The holidays have come and gone, and unfortunately, so has your bank account. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on all your favorite beauty products in the New Year, as long as you know how to shop savvy.
Take a cue from our skincare expert, celebrity esthetician and author of Skintervention Scott-Vincent Borba, and learn how to look great without breaking the bank in 2012.
Invest in multi-functional products
Look for items that serve more than one purpose, recommends Borba. “This will streamline your beauty cabinet and save your wallet.” Try tinted moisturizers with SPF, cleansers that exfoliate and provide anti-aging benefits, and so forth.
Make your diet work for you
“Get flawless skin from the inside out by choosing foods that help your skin and address certain concerns,” says Borba. For example, if you’re suffering from acne, try eating anti-inflammatory foods such as mushrooms and goji berries. If you’re trying to push back the hands of time, munch on almonds and leafy greens.
Shop your beauty cabinet
Your skin changes every day, so instead of opting to purchase new items, try examining the ones you already own, suggests Borba. “One day you might need that heavier night cream or that acne-fighting cleanser!” Just make sure you check expiration dates before using any product.
Shop around
Post holiday season is the perfect time to snag amazing deals on all your skincare must-haves, says Borba. Check out flash sale sites or take advantage of in store markdowns!
Do it yourself
Instead of splurging on name brand beauty products, why not make your own skincare treatments using products you already own at home? “Try a pore opening scrub with baking soda and raw brown sugar,” recommends Borba, “or a clarifying mask with water, honey, chocolate syrup and oatmeal”.
