Many of us probably started the New Year vowing to drop a few pounds and save a few bucks. It`s the `bucks` part that we would like to address here. If you walk into a department store cosmetics area, you will undoubtedly hear some cosmetic technician in a white coat inform you that to look better you must spend more. While the splurge is certainly worth the cost on some products, there are plenty of beauty supplies that don`t need to cost an arm and a leg to make us look good. If a budget is your goal, we`ve got the help you need with budget-conscious beauty tips that will keep you looking great at a fraction of the cost.

Cheap

Let`s say you simply must have that designer bottle of hand cream or the latest and greatest in eye shadow. No problem. Let your fingers do the walking on the Internet to find the best discount websites that offer the products that you love. Comparison shopping is what it`s all about girls! You might be surprised at how much money you can save by simply spending an afternoon with your Google search engine. It also pays to hunt around for coupons and specials on your favorite brands and stock up when the opportunity arises.

Cheaper

If you don`t feel quite that attached to your mascara or nail polish, then there are other options in budget-conscious beauty that you can explore. They are found in the aisles of the discount chains that line the streets of every neighborhood across the country. Yes, there may not be a white-coated attendant waiting in the aisles to convince you that the $50 bottle of foundation you are eyeing will change your life forever. Is that really all bad? Seriously, many of the drugstore brands of cleansers, shampoos and makeup products can do you just as well as the more expensive designer options. And you won`t have to shed a tear when you toss that empty mascara wand into the garbage pail.

Cheapest

What could be cheaper than discount chains? Why, your own kitchen, of course! There are plenty of ingredients you can find in your refrigerator to concoct soothing masks, invigorating cleansers and moisturizers for every part of your body. Eggs, milk, olive oil and a variety of fruits will all offer similar benefits to the fancy ingredients with names that you cannot pronounce on the back of your beauty products. Give a few recipes a try and see if you can find a fabulous new facial that your skin will love.

When Not to Skimp

Some products are simply worth their weight in gold, and you should never feel guilty for splurging a little. Foundation, makeup brushes and styling products for your hair are all better in the more expensive brands. Some women will also swear by the higher quality skin care that you find in the department store lines. The bottom line is if you have a product you love, stick with it if you can. If you are not feeling the love with a certain brand, try switching to a cheaper option. You can always switch back if you need to.

It isn`t all about beauty; brains are an important asset as well. With some frugal shopping savvy under your belt, you can have both.

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