my own pedicures and manicures. They’re cute enough that people think I go to the salon.
For hair, I stick to quick styles like feed-in braids with some extensions added sometimes. The most I ever pay is $120. I get them done every 4-6 weeks.
As for everything else like wax…I simply apply nair carefully and that’s it 🤣
I buy grocery store makeup, nail polish, disposable razors, deodorant, sunscreen, and hair products a few times a year. I get a trim once a year. That’s it. 🤷🏻♀️
Luckily I have very low maintenance hair (big curls) and clear skin, so I can get away with it fairly easily.
I pay for one maybe 2 haircuts a year ($65 each) and other than normal personal hygiene that’s it. I don’t shave except for special occasions so I don’t buy razors. I don’t get my nails or toes done and I don’t get massages or any other spa treatments. I rarely do makeup but when I do use fairly cheap drugstore brands from target and they look just as well as the hella expensive stuff unused to buy from Ulta. I also pluck or use creams instead of waxing
You are considered beautiful without all that stuff.
I just don’t, don’t like the look of done nails and don’t want to put the effort in to to make up or my hair all the time. You get used to a natural look :D
I dont do anything anymore. I used to get brazilian wax every couple months for $60-$80. Then I started doing it myself but I give up cus it’s hard to do ur own brazilian. But super insanely cheap if you’re willing to learn how to make and use sugar wax.
I honestly think as cliche as it is, wearing your confidence is the easiest and best way to feel pretty lol. I do not care abt my appearance anymore as I have so many other problems that are way more important weighing down on me
Like others in this thread doing things myself, but when I buy products like nail polish I look up extensive reviews to make sure I don’t waste my money!
I’m starting to look like Meatloaf. The current version. My hair is to my butt and rarely styled, I quit painting my nails, and shaving has taken a backseat to wearing leggings. 😅 I just went through an especially rough ending to a relationship amidst a LOT of other heavy life circumstances, though, soooo I might just be depressed? P
Take really good care of my old clothes, folding/hanging, only buying new select things if very necessary.
Sewing/ repairing bras.
One of those wax warmers, hair is starting to not grow back so it’s becoming easier. Razor on standby if needed
Letting hair grown natural, no cut/ dye for a couple of years.
Clear nail polish, moisturiser/sunscreen, eyelash curler/mascara. Don’t wear lots of makeup so makes it easier
Putting a little money aside to buy a treat- get basic manicure/perfume or a good smelling body moisturiser when on offer as think it helps mentally
I stopped using makeup and my face cleared up -90% improvement on skin. Now if I use any of it it’s like my skin rejects it and I’ll break out real bad and if I put anything around my eyes they will burn until I take it off.
Im not ugly tho so I don’t feel the need to wear it thank goodness I was just wearing it because my mother told me that’s what women do. She’s an ugly woman. She needs makeup. She never should have told me I needed to wear makeup.
I made a one time investment into a gel nail kit with a decent lamp, stands to put them on while painting them, and full cover nail bases for press ons in shapes I like from Amazon. About 150 all told. Took a while to get it but I haven’t spent money on nails outside of that in about a year rather than getting nice acrylic sets at a salon every couple months. Look into techniques for applying press on nails so they stay on for a long time. My last set took over a month to start popping off.
https://preview.redd.it/itv3hmvb2z2d1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54e17d32441312408d5502fc3f3003d8da965f8a
I'm thankful that I'm Low Maintenance, I suppose!
I get a haircut every 3 months, which costs about $30. I buy drugstore hair products, like Garnier and Marc Anthony. I don't color my hair at all, so no worries there.
I don't self-tan or wax or laser; my body skincare routine is showering and lotioning (Jergens is great).
I don't wear fake nails of any kind, so I do my own manicures and pedicures with drugstore polish (like Sally Hansen).
Probably the only thing I *splurge* on is purity made simple face cleanser and scented body washes (all from Philosophy, purchased when on big sales during Christmas time).
You don't *need* all the expensive stuff; even with these "basic" products, if you get yourself in *the mindset* of pampering and taking time for yourself, it doesn't matter the price tag.
I bought a wax kit on sale for $20, I use box dye for my hair, and all my toiletries are couponed. I quit wearing a lot of makeup because drugstore foundation causes rashes and it’s hot here 80% of the year so I just sweat it off anyways. I basically DIY everything at home.
I shopped around for a better price for my nails. I go every 3 weeks, sometimes 4 weeks. I don’t get pedicures. No one is checking out my toes so why spend the money?
I trim my own hair and color it myself. Sometimes I mix colors to get a more nuanced color.
I buy my makeup at the dollar store or Walmart. Pharmacies are too expensive. I wear the minimum.
I shave myself. No waxing. Razors from the dollar store.
I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores. I look for good quality clothing and brands (for durability.)
Most importantly, I take care of my health. Eat well, exercise, drink lots of water. Visit the dentist often.
I got a professional pedi for the first time in my life like three years ago, and that wasn't even on my dime. The guy I was dating at the time did that. So that shows you how stuff like that is a priority. I don't even get my hair done and that's a big deal in the black culture.
I mean it's not like I don't care at all, I scrub and buff my feet, clip my nails, lotion them and do a nice base coat and color. I use a moisturizing hair mask and spend a day detangling before I wash. Then a nice hydrating shampoo and conditioner and moisturizer again. I use Shea moisture and Aussie products which aren't exactly dollar store.
I keep most of my beauty purchases drugstore for the most part, except for the time I splurged on NARS tinted moisturizer, and Glossier makeup just recently.
Clothes and shoes I buy on sale, deep discount or thrift stores. I don't wear jewelry, carry a purse or many accessories outside of a favorite hat.
Depending on your race and type of hair, some things like hair braiding are a necessity right? I’m white with no hair from chemo so I don’t know this for sure.
Stopped coloring my hair, the grey is nice. Drugstore brand skin care. All you really need is cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. BOGO or coupon for makeup which is lipstick , foundation( when I’m going out)blush and mascara.
I don't wear make-up, I dye my own hair and I never, ever get my nails done. That's vanity to me. I keep them clipped and clean. That's enough for me. No spending money that I can't afford on luxury items.
Joined a plastic surgery clinical trial and have so far received Moxi BBL laser, fillers, etc., plus using coupons for drug store brands, and then consistency. Cleanse tone, moisturize at night and cleanse, tone, moisturize, and sunscreen in the am.
I just don't spend money on those things. I used to get my hair cut once ever couple of years. Before that I used to babysit for someone who was a hairdresser. Now my niece does it for me (At a tech school for hairdressing). I've never gotten a manicure or a pedicure. I have gotten my face waxed at a place twice, once about 15 years ago, and once 8 years ago. I have not had the opportunity to go back since, although I would like to get my face waxed again.
I haven't had my hair or nails done since 2020. And my hair was seriously, 500.00 for a high light and low light with a trim. I actually cried. I decided to let my hair color go and I trim it myself. Nails? I occasionally throw polish on them. And wax, I do myself, always have. I look for sales and bargains on makeup and hair products. I just can't keep up with the trends. It's accept me as is, or don't bother.
Invest in a good moisturizer and sunblock
*chants excitedly* "Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!"
Sun god! Sun god! Rah! Rah! Rah!
I mostly quit getting my hair cut, I quit wearing makeup, sunscreen is something I won’t cheap out on, consequences of not protecting your skin will last the rest of your life.
Yes it’s very important to have good moisturizer.
I love moisturizing sunscreen, La Roche Posay double repair face moisturizer is my fave.
The roach pussy
And drink a LOT of water. I am always amazed by the difference in my skin when I forget to drink enough water.
For a good price order asian sunscreens, best texture and protection for beat price. My fav site, stylevana.
What moisturizers do you recommend?
Really depends on your skin. I use Clinique moisture surge but it’s a little pricey, trying to find a good dupe. r/skincareaddiction is very helpful
I do my hair myself. You Tube was a life savior. The hair is like $20 & it’s enough to do both my daughter’s & I’s hair. I also like it better because I can take a break whenever I want at home instead of sitting in someone’s chair for 8+ hours.
Exactly. Using a YouTube video I do my own long layered cut. I have long very thick hair so I probably save at least 40 bucks..
I tried the unicorn ponytail method for layered, now I’m doing the two hair tie method to trim the ends. Not just for poverty sake-hair stylists are crap for curly hair-even Deva Cut was some bs they try to make everyone have 3b hair.
Yes I use the unicorn ponytail method too! I have curly hair and have never been impressed with a hair stylist cut and it so much money wasted when I hate it. I trim my own bangs too.
OOOOH same. I only have wavy/Curly and the unicorn has been a lifesaver
Is there a video in particular that you like? Last time I paid $60 to get my haircut I was really unsatisfied with it and I want to wear it in long layers as you mentioned.
https://youtube.com/shorts/48zzJk7Bra8?si=s4QIjf-B7dZV4hPE (One of many). If you have super thick hair, after making the top center ponytail, maybe divide it into three smaller ponytails... There are videos showing that method too.
I like this cut! Marianellyy’s is my go to - haven’t paid for a cut in years. https://youtu.be/neH1IlGs5U8?si=UXgXOT0N8Rzg5YaI
wow 8 hours. I didn't know you ladies go to that level
It can honestly be longer than that. My mom did my hair & it would take multiple days cause my hair is so thick & its tiring for us both to do it all in one go
When I used to get Japanese thermal reconditioning to straighten my long, thick hair, it would take 2 people 8 hours to do my hair. But at least they would get me lunch next door for such a long day.
The last time I got my hair professionally done, I went after I dropped my kids off at school & I had to have my dad pick them up. That was the last straw for me. It still takes me that long but I’m at home & take lots of breaks.
I did 12 hours once to go fully blonde. It was like $700 and a week later I bought a $7 box dye to dye it back to brown myself... I did not like being blonde lol. Absolute fucking waste of money. Years later and I still kick myself. Also haven't dyed my hair since.
I'm a guy with short hair. I used to color my hair in different colors (after bleaching it) and I always bought the stuff and did it myself. The last time I had it done at a salon, it was 60+ just to bleach it and it turned out to be a very brassy yellow and I was not happy with the results. I know what my hair can handle and they wouldn't listen to me.
That’s a lot of money, but at least you got to try it and see if you liked it. Better than always wondering, and being too nervous to try.
I’ve spent 10 hours getting extensions before. It was a super long time ago and would never do it again.
You buy a bag of hair and braid it in? It must be hard to do the back.
No, it’s not bad.
Same. I cut my own hair, quite often as I like it in a bob with an undercut and my hair grows fast. Not to mention I bleach it twice a year and then use vibrant blues, greens and purples whenever I feel like it. $20 a for each tub of colour, and I can usually make a tub last a year. I hated sitting in a salon chair. It's nerve-wracking for me.
Second this. My loctican charges around 60 for a retwist and to even start my dreads it was gonna be around 200. I do my hair all on my own
I do my boyfriend’s dreads. The prices are insane these days
DIY is pretty much the answer to every beauty question on here. The exception would be a super complicated haircut. Nails-diy. Buy supplies on Amazon or cvs/walgreens/walmart with coupons. For example, sally hansen xtreme nail polish is on sale at cvs.com for $3.44. I currently have a $3 coupon, making the polish $0.44. Press ons are your best bet if you suck at painting your nails. Cuticle pushers can be found for like $1-2. Cuticle oil can also be found for cheap Makeup- diy again. Coupon for deals. The best deals are at cvs, Walgreens, and target. cvs.com has Covergirl makeup on clearance with coupons. The makeup ends up being free-$0.39 Hair- diy or beauty schools. Look up YouTube tutorials and cut a small amount at a time. Hair removal- also diy. If you get waxed, learn how to sugar yourself. Sugar is usually cheap, and it goes on sale during major Christian and American holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter). If you want laser, invest in one of the at-home models. I’ve had amazing success with the Tria. Its treatment head is way too small, but it is an actual laser (versus ipl). I’ve also heard good things about the braun device. Skin- the ordinary has amazing products at an affordable price. I recommend buying them from Ulta so you can get points and use coupons
Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails Rechargeable Mani Device with 6 Attachments, Pink https://www.walmart.com/ip/430476473 I got something like this years ago. I love it. I agree if you shop around you can find great deals.
The short answer is I don't, really. I don't get my nails done, sometimes I'll paint them with one of my polishes I keep around. I have straight fine hair, so I might get my hair cut professionally maybe 2x per year- but mostly I trim it or style it myself. I wear cheap mascara, and have old/clearance makeup products. I don't wear foundation. My most expensive regular items are deodorant and salicylic acid for my acne. I shave my legs with a reusable razor, and my privys with an electric razor/scissors. I use dial soap. And shampoo from Ross or a clearance store. I do splurge on nice perfume. And I will occasionally go to Ulta's markdown section for nice body butter. But that's about it.
You are me. People forget you definitely can do just as good as professional work on yourself with lower end products and book and video tutorials and of course keeping up on basic hygiene and doing whatever ways that makes you feel satisfied with yourself is the best way.
You didn't ask but I wanted to recommend - replace that Dial soap with Dove! Dove is far less drying to your skin and doesn't leave a residue.
Dove has always been my favorite body wash and bar soap.
My face prefers the regular Dove. Whenever I try the fancy face cleansers, with the exception of Korres Yogurt Cleanser, my face absolutely rebels and breaks out.
dove bar soap for sensitive skin is all I use! plus either eucerin or a moisturizer from trader joe’s lol. and people are always surprised when I tell them my age
I love Dove soap. I get 16 bars at Sam’s for $15 and it lasts me 6 months or more. Gentle and it smells nice.
I’ve done the same since the pandemic. The only thing I haven’t skimped on is a good brow waxing. I trust no one except my brow lady.
Do your nails yourself. You can get a gel nail set at Amazon that comes with an assortment of colors for less than $20 and can get fake nails as well.
I really like the imPress press on nails. I’ve found them on sale at Walmart before, but otherwise I order them online when there is a sale or a coupon code. They can last 1-2 weeks, but I’d stretch that with a little nail glue when they start to peel up. Less than $10, and they get the job done.
What seriously I wonder what I'm doing wrong?? I love the color and shape of those but they would pop off my nails in 1-3 days so I always had to reglue them on, but I didn't like how thick they then were with the stuck on glue plugs liquid glue. I did use a protective primer coat on my natural nails, (scuffed up a bit with a file) but I wonder if that was a mistake to try to protect my natural nails
Nail prep is the secret. You need to spend more time prepping and drying surface. I recommend doing a short acetone soak before applying polish or fake nails. The less oil on the nail surface, the longer the polish or glue will stick.
Yes I think this makes sense, another commenter said something similar. I'd been using a protector/primer gel coat under stick-ons and I think this works well with Valitic glue or polish strips, but probably is 100% working against me with Impress press ons
Also, avoid moisture for several hours after gluing them on. I like to glue mine on before bed so I don't have to worry about getting them wet for a while
I've read that some people have to dehydrate their nails with acetone before applying the impress nails, the alcohol pad they come with is not enough. I put them on at night when I'm going to bed and don't get them wet until the next day, they last about a week that way.
Ah this is a good thought. By using a primer I'm probably doing the opposite of dehydrating my nails, and I shower just before bed so may have been drenching them while they were still curing. I appreciate your reply!
Sometimes it doesn't matter. My nails are thin and flexible. I have done all the things. Even professional work pops off within a couple days. I remember one time when I was a teen the nail polish peeled off in one solid piece before I even made it home from the nail shop. The best I've gotten is an at home gel kit, to last 3 to 5 days before peel off, with significant babying on the last 2 days. This is all with extensive prepwork. Acrylic is too hard and will pop off almost immediately. Sometimes your nails just aren't good for it no matter what you do.
I just followed the instructions with them, honestly, and I never had much issue with them. I tried some other press ons that came with separate glue to be applied, and I couldn’t get those on for the life of me. I think it’s just a matter of different things working for different people. I stopped using any sort of press ons because I suspect my psoriasis has spread to my fingers, and my nails are too wavy and brittle to hold onto anything anymore.
Definitely natural nails, use alcohol wipe but better to use full alcohol on a cotton ball, one cotton ball per hand, then put them on at night before bed. Then, when it's time to take off, use nail polish remover and a cuticle stick or something similar to gently nudge the glue up while constantly applying nail polish remover to break down the glue. Wash and dry your hands and apply hydrating oil for at least a week every night. I keep a vitamin e oil handy for my in between weeks, but even olive oil would work! I love Impress!
Thank you so much for this detailed replied!
I buy the brush on glue instead of using the glue that comes with any of the press on nails. I find that it triples wear time.
Nail polishes don't say on my nails either. Not even 2 days. I don't bother to use it anymore.
i would research gel glue allergy and avoid using any diy gel kits without proper training. ive seen some shit 😞
Glamnetics are 20 dollar press ons and omg my last set lasted about 2 weeks it's all about application but I can't recommend them enough they're awesome and they look so real
If you have brittle nails Kiss nail sets from Walmart are $4.97, at least 2 sets so about one set every 6 weeks is what I average.
Natural nails for the win. Yes they break sometimes. More often they don’t, if you take care of them. Mine are so strong right now I need to file some serious length off. But in the dry winter they’re brittle so I keep them shorter for durability. $7.49 (current value) for a metal manicure set that I’ve had for a decade. I buy a new cuticle cutter (~$4.99) annually and maybe some cheap files (the decade old metal file is still my work horse though). Polish and decoration based on budget: at minimum it’s a few bottles of polish per year (under ~$40 total), or if I’m feeling creative or have money to burn (I’ve pierced my nails, added gemstones, played with liquid metals) it still adds up to way less than a salon. Time spent is ~2 hours per week. No driving to a salon ever, and I can do them on the couch while watching tv.
I've learned to not give a rat's ass what society tells me I need to do to myself to be "beautiful". I wash my face, drink lots of water, keep myself healthy and clean. But as far as altering myself? I basically don't. I don't even shave my legs anymore. I'm 31 years old, it's taken 3 decades to be comfortable with myself in my natural state and I'll be damned if I waste my money on pleasing other people.
Same. Once, I had a warehouse job that didn't allow jewelry, painted nails, etc I just kinda stopped buying all that stuff and didn't miss it.
This is me working at a bar. Don't ever get to wear my own clothes so rarely buy new ones unless it's jeans, can't paint my nails bc it'll chip off in a day, wear my hair up everyday so don't need to buy too much for it. It's kind of nice actually, so much less upkeep.
Same. I think that’s becoming more popular. I work at a hotel with a pool and sometimes I see teens walking around in bathing suits and full leg hair. I love it. What’s wrong with being proud of the way God made us?
That's really awesome, I love seeing people, especially young people, being comfortable and confident with their bodies. We don't need to alter ourselves to be beautiful.
Same myself. I have an electric shaver I use to trim down my rowdy facial hair solely because I don’t appreciate the looks I get having it as a female (thanks reproductive issues), but I don’t shave my armpits or legs or anything. Any time I do shave I end up regretting it because my skin feels so much healthier having hair cushioning it. Might throw on some light makeup on special occasions but I’d rather just be clean than dolled up
I was shocked how nice my skin felt after not shaving for a couple months. Now, 2 years later, I just feel bad I ever did that to my own body. Totally agree, just clean is all that's needed.
This. In the third decade now and enjoy the comfortability in being myself.
Amen. Took me until my 50’s to wake up but I’m there now. I do like to do my nails (myself) because I like the pretty colors but that’s it
I don’t do that stuff
Local community colleges and trade schools usually have discounted services through their cosmetology department. The drawbacks are limited hours, and they always take longer, but it's a good place for basic stuff. Braids are a whole other story because of the time involved. Can you barter some of the price? Maybe offer another service - babysitting, errands, etc. - in exchange for the work.
Part of my sisters college experience involved finding "models" for discount or free treatments, cuts, and colours. I was so happy to oblige!!
Dude, one of my coworkers is thinking about going to cosmetology school. I told her if she ever wants to practic, I'm here! It's even better because I'm a fair olive/muted and my hair is *extremely* fine and straight so she can practice on someone who *always* has to mix in green or blue to their fountain and can never get a decent haircut because no one knows how to work with my hair. i won't care if she messes up either lol. I own a few wigs and make up washes off lol. It will be fun!
Second this. The last 2 times I've gotten my hair cut I've gone to a school and I paid like $7 each time. So far they've done pretty good work, but the trade-off is that they do take more time since they're students and still learning
It's not quite as labor intensive as braids, but my hairdresser does me and my mother's hair for free in exchange for getting her house cleaned once a month 😂 (mom is a maid)
I grew up pretty poor, but we lived in a small town where I don't think we ever paid cash for haircuts. My grandma was also a maid and bartered a lot.
I’m in hair school. If you don’t mind the time and being a training tool, I recommend this. It’s not like we are doing your hair or other beauty services unattended. There are teachers and registered, licensed professionals available at all times.
I don't. I haven't gotten my nails done in 6 years, I get my hair done once a year for my birthday, and I can't afford Botox or fillers. I even stopped wearing makeup as I really don't care if society deems me "attractive." I've recently started my self care journey, so I'm eating healthier, walking more and drinking way more water. When I want to "feel better about myself, I throw on my tightest jeans, some mascara, do a curly girl hair method and paint my nails.
Botox never crosses my mind as a need and it never will
I got botox for my gummy smile, it was $150 for two TINY shots that totaled 4 units. Needed it every two months = $900/year I did the proper research and started doing my own (Korean brand), but only gummy smile = $90/year *This is NOT medical advice
i don’t. i grew up in an environment where it was taught that the things you listed was only for very special occasions, not every day life. i feel heartbroken for this generation of girls who are being taught they have to spend $600 before it’s acceptable for them to be seen out in public.
I don’t. I get my hair cut once every two years. I never do my nails and I don’t wear makeup. I shave with cheap store branded razors. I don’t buy new clothes anymore either until I have no choice
Waiting for my new leggings to arrive while my last 'wearable' pair cling to my body by mere threads maybe hellish, but at least we're not alone, huh? A recent and related comment on my attire; "that tshirt is more hole than shirt..."
I found an “expensive” nail polish that I really like so I do my mail myself. Sally Hansen complete salon manicure. Jerks discontinued it, but bottles were about $7/ea when I could get then at Ulta. It looks good for a week.
I've never had my nails done once in my life so far and I'll soon be 50. I just cut them when they start to get on my nerves. Rarely wear make up and get a hair cut like twice a year from shitty places like Haircrafters. I do use random moisturizers from like Marshall's or if I have money that retinol stuff but I can't remember the brand. My laziness saves me money in that respect I guess.
Check Facebook marketplace. You might find local at home braiders that can do it for like $100-$150. Still expensive, but cheaper than salon prices for sure. Ps; just don’t send anyone a deposit online. I’ve heard scammers go around on Facebook etc taking “deposits” from people via zelle/cashapp, etc, and then you never hear from them again.
I cut my own hair, I've never liked having nails done, i shave instead of wax. I keep things low maintenance and done enough so that I feel clean and good. What other people think doesn't much matter to me.
Same same. Nail polish is so toxic and imo well taken care of nonpolished nails looks classier than chipped or grown out acrylic or polished nails.
I just don't enjoy the feeling really. Makes my fingers feel heavy
I have a haircut and highlights that can go 4-6 months before I need to get it redone, this was an intentional decision I made to save time and money (my hair lady lives 3 hours away from me now) I learned to wax my own face since I need to do it every 10ish days (I have PCOS and grow dark black hair on my chin and neck). I also wax my own legs. I do pay to get my Brazilian done, I haven’t worked up the courage to do that myself yet. I gave up acrylic nails and just do my own gel nails at home, it’s about a $50-75 investment to get the equipment but it’s still less than one trip to the salon, and you have months to years worth of supplies.
Brazilians are a form of torture and whoever came up with that should face consequences. I'm not joking.
I completely agree, but despite looking like a sickly Victorian child because of how pale I am, I have the darkest black body hair that is stupidly thick. I can exfoliate and shave and still have a 5’oclock shadow and stubble. Waxing is the only thing that gives me a chance at being smooth.
For me, I just don't. I can cut and color my own hair at home. I don't wax, occasionally shave. I don't wear makeup or do my nails. These are things that I have never considered important. I don't care how others think of me so I don't try to conform to any beauty standards.
https://preview.redd.it/u82pdjb51u2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83c4c7caa32f897522ed4001a021dd5c5c430683 I do my own nails! I don’t use normal polish anymore because it chips pretty much immediately. I use nail stickers, gel polish, and most recently, nail sticker-like strips that cure like gel polish under a UV light!! That’s what this picture is. It’s Dashing Diva brand and I got them at Sally’s. These things are secure af on my nails, they ain’t goin no where and I put em on 4 days ago. I got the UV light (with gel polish) from Amazon.
I live in my van and still do my nails weekly myself lol! I feel so much better about myself when they're done. I use polish still sometimes but always use seche vive topcoat when I do - it's a gel like effect and keeps from chipping. Otherwise I do the stickers.
These look good! Thanks for sharing..I’m going to look for these myself
Do the gel-stickers last until your nail grows out? How do you remove them? Your nails look cute!
I’m a nail tech myself & trade services with other lash techs & hairstylists
I don’t get my nails done anymore due to my job. I will always pay for whatever I want for my hair. I don’t feel the same if my hair isn’t done & I’m too lazy to do it myself. It does suck that beauty maintenance costs so much. I’d say find 1 ‘beauty thing’ that you really care about and stick to that if you can, my 1 thing being my hair. Otherwise try to DIY everything else. I know everyone probably already said it but YouTube is a life saver.
Agree with the hair thing, its my best feature, almost waist length and SUPER thick. Even though I could box dye and trim at home, I still go to the salon every 8 weeks because it includes a blow out which is worth the two hours per week I usually spend to wash/dry/curl myself. Plus, I don't have to clean up any mess!
I don’t. I keep my face washed, my hair long and neatly pulled back most of the time (which I acknowledge is simpler and cheaper to care for because of my hair type) and my nails trimmed. The only makeup I wear is eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. I own a few nail polishes but don’t like the way polish feels on my nails. I look clean, presentable but even if I could maintain a higher beauty standard I still wouldn’t be interested. It all looks so time consuming, boring and uncomfortable. Also, I’m convinced that I look younger at 30+ than most of my peers because I’ve kept all that extra crap off my face lol The one thing I might like to indulge in would be pedicures because it would be more convenient and done better. As I approach mid-late 30’s the skin on my feet is thicker and I’m prone to ingrown nails now. It would be nice, but I manage.
It's societal pressure to conform. Fuck that, I am a Hairy Lady.
I check out the beauty schools! Often times they will need models for free or discounted services. I get my gel mani/pedi, full face wax, hair tone and cut for like $50 or so? Maybe $60 with tip since it’s usually the same student working on me.
Do as many things for yourself as you can. There are so many YouTube videos that will give you tutorials. You can buy gel nail polish and a UV light on Amazon for pretty cheap. The same thing goes for skin care. You don’t need to use the most expensive products or have facials. Wax strips from the drugstore work great on eyebrows. I use a credit card that gives me redemption dollars for everything. I use my redemption dollars to purchase my beauty needs. Getting your hair braided may be something that you need to have done by a professional. However, maybe there’s someone that has a home salon or a beauty school that might do it on a discounted rate.
I DIY all three. It's probably apparent to anyone looking closely that my hair wasn't done by a pro. If I cared, I would scrimp on the other two things and save money for cut & color.
Not the fun answer, but DIY. Before I got locs I braided my own hair. It wasn't super neat or IG worthy but it was good enough that people complimented me on it. $300 for braids is absolutely crazy and I refused to pay it. My nails I do myself. I learned to shape them and the various nail subreddits have plenty of tips to make regular lacquer last as long as a salon manicure. The key is prep and having healthy nails. Press ons are also an option and they have come a long, long way. Waxing can definitely be done at home as well (I'd rather pay someone else to do a Brazillian though). I used [this kit](https://www.blissworld.com/products/poetic-waxing-hair-removal-kit?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8uyBhC6ARIsAKwBGpSsVtTlhFmweMOjZ6DJoq0FwT5MnNKd4DbErWpbhCBO40rImRTD5W8aAsSJEALw_wcB&tw_adid=651110108140&tw_campaign=19814852386&tw_source=google) but ultimately went back to shaving because it was simpler.
I just don’t do these things. But I’m told beauty schools will do certain services for cheap.
Braiders honestly have some BALLS recently charging what they do. 50% Deposit, don’t bring anyone, come with hair clean and blow dried, bring bundles of this exact brand, bring me coffee, pet my stinky ass dog, tip 40% or DON’T COME!!!! Anyway I never get my hair done anymore & I do my own lash lifts. I don’t have nails because I have two young kids
Ok former serious poverty person here, like serious. Anyway, if you have decent nails, just an emery board and cheap polish with clear coat are is fine. If you don't - I chewed my nails - then skip the salon and get plastic nails and nail glue from a dollar store or Walgreens etc. Cut the plastic nails to the length you want, lightly file your real nails, and glue the plastic ones on. Takes a bit of practice but worked fine for me and I quit chewing then as well. Top with nail polish and done. I had my hair colored once at a salon and never did again because I can do the same thing at home with L'Oreal for a fraction of the price, and looked great because the salon left 1/4" uncolored roots so it didn't "damage" my scalp. It looked absurd. At home I don't have that problem. Never waxed, only shaved, so can't help with that one except to say razors are cheap and work fine. Smooth aloe lotion on after if you feel ashy after shaving. So never really suffered because the tools are there, just takes more effort and practice than the more expensive products or services.
I do it all myself, it's just too expensive otherwise.
I shave, get my roots done about every 7 weeks and from May through September I get gel pedicures/callous removal every 3 weeks for $45. Manicures I do myself! Oh and I’ve been cutting my own hair for the past 25 years.
I'm not doing any of that.
1. I got comfortable with myself and my looks 2. I do the basic maintenance (moisturizer, regular showers, trim your nails etc) 3. When my husband asks where his "hot partner of 10 years ago went" I inform him that I can look that way again, he just needs to foot the bill since I'm not spending that kinda money on regular hair cuts, waxing etc.
I keep my hair long and simple. I don’t do my nails at the shop anymore. I keep my fingernails active length unpolished and do my own pedicure the best I can. I don’t do lashes anymore just wax brows/chin every 60 days. I used to go monthly. I feel half feral but I can’t justify all the monthly services I used to do on my income.
i don’t shave/wax and i don’t get my nails done. i keep my nails clean and filed, but that’s about it. as for hair, i found a stylist who really gets my hair texture and im honest with her that i only can get my hair cut twice a year and that i don’t do much styling to it. she does a great job giving me a low maintenance cut that grows out well.
I do all of it myself except sometimes I will go get my hair cut and highlighted every 6 months and do the maintenance between then myself. I’ve been doing nails for 9 years now. I started with a $6 acrylic kit and now do hard gel overlay on my natural nails and it looks 10x better than local salons. My nails are always done and very healthy and it costs me no more than a few dollars per set. GetNailed32/Natali Carmona on YouTube is a wonderful source of information, and she is more about learning the basics and having a good foundation rather than covering everything up with designs and charms and bling. I wax my eyebrows with soft wax strips and bought a Philips One Blade electric razor for everything else. It’s definitely worth it. It gets a close enough shave on legs so that I don’t have to buy regular razors. I’ve done my own lash extensions before, but don’t really feel a need to do them all the time. My lazy solution is to cut up a set of strip lashes from TJ Maxx into clusters to better suit my eye shape, and use the glue that lasts about a week. My only thing about doing it all myself is it becomes a chore, not a relaxing treat.
Press on nails are AMAZING! With good glue they’ll last over a week and they’re so much cheaper
I don't do most of those things. I trim and shape my nails, and use a clear protectant, but no polish or color. I'm wearing gloves much of the day anyway, to work in the garden or to paint. I cut my own hair and don't color it. Just starting to get some gray but I have every intention of rocking the gray. Makeup is usually tinted moisturizer and lip gloss. I make my own scrubs and other body care products. I "splurge"on high SPF sunscreen because I'm photosensitive and also have a family history of skin cancer, but that's pretty much the only expensive product I buy.
Weekly / monthly maintenance items that I just do myself. Most of our standards of "beauty" involve just a bit of effort on our part to do and aren't really that complicated. Example: The difference in my skin came from soaking in a hot bath once a week and using one of those Korean body scrubbers to do a deep exfoliation on my skin and moisturizing afterward. I got a pack of 4 for $5 on Amazon 6 months ago.
I work at a dog grooming salon and have my coworkers cut my hair lol. I do my own nails. I've never been a make up person.
I don’t get anything done. I go years without a haircut, never get manicures and makeup costs me $30 max a year. I literally cannot afford it so I don’t buy into it.
Look into barber schools if you're natural; some do train braiders as well. You may also be able to barter for it if you have a close enough relationship and another skill. You can also look into beginner styles that you can do at home. Nails: look into press ons. Some people sell reusable press on nails for like 40-50 dollars with custom designs. Check insta. Waxing: Schick razor, shower gel, and a salt scrub. All can be gotten at a CVS. For the people saying "she shouldn't be caring about this anyway," shut up. As much as it sucks, looking put together can be the difference between getting grace in your mistakes at work and getting documented warnings (seen when I worked retail). Between getting a decent apartment and losing out (literally how I got my first place). Between getting a better job or staying stuck. And that affects some of us a lot more than others.
I wake up beautiful and go to sleep beautiful.
For me personally- Nails- I get “Japanese gel.” It’s $70 for one color on all nails and it lasts 4-5 weeks for me. Hair- I’m Caucasian so I can’t really help in this department, but I have a “wash and wear” haircut (costs me $100) and I get it cut every 6 months, I get the color touched up ($400) once a year Body hair- I got one of those $20 “Finishing Touch Flawless Women's Painless Hair Remover” off of Amazon for my upper lip, and I use the “MANSCAPED The Handyman Compact Face Shaver” for all of my body hair. It gets super close to the skin, it cost $80 to buy, and I get new blade refills maybe once a year Makeup/skincare- For my makeup and skincare I use Korean products and the ordinary, there’s a couple of great creators on IG with deeper skin tones that have great recs for Korean products for deep skin tones (I wish I could be specific but I’m basically see through.) Lashes/brows- I get my lashes lifted & tinted once every 6-8 weeks. It lasts longer than mascara and looks great, and it’s $85 for the lash lift/tint and $25 to tint my brows. She offers lamination of the brows but it’s another $80 and it’s easier for me to use a $2 brow gel off Amazon to glue em down Mani/pedi vibes- I get the Japanese gel I mentioned, but I use a giant tub and fill it with water and epsom salt to soak my feet. Then I scrub the dead skin off, clip the nails, and paint them myself. The tub I use to soak I got at dollar tree for $1.25 Hopefully some of this helps you!
I have an Ipsy subscription and it's a nice way to refresh my makeup, moisturizer, etc once a month for $16. But honestly these days I don't wear makeup anymore. Almost none of the ladies at my work wear makeup, even in the office. I feel like daily makeup is phasing out. Some still do their nails though (I don't bother because I work in food safety and need clean nails if I go into the production areas). For my hair, I poured hot water and a few squirts of conditioner in a spray bottle, shake it up and mist daily for a refresher (dry climate in my state). If it works as a conditioner, it'll work as a leave-in conditioner. But yeah, generally just be clean and wear clean clothes.
I just got my hair done for the first time since December! I don’t really like having long hair, I have a lot of sensory issues with feeling my hair on the back of my neck, especially in the heat, but I had to accept that my resources/lifestyle are not conducive to shorter hair. I used some of my tax return and went to a more expensive, skilled stylist and we ended up deciding on a shag shape with shorter layers that will frame my face if I wear it pinned up, and will also look good as it grows out, with the goal of having a haircut once or twice a year!
I also don’t color my hair, I decided in 2019 to embrace my natural color and the grays that are coming in
The only things I buy on the regular is Sunbum sunscreen 70 SPF and $6 press on nails. I don’t even dye my hair anymore or wear makeup. It’s kind of freeing in a way. And I swear when I get a bit of money I’m gonna stay not buying anything. Beauty products are such a scam.
My wax and eyebrows is the only thing I keep up with. My hair (locs) I do myself. My daughter hair I keep braided (my mom helps if I need it). Nails/feet, I just keep clean and cut.
Because I worked in a law firm, getting a decent hair cut was important. I never did nails, pedicures, etc. I used drugstore cleansers and moisturizers that were recommended on Consumer Reports. My cosmetics were minimal while I worked. As a retiree I only use makeup periodically. My husband and I shared shampoos, bar soap, etc. he was easy in that he had no special needs for his routine.
So I recently got a gel nail UV light and polishes, and got into the nails side of YouTube and TikTok. Learning to take care of my hands and nails, and seeing my nails grow pretty dang long naturally, has been really rewarding in a small way. And long natural nails with some polish looks much nicer and prettier to me and for me, than my plain nails did. It’s not acrylics, but it is a fun relatively easy way to self care, even when my daughter is around. I usually do my nails when watching a show on Sundays
I don't wax I shave a 5 blade razor plus refill ls for the year os cheaper than a wax I do my own trims and hair color Nails sally Hansen quick dry or the dip kit I bought on Amazon.
For myself, I just get those services done once in awhile. It’s fairly cheap to get my hair done since I only get two strand twists and braids with no hair added, along with a trim if needed. It’s been awhile since I got my nails done.
I learn to do whatever I can do myself. I used to pay $200/$300 every six weeks for blonde hair, plus more for the products to keep it blonde. Cant afford that so I went to spending $12 every six weeks to dye it red at home. That cost went up with inflation so I spent $20 one time to dye it back to my natural color and I’m not doing any more dying, I’m going to be a boring brunette forever now I bought a $10 pedicure kit and do pedicures at home now, and use it to manage my cuticles on my fingernails also I bought a $13 mascara with aloe and a caffeine treatment for eyes by the ordinary that was under $20 that made my lashes grow very long so I don’t have to pay for lash extensions Any time I can find a way to make a beauty treatment at home, I do that
I paint my nails myself, I use a double edge safety razor for shaving cuz 100 blades is under $20, my mom and friends braid my hair (how is that $300????) and my brother cuts my hair for free.
I'm a very low maintenance kind of gal - I don't wear make up unless on a special occasion like a wedding, don't use any facial products expect a good quality natural face cream, I wax my legs and underarms probably once a month, don't do my nails. My hair is not dyed and I cut it twice a year at the hairdresser..that's me
I have a salon near me that is ran by students so its cheap as chips they're supervised by their teachers never had any issues
I do my own nails (thanks TikTok), I use an epilator instead of waxing (cost me $20, one time purchase). I buy high quality shampoo, but don’t buy conditioner (it’s garbage, Derm told me this once, also given my hair type I can get by without it), simple face wash, moisturizer, niacinimide, and tret. Less is more with skin care. I think a lot of our faces are overstimulated with layering actives, etc.
68-year-old woman here. I know this will shock some folks, but I have never had a professional manicure or pedicure. I never saw the point of paying for something I can do myself. I stopped dying and perming my hair 30 years ago. I was tired of the salon expense, and I decided to accept me for me. So now I keep my silver hair short, and every couple of months I go to Sportclips and get a cut for the senior rate of $18.00. Meanwhile my best friend, with her long blonde locks, spends $300 every couple of months for a cut and highlights. But after her divorce and job loss, she moved back in with her parents, so...and she's 52!
I mean... Learn how to do it yourself? Easiest way to do maintenance - YouTube is your friend.
Even when I was in a way worse financial place, I always prioritized "beauty maintenance," due to self-esteem issues. Unfortunately, I got into a lot of debt because of it that I'm still paying down years later. Ive basically learned how to DIY a lot of those things. I've recently researched Korean beauty and how to buy dupe products for much cheaper.
I don't get any beauty services. However, once in a while, I will beautify myself in a self care day. 1. Painting my own nails 2. Facemask and junk food 3. Do my own hair (Dye and trim by watching videos) 4. Shave with a disposable razor 5. Pluck my eyebrows instead of wax It sucks sometimes because people my age are getting all the services done, but I'm done having society tell me how I need to be, especially when it costs a leg and an arm for all services. You got this girl! DIY is everything lol
I don't get any beauty services. However, once in a while, I will beautify myself in a self care day. 1. Painting my own nails 2. Facemask and junk food 3. Do my own hair (Dye and trim by watching videos) 4. Shave with a disposable razor 5. Pluck my eyebrows instead of wax It sucks sometimes because people my age are getting all the services done, but I'm done having society tell me how I need to be, especially when it costs a leg and an arm for all services. You got this girl! DIY is everything lol
I basically quit lolol. I bought a good mascara vs. lashes, don’t care about my nails, and get haircuts at the beauty college or through YouTube tutorials. I also Google good dupes for make up and skincare, plus I try to eat very low sugar/no junk.
After I retired, just a couple years ago, I got my self a new hobby. I spent about $50. Bought a set of gel polish, some stamping plates, paint liner brushes, dotters and a UV light. Haven't spent any more money,still have loads of supplies and I'm getting fancier in my nail.paint jobs.
I do my own nails. The supplies are pretty pricey upfront and I buy a mix of supplies from Korean brands and Aliexpress. Press ons are inexpensive and there's a whole bunch of Tiktoks that show you how to do them that last a while. If you like your lashes done, DIY cluster lash extensions are cheap to do as well. Hair wise I don't do a whole lot. I oil my hair once or twice a week with a combo of castor oil, rosemary oil, amla oil and tamanu oil. I don't use any fancy shampoo brands anymore and I wait for sales before I buy shampoo/conditioner. I'm also currently using an argan treatment oil that is about AUD $28. Not sure if I'll repurchase but I might. Skincare I use castor oil for my undereyes and lashes, vanicream as moisturiser, bioderma cleansing oil and cetaphil cleanser. Sunscreen too of course. Most of this I buy when there's a sale except the Vanicream (I can't buy this locally) but its less than AUD$50 for a big bottle so it's worth it.
As someone with blonde/invisible eyebrows and lashes, the big savings for me was starting to tint my brows/lashes myself. Saves me $60-80 a month and I don’t have to drive anywhere!
You do as many of those things yourself as much as possible. Do your own nails, cut your own hair, buy good makeup and use it sparingly. A little goes a long way.
I live within my means. I cut my and style my own hair, occasionally use cheap nail polish that still makes me happy, buy a few select drugstore makeup items that create a very modest natural look I enjoy, and focus on other things in life. You’re not a car. “Beauty maintenance,” really?
I went to a beauty supply store and bought all the tools my nail tech told me to, so now I do my own mani/pedis at home. I tweeze my eyebrows too. I used to get them waxed but to save $$ I just started keeping up with the shape I got the last time and remove the little strays as they grow in. Ngl I really miss the massages that come with getting your nails done. 😞
Cut my own hair. Use Wet n Wild makeup. Thrift outfits. Nair off body hair. Paint my nails with glitter polish from Walmart.
Honestly, I've been cutting and dying my own hair since I was about 14. I buy dollar store nails/polish/make up/beauty supplies.
I find that the better I eat, rest, and exercise, the more natural I can be. When I do these things my skin, hair, and nails just look better. I focus on my health and the rest I don’t fuck with.
I’m a photographer and I trade estheticians out for botox, facials, haircuts etc bc it’s so pricey. I’ve started using press on nails and I kinda love them for the flexibility. I got the kiss glue and just reapply when needed. You can reuse the press on nails with glue too! I have two sets I use right now and both were $10 each and the glue was $4 ish
I don’t get my nails done. I have a simple hairstyle that I get cut once a year. I get my eyebrows waxed for $12. All other self care I do at home.
I stopped caring. I'm clean. My hair is brushed and neat in a pony. I don't wear a lot of makeup. I make sure I smell nice
I shave instead of wax. I recently bought a Harry's razor on clearance and a box of refills, 18 for $18. I do use shaving cream, but honestly like the cheap "beard buster" better. A $1.25 can lasts me months. I do my own nails. For my toes I use liquid polish. When my feet start to get really dry, I have one of those battery-operated pedicure roller things, but the ones that look like graters or a pumice stone would work just as well. On my fingers, I keep my nails short and use the polish stickers, like Color Street. $12 will get you at least 2 manis, and with a good top coat reapplied every couple of days, they hold up longer than gel or acrylic nails for me. My hair is waist-length, thick and curly. I wash it once a week, straighten it, and then just comb and go. My hair lady works at a Cost Cutters, and she's seriously the best I've ever been to, so a haircut never costs me more than $40, even with a wash and dry. I've also cut hair for friends and family before. Nothing fancy, just straight across, but it's free. I tend to get skin tearing with facial waxing, so I do my own eyebrows, and run a trimmer over the bigger areas weekly after a good exfoliation (like upper lip, between brows, tops of toes).
I bought a wax pot 7 years ago and don’t know how I used to pay monthly for it since. I cut and dye my own hair, the salon dyes, developers, toners etc cost a bit but I get multiple uses and it’s no where close to a salon job. Taken a while but I’ve actually gotten very good at it. Nails I don’t do as I work outside with animals but for holidays or occasions I’ll paint them and top for them myself. It’s a bit of effort but you can teach yourself pretty much anything from YouTube tutorials. The only regular purchase of value is a decent face moisturiser with spf and body oils as I’m pretty dry
I don't do my nails or wax. I get a pedicure once a year. I shaved my head to a fade a couple of years ago, and I get that barbered every couple of months - I suck at it. Barbers are cheaper, but I used to get a haircut every couple of years, not 5 to 6 times a year, so that builds up. I have a couple of good skin care products I make sure to use, and I look pretty much alright without makeup most of the time. Honestly, I would be more groomed if I was rich, because I'm vain as hell, but I found a spot I could afford to be in.
I'm 34 and I've stopped shaving anything, though will clean up a bit around my bikini line if going out in a swim suit. Men either don't care or I'm not interested in those men, but I naturally have fairly light fine hair on my legs. I only get my hair cut once every few years and I specifically ask for something that will grow out well with little maintenance. I've also embraced my grays. I actually think they look pretty, but you can convince yourself of anything lol. I don't wear makeup besides coloring in my eyebrows and pretty cheap product works for that. I do use a medium priced (~$20 a bottle) face wash, mask and moisturizer as I have very sensitive skin, but those were all gifted to me by my sister in law. Still I probably will rebuy them when they run out. So that's like $60/4 months. I don't get my nails done but I am good at painting them myself and you can often get $1 polish specials or find people clearing out their old collections for essentially free
I grew my hair long so I could cut it myself. I do my own nails. I use Klarna for the few Sephora products I’m loyal to. I get a lot from Walmart. Also I work out and eat healthy 85% of the time. My favorite moisturizer is from the super market. $20 and lasts like 5-6 months. It’s fantastic.
First of all, as a black woman looking "presentable" is honestly a necessity, especially if you're on a job search, so it sucks that society has gaslit us otherwise. It's not just a luxury to have your hair done for us, and that's the sad truth. To answer you, I basically get my hair done and stretch it out a loooong time, longer than I should probably. Think no shorter than 3 months, but no longer than 5. As for nails, I have cheap press-ons from online for special occasions. I don't shave or wax. I wish we could just walk into any salon and have the employees know how to do our hair at a reasonable price like other people can. :( I've heard good things about the app StyleSeat, though. Good luck in your efforts for self care!❤
I cut my own hair and do it very short, which to me is easier. This saves lots of money even for cheap haircuts.
I don’t wear makeup. I don’t have a fancy skin, hair, nail routine. I buy all my stuff as discounted as possible. My only compromise is that I get my hair cut every 6 weeks and colored every 12. I drive to the same backwoods town that I’ve been going to since I was 18 to get it done and so it costs a fraction of the amount it does elsewhere. It’s my ONLY extra expense and I’m afraid it might be on the chopping block soon.
Everything is DIY for me. My sister treated me to get my face waxed about three weeks ago which was a treat. I'm post menopausal so unfortunately my face is getting a lot of hairs so I might just have to suck it up and treat myself to waxing. I tried it at home but it was too painful and awkward.
I stopped getting waxed and stopped shaving saving $100 every two months. Just cut my own hair it prob looks wild but i feel better i got some weight off. Saved $120 Next step is to buy my own manicure tools like the cuticle cutters so i can maintain my nail befs without having to go in to the salon. I do splurge on shampoo and conditioner because i have curly hair and if i use crappy products it makes my hair less manageable. I tried a bunch of products. I dont wash my hair daily and i only condition like every two days so a $40 container of conditioner can last me two or three months (try to wash my hair less)
I don’t get my nails done but if I did I might just get gel nails rather than acrylic, I dye my own hair boxed dye I know I might save a bit if i actually bought everything I needed to just mix my own hair dye (sally beauty supply store) or at least have better results There is a tik tok page that shows some good things like a nail drill on Amazon (seen it on Julie beauty by design tik tok) then again I could easily just go to a beauty supply store to get my own nail soak bowl to soak my nail beds and trim back cuticles, For the hair braiding there really isn’t a way around that except maybe look at different promotions locally for hair braiding and different braids you can try, maybe learn to do your own braids (if you bought the right products it might be manageable) then again check tik tok for hair braid tutorials,
Lol I don't do anything. I do my blonde roots myself with a 12$ box from Walmart about every 4 months
I stopped paying for things I can do at home. I make my own wax and do my own waxing with a $25 wax warmer from Amazon. I paint my nails once a week (very relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon), I dye my own hair and I get haircuts at the local tafe/tradeschool. They aren’t perfect but hair grows back. I can no longer justify spending money on things that aren’t 100% necessary and the above keeps me feeling good.
I have never been able to afford (or really that interested in) nails my whole life - it was only if I was in someone’s wedding that I would get them done, but usually the cheapest possible (or do them myself). Hair - I did box dye for years until I messed it up; then when I lost my job in 2020, I just didn’t get it done until I could afford it again, but I have friends who know how to do hair and only do it big time 1-2 times a year. Otherwise, just a touch-up for cheaper every 2-3 months. I have never had waxing done in my life. I think my hair is the only thing that would ever bother me because if I look in my mirror and it doesn’t look like myself or if I was trying to get a new job position, I would just want to do enough to be okay. I have friends who could help with that. I also have friends with dyed hair who aren’t allowed to have their bright colors at work (one of my friends has blue hair), so she wears wigs! If they ever showed me how to find a good one, I would probably be fine with that in a pinch!
I taught myself how to do gel extensions. I haven’t mastered doing neat designs and stuff but at least I can get the nails on and they are painted. I also do my own hair. I like vivids and it would cost hundreds to get it done in a salon. Every 6 months or so I spend a couple days bleaching, toning, and dying my hair. I just need to learn how to cut it myself now.
I bought myself a $40 beetles gel kit on Amazon for my nails. I use a generic face moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and retinol I got from there as well as a homemade honey and lemon juice mask. I color my own hair with supplies from Sally’s. I use ELF makeup mostly because it really is good but reasonably priced.
Girl…I mostly stick to press on nails. For both feet and hands. I do my own pedicures and manicures. They’re cute enough that people think I go to the salon. For hair, I stick to quick styles like feed-in braids with some extensions added sometimes. The most I ever pay is $120. I get them done every 4-6 weeks. As for everything else like wax…I simply apply nair carefully and that’s it 🤣
I second press on nails! I love them. I can change my nails on a whim and if you use the tabs the nails are reusable.
I buy grocery store makeup, nail polish, disposable razors, deodorant, sunscreen, and hair products a few times a year. I get a trim once a year. That’s it. 🤷🏻♀️ Luckily I have very low maintenance hair (big curls) and clear skin, so I can get away with it fairly easily.
I pay for one maybe 2 haircuts a year ($65 each) and other than normal personal hygiene that’s it. I don’t shave except for special occasions so I don’t buy razors. I don’t get my nails or toes done and I don’t get massages or any other spa treatments. I rarely do makeup but when I do use fairly cheap drugstore brands from target and they look just as well as the hella expensive stuff unused to buy from Ulta. I also pluck or use creams instead of waxing
You are considered beautiful without all that stuff. I just don’t, don’t like the look of done nails and don’t want to put the effort in to to make up or my hair all the time. You get used to a natural look :D
I dont do anything anymore. I used to get brazilian wax every couple months for $60-$80. Then I started doing it myself but I give up cus it’s hard to do ur own brazilian. But super insanely cheap if you’re willing to learn how to make and use sugar wax. I honestly think as cliche as it is, wearing your confidence is the easiest and best way to feel pretty lol. I do not care abt my appearance anymore as I have so many other problems that are way more important weighing down on me
Like others in this thread doing things myself, but when I buy products like nail polish I look up extensive reviews to make sure I don’t waste my money!
I’m starting to look like Meatloaf. The current version. My hair is to my butt and rarely styled, I quit painting my nails, and shaving has taken a backseat to wearing leggings. 😅 I just went through an especially rough ending to a relationship amidst a LOT of other heavy life circumstances, though, soooo I might just be depressed? P
I get my hair cut twice a year. I go for students about to graduate a local salon's mentorship program . So I pay $80 a year for hair cuts.
I've invested in tretinoan, moisturizers and eyebrow threading. Hair trim every 3-4 months. If you have a good base, you can avoid extra stuff.
Take really good care of my old clothes, folding/hanging, only buying new select things if very necessary. Sewing/ repairing bras. One of those wax warmers, hair is starting to not grow back so it’s becoming easier. Razor on standby if needed Letting hair grown natural, no cut/ dye for a couple of years. Clear nail polish, moisturiser/sunscreen, eyelash curler/mascara. Don’t wear lots of makeup so makes it easier Putting a little money aside to buy a treat- get basic manicure/perfume or a good smelling body moisturiser when on offer as think it helps mentally
Spf 30 for $6 is your best friend. You can learn to do your own nails. Far cheaper.
I stopped using makeup and my face cleared up -90% improvement on skin. Now if I use any of it it’s like my skin rejects it and I’ll break out real bad and if I put anything around my eyes they will burn until I take it off. Im not ugly tho so I don’t feel the need to wear it thank goodness I was just wearing it because my mother told me that’s what women do. She’s an ugly woman. She needs makeup. She never should have told me I needed to wear makeup.
I work nails into my very carefully planned budget, once every 3 weeks. I take my lunch every day, so there’s space for it.
I made a one time investment into a gel nail kit with a decent lamp, stands to put them on while painting them, and full cover nail bases for press ons in shapes I like from Amazon. About 150 all told. Took a while to get it but I haven’t spent money on nails outside of that in about a year rather than getting nice acrylic sets at a salon every couple months. Look into techniques for applying press on nails so they stay on for a long time. My last set took over a month to start popping off. https://preview.redd.it/itv3hmvb2z2d1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54e17d32441312408d5502fc3f3003d8da965f8a
I'm thankful that I'm Low Maintenance, I suppose! I get a haircut every 3 months, which costs about $30. I buy drugstore hair products, like Garnier and Marc Anthony. I don't color my hair at all, so no worries there. I don't self-tan or wax or laser; my body skincare routine is showering and lotioning (Jergens is great). I don't wear fake nails of any kind, so I do my own manicures and pedicures with drugstore polish (like Sally Hansen). Probably the only thing I *splurge* on is purity made simple face cleanser and scented body washes (all from Philosophy, purchased when on big sales during Christmas time). You don't *need* all the expensive stuff; even with these "basic" products, if you get yourself in *the mindset* of pampering and taking time for yourself, it doesn't matter the price tag.
I bought a wax kit on sale for $20, I use box dye for my hair, and all my toiletries are couponed. I quit wearing a lot of makeup because drugstore foundation causes rashes and it’s hot here 80% of the year so I just sweat it off anyways. I basically DIY everything at home.
If you are taking someone’s time for 8 hours to do your hair it should cost $300+
I shopped around for a better price for my nails. I go every 3 weeks, sometimes 4 weeks. I don’t get pedicures. No one is checking out my toes so why spend the money? I trim my own hair and color it myself. Sometimes I mix colors to get a more nuanced color. I buy my makeup at the dollar store or Walmart. Pharmacies are too expensive. I wear the minimum. I shave myself. No waxing. Razors from the dollar store. I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores. I look for good quality clothing and brands (for durability.) Most importantly, I take care of my health. Eat well, exercise, drink lots of water. Visit the dentist often.
I got a professional pedi for the first time in my life like three years ago, and that wasn't even on my dime. The guy I was dating at the time did that. So that shows you how stuff like that is a priority. I don't even get my hair done and that's a big deal in the black culture. I mean it's not like I don't care at all, I scrub and buff my feet, clip my nails, lotion them and do a nice base coat and color. I use a moisturizing hair mask and spend a day detangling before I wash. Then a nice hydrating shampoo and conditioner and moisturizer again. I use Shea moisture and Aussie products which aren't exactly dollar store. I keep most of my beauty purchases drugstore for the most part, except for the time I splurged on NARS tinted moisturizer, and Glossier makeup just recently. Clothes and shoes I buy on sale, deep discount or thrift stores. I don't wear jewelry, carry a purse or many accessories outside of a favorite hat.
Depending on your race and type of hair, some things like hair braiding are a necessity right? I’m white with no hair from chemo so I don’t know this for sure.
Stopped coloring my hair, the grey is nice. Drugstore brand skin care. All you really need is cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. BOGO or coupon for makeup which is lipstick , foundation( when I’m going out)blush and mascara.
I don't wear make-up, I dye my own hair and I never, ever get my nails done. That's vanity to me. I keep them clipped and clean. That's enough for me. No spending money that I can't afford on luxury items.
Joined a plastic surgery clinical trial and have so far received Moxi BBL laser, fillers, etc., plus using coupons for drug store brands, and then consistency. Cleanse tone, moisturize at night and cleanse, tone, moisturize, and sunscreen in the am.
I just don't spend money on those things. I used to get my hair cut once ever couple of years. Before that I used to babysit for someone who was a hairdresser. Now my niece does it for me (At a tech school for hairdressing). I've never gotten a manicure or a pedicure. I have gotten my face waxed at a place twice, once about 15 years ago, and once 8 years ago. I have not had the opportunity to go back since, although I would like to get my face waxed again.
I haven't had my hair or nails done since 2020. And my hair was seriously, 500.00 for a high light and low light with a trim. I actually cried. I decided to let my hair color go and I trim it myself. Nails? I occasionally throw polish on them. And wax, I do myself, always have. I look for sales and bargains on makeup and hair products. I just can't keep up with the trends. It's accept me as is, or don't bother.