I never thought about how all of the products really cost when I shower. But, they do add up. This is why I’m always interested in budget friendly, but effective alternatives that can work just as great when I’m in a pinch. I hope some of these can help you out as well.

  • You have a date tonight and your legs are starting to bare resemblance to King Kong. No problem. You root through the linen closet for the Skintimate shave gel when you realize that its empty. You can run out to the drugstore. OR

- You can use an extra dollup of conditioner on your legs.  Just turn your shower off (It saves water!) and coat your legs with conditioner, as it will form a protective layer on your legs and will allow your razor to glide gently without preventing those pesky nicks and irritation.  Look for ingredients with wheat proteins and amino acids on your conditioner to get the full benefit of this.

  • It’s time for this week’s facial, but you’re out of your all-time favorite product. It costs you a lot and you don’t have that much to spend on it right now. You could do without it. OR

- Sometimes, the ingredients in some of these facials can be too harsh for the thin layer of skin that’s on our face.  But sometimes, it can be just right.  (If you’re not sure, always ask your dermatologist or doctor.) Regardless, if you’ve found a face routine that works for you, don’t skip out on it. The skin our face is conditioned to how we treat it, so there’s nothing better than a little “tlc” to take care fo it.   If you find yourself skimping on your facial next time, just look in your fridge for a fresh lemon. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice in your palm and rub it on your face. Lemons contain higher levels of citric acid, as they can help exfoliate and make the skin look radiant.

  • You’ve been up late studying for a killer exam or working on assignments. You’re out of eye cream. You can go on the next day living with raccoon eyes. OR

Steep two chamomile tea bags in warm water, then place in the fridge to cool. Squeeze excess fluid from tea bags and place over eyes for five minutes. You can also rub coconut oil under your eyes.  And/or you can just organize your time better so you can get some more sleep!

  • Your hair has taken a beaten from the environment and all of the products that you’ve been using on it lately. It lacks moisture and you’re looking for a cheap, but effective route.

Try mashing an overripe avocado, mix in egg yolk, and 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil. Massage into damp hair, wrap in a warm towel, and leave on for thirty minutes before you shampoo and condition thoroughly.  Soft and shiny hair should be the result.

  • Out of exfoliater?

Sugar has natural exfoliants in it and can bare the same effects. Try mixing a cup of it with lemon juice before you use it.

  • The best beauty advice?

Sleep! Like the battery in your cell phone, it can only go on for so long and needs to recharge.  Our bodies act like batteries too in a sense that it is charged with energy from the foods that we eat and the amount of exercise that we do. But, we can only go on for so long too – which is normal. When we begin to wear down, that’s a sign that tell us that we need to refresh and recharge. And sleep is the best thing that we can offer to our body, in the short-term and long-term course of our lives.