As I write this, I’m on a plane back home from a three week trip across the States.  Before boarding, I witnessed a small miracle from the gods of fashion.  I didn’t have to fork out my final George Washington’s for overweight luggage.  This is despite offloading my NYC purchases (1/3 of my suitcase) to my parent’s mid-trip, making use of the expanding zip (the fact it hasn’t split is a miracle in itself) and the airline not bothering to weigh my carry on.  Did I mention I went over with a ½ full, unexpanded suitcase?

In short, I’m officially poor.  But at least, I am clothed, perfumed and have make up.

So what does this mean?  I’m on a pretty stingy budget for the next few months while my credit card recovers.

Even if you haven’t been on a trip, this time of year tends to be the one where we realise we may have splurged too much.

I blame summer.

First, you are hit with spring and prepping for summer.  Then you are going out more (why waste that weather?), so there goes many dollars on beachside lunches, morning, mid-morning and afternoon coffees plus those sunset beers.  Then bang: Christmas presents, bang: New Year’s Eve champagne and uber hot outfit, bang: Australia Day outfit, patriotic fake tattoos and 12 pack and finally, bang: Valentine presents.  By March, you’re wallet (and mine) are looking forward to a hibernating winter.

But just ‘cause you are low on cash doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your beauty routine (don’t give me a heart attack!).

So, I will let you see a peek into my “low bank balance/overspent credit card” morning and evening beauty routine for my visage (face).  In English: nothing over $20.

AM routine

Total cost: 90 cents per morning

1. After letting the shower wake me and my pores up, I wash with St Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser 200ml ($9.99).  It has salicylic acid which is great to help clear out those pores.

2. Once out, I use TN Dickinsons Toners Witch Hazel 240ml ($6.59) and Swisspers Cotton Pads Make Up 80 pack ($3.99).  I actually use this toner over all other toners.  I credit Witch Hazel to not waking up with a “Big Fat Greek Wedding” pimple on my wedding day (forget Windex, use this).

3. I then Dove it up with Dove Essential Nutrients Face Cream SPF15 120ml ($12.49).  Light enough not to cause a shiny forehead but still with an SPF for a normal work day (if you plan to lie out in the sun, you need more than SPF15).

PM routine

Total cost: $1.10 per evening

4. Once again, I jump into a steaming hot shower to open up my pores and then give my face a good scrub with St Ives Facial Scrub Apricot Invigorating 150ml ($9.99) to get the day’s foundation and grime off.

Then, I toss the Windex aside and go to old faithful Witch Hazel with Swisspers Cotton Pads.

5. Without spending big bucks on an evening moisturiser, I rely on Bio Oil Body Oil 60ml ($14.99).  Don’t let “body” fool you, I love this for my face, neck and chest.  You just need a small 10 cents size drop and spread.  You’ll be a bit shiny and greasy, but the lights are about to go out so who cares, and this stuff is so moisturising!

6. Finally, I apply Lucas Papaw Ointment 25g $5.99.  I once read Victoria Secrets models specifically request this stuff, so if it is good enough for them, well; it will just have to do for my pout.

If you have some lose change:

7. When my body is super dry, post shower, pre-towel dry, I apply Johnson’s Baby Oil 200ml ($5.69) all over then pat dry.

8. Medium dry skin I go to Nivea Body Moisturiser Q10 Firming Body Lotion 250ml ($6.49).  The Q10 firms up your body (skin): firm + moisturise = time efficient happy face.

9. Dove Body Moisturiser Summer Glow Normal to Dark 250ml ($7.49) (also available in Fair Medium) is who I go to when I can’t afford spray tans.  No streakage (just remember to wash your hands, particularly near your wrists).

So…what is your recommended cheap ass beauty buy?

Avi

xoxo

P.S. Those with a calculator, most of these last me the month.

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Written by: Avi on March 3, 2013.