Cosmetics Old Style - Saving money on cosmetics etc

JoeyEmma

When it comes to conditioner only washing, the cheaper ones are normally the better ones to use (perfect for MSErs)! When looking at the ingredients try and avoid things that end in -cone eg dimethicone. Some people like them as they coat the hair. Some people (me) dislike them as they coat the hair and stop moisture actually getting through to the actual hair.

There is a whole thread on conditioners for CO washing have a look here
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=44650&highlight=conditioner+only+hughes
You might actually drive yourself crackers with all the info on it though.

A couple of months ago there was a very similar thread to this on the Old Style board and it got me intrigued on CO washing. I have no life anymore its very sad.

Cazzdevil

I'm not sure if it qualifies as a "cosmetic", but if you're like me and suffer from dry skin I highly recommend that you stop using soap/handwash to wash your hands with - buy a tub of Aqueous Cream from your local chemist (usually a couple of quid for a huge tub of it), put it in a soap/handwash dispenser and use that to wash your hands with instead. It has no soap in so it doesn't dry out your hands and in fact moisturises them, eliminating the need for (potentially) expensive handcreams.

I've had umpteen different lotions and potions from the Doctors to try and prevent my hands drying and cracking but my OH suggested aqeuous cream - the results are astonishing and I've saving a fortune on expensive handcreams!!

redspot24

I too am a beauty junkie but since discovering MSE, I've become more adept at doing on the cheap...
Keep eye out for all the freebies, vouchers etc as possible
If you want a fix of 'luxury' brands, try Kiehls - the stuff is fab and not cheap but it isn't as dear as other luxury brands (one of my indulgences cost 1/2 the price and was twice the size as the Eve Lom equivalent that I was using before) PLUS they are extremely generous with samples.
Utilise the Boots vouchers that you get on offer - I'm paranoid about germs in mascara so only buy No7 ones; it's better quality (doesn't clog etc) like cheap stuff but can usually find some kind of deal/offer that makes it cheaper
Use shops like Bodycare/Savers to stock up on toiletries such as soap, deodorant etc - have brands at much cheaper prices.

Finally, I used to indulge my cosmetics urges by shopping for stuff, but now I have a 'spa' evening or afternoon instead - nice bath then completely pamper myself using all the samples that I've collected for free. I've even tied all my sachets together in a lovely red ribbon (Elizabeth Arden - taken from a gift wrapped Cmas gift!) to make it feel more exciting. Sad but it works for me :rotfl:

EagerLearner

This thread is fab - I'm learning sooo much - coincidentally, I bought some shea butter on ebay and it arrived yesterday. I am stunned at how nice my skin feels. The last time I bought some, it was in a 'creamy' formula, just like normal moisturiser - very nice but didn't last long. So this time I opted for shea butter in it's natural form - slighly hard, but you only need the tiniest amount, then warm up between your palms and spread over face or wherever is dry. I can highy recommend it as a staple item on your dresser - good for the entire body. It only cost £5 inc postage for 120ml! It's going to take me forever to use and it's the best beauty purchase I have made in the last few years. Bring on my new beauty budget for 2007!

I have Jojoba oil and sweet almond, plus olive oil if needed. If my skin is dry/sensitive, should I do 50/50 mix of jojoba and sweet almond for the face wash? I want to try it this weekend.

Gaia

Found this on the Women's Environmental Network site.
Recipes for bathroom goodies, avoid chemicals & save cash, make your own bathroom products:
http://www.wen.org.uk/cosmetics/reports/grannys_recipes.doc

stressers

Where is the best place to buy natural products so I can make my own homemade beauty stuff? More importantly, where can I find jojoba oil? as I was told it is great for blackheads.

moanymoany

Cazzdevil wrote: »

I'm not sure if it qualifies as a "cosmetic", but if you're like me and suffer from dry skin I highly recommend that you stop using soap/handwash to wash your hands with - buy a tub of Aqueous Cream from your local chemist (usually a couple of quid for a huge tub of it), put it in a soap/handwash dispenser and use that to wash your hands with instead. It has no soap in so it doesn't dry out your hands and in fact moisturises them, eliminating the need for (potentially) expensive handcreams.

I've had umpteen different lotions and potions from the Doctors to try and prevent my hands drying and cracking but my OH suggested aqeuous cream - the results are astonishing and I've saving a fortune on expensive handcreams!!

Do you think it would work as a shower wash. I love a daily shower, but my skin is dry. This year it seems dryer than ever I don't use soap over my body, but it needs nourishment......

candygirl

moanymoany wrote: »

Do you think it would work as a shower wash. I love a daily shower, but my skin is dry. This year it seems dryer than ever I don't use soap over my body, but it needs nourishment......

My mum uses it in the shower, n swears it's great for moisturising;) It'sm only about £1 in home bargains:D

Ben84

This is a really interesting thread, I've found some good ideas.

I've also discovered some relevant things. A big money saver for me is petroleum jelly, it's the generic name for vaseline, so I bought a big 500g tub in the 99p store as it's all the same thing. I use it as lip balm and on my hands if they're dry, you only need a really tiny bit and it works very well too. Better than many other lip balms or hand products.

I've also discovered tresseme shampoo and conditioner. It works just like the expensive shampoo on my hair, but it's far cheaper. I watch out for the BOGOF offers in supermarkets and pick up two 900ml bottles for £3.99. They also last ages as you only need a little if you rub it in well.

I like bar soaps too. They clean well and last a long time. Simple soap is my favourite as it doesn't have a strong smell and doesn't go mushy easily. A 150g bar lasts about a month with a daily shower/bath. This also goes on BOGOF sometimes for the big 4 bar packets, so I stock up.

Another discovery is Avon. They have consistently good products for low prices. I like their hair styling products a lot, although I find the shampoo average and not as cheap as tresseme on BOGOF. Their face washes and clearskin range is excellent too, it has worked as well as anything else for me. Avon also have lots and lots of promotions and special offers, so I stock up when things I use are on offer. Recently I bought four 125ml tubes of clearskin face wash for £5.

lotto-dreamer

Ben84 wrote: »

......I've also discovered tresseme shampoo and conditioner. It works just like the expensive shampoo on my hair, but it's far cheaper. I watch out for the BOGOF offers in supermarkets and pick up two 900ml bottles for £3.99. They also last ages as you only need a little if you rub it in well

I absolutely agree with this! :j

I have been using Tresemme for about two years now and it really suits my hair - the big 900ml bottles last for ages (I always buy BOGOFs - Tesco often does them). I love the conditioner - and I alternate between the deep cleanse shampoo and the volumising shampoo. The deep cleansing one is fantastic for giving your hair a fresh start occasionally to prevent the conditioner/volumising building up too much. My hair has never had such a good shine. It is VERY economical and superb value. Probably my favourite "cheap" beauty product.