Since the whole ‘economic crisis’ thing, a lot of us are cutting back on indulgences like premium beauty products. Here are a few tips for beauty on a budget:

-Wash your makeup sponges with dish soap and water. These do not have to be thrown away, it is perfectly sanitary to wash and re-use them. If you use cotton fabric puffers for powder, these can be thrown in the washing machine. 

-Use product only as needed. Unless your face is unusually large, all you need is one pump of cleanser. A dime of shampoo should be all you need; don’t be too lazy to lather. 

-Take advantage of MAC’s ‘Back to MAC‘ recycling program. For every six empty containers, you get a free lipstick. 

-Put all your spare change in a piggy bank (or empty cup). This is your special beauty fund. If you find additional spare change in your friend or family’s pockets while doing laundry or cleaning couch cushions-finders keepers and add to the bank. When the bank is full, take it to your local bank or grocery store for bills and use the loot for a personal beauty indulgence. DO NOT take the bank to the cosmetic counter. They will hate you and suggest you buy something that looks really ugly on you.

-Quit smoking. Besides being expensive, it’s bad for….. everything. Why? You got any? 

-For the summer I suggest Coppertone Oil-Free sunblock from the drugstore for face and body. It’s smooth but not greasy, won’t clog your pores, and is waterproof. It’s also makeup friendly as a base.