DFW's on Make-Up/Perfume/Toilettries

MiniLaura

Question for the females of this forum, and perhaps some males!

When you are trying to cut spends/stay on budget etc, how does everyone feel in regards to make-up/perfumes/toiletries? Do you cut back on them? Buy cheaper brands? Only use special offers?

Was just wondering about this, as Im one of what I think is a minority - I dont wear any makeup on a day to day basis at all so must be saving myself a bit. Common perception of a lot of women who wont go out without some make up on so how do they survive on a budget?

Perfumes - again I only on an occasional basis. Buy a lot of my toiletries on a special offer basis or with points or vouchers.

Refuse to buy GHD's on principle of £20 straightners do a good enough job.

Uniscots97

I normally go for cheaper options but maybe hint for the nicer ones as presents (got 3 bottles of perfume for christmas and a hamper with lots of nice goodies). I still use make up wipes but have swapped to Tesco Value ones (don't laugh), they were recommended by a professional make up when I was on a film set before christmas. They're about 48p and great at taking waterproof mascara off without rubbing. As for make up, yes I still wear make up every day (have to in my line of work) but have switched to Aldi's make up range and actually think its better than what I was using and much cheaper.

Lucy1982_2

My expensive perfume comes to me as christmas/birthday presents now. Which is always hand as Mum or OH ask what I want.

Make up and stuff is a mixture I will use cheaper brand and see if I like it, if not I will save my boots point or vouchers and treat myself, luckily I don't get through stuff that quickly.

Although I had a good load of Smellies for Christmas so I am set for a while yet!

moneysavingmumofone

i never buy perfume and never pay more than £1 for an item of make up (rarely buy it now anyway, got stacks of it!!) i buy only basic toiletries i need like deodorant, body spray, shower gel, shampoo/conditioner toothpaste and toothbrushes. again i never pay more than £1 each for these and usually get them on bogof so i can get a nice make like dove but still less than a pound an item

itsgototstop

Hair stuff I now buy big bottles of Tresemme when they have BOGOF....lasts me ages and have long hair.

Can't stop buying clarins so buy from cheapsmells...its the cheapest I have found and cover it with Quico earnings.

Perfume is duty free for expensive stuff otherwise body shop.

Burlesque_Babe

I don't wear make up unless I'm going out (once in a blue moon!!!) I have foundation from the freebie thread (full size ones often available), 1 lipstick, 1 concealer and 1 eyeshadow - all Boots or Rimmel !! (blimey, that makes me sound like a minger!) To be honest, I should maybe replace it - it's been open for at least a year now and I know it gets a bit manky after about 12 months.

I use the freebies board and have loads of different moisturisers - too many to be honest. Simple and Olay nearly always have freebies to give away. I'm using a tube of the Olay with the sun stuff in it at the moment.

I do the same for shampoo and conditioner - use the freebies board. If I run out, I buy own brand stuff. I buy quite cheap soap, but have 3 lovely bars from Lush to use up next which my Mum and Dad bought me when they were here last (they know I love Lush - they weren't saying I smell - I hope!!!)

I have a teeny tiny bottle of Body Shop perfume I bought last summer. I do have a couple of big bottles of something or other but they are so old they are probably off.

I use lots of hairspray (ahem) and use the cheap stuff as much as possible but do treat myself to Elnette or Tresemme when it is on offer - probably my only beauty 'luxury'. I use whatever mousse or gel spray is on offer - usually Tesco or Asda stuff.

Deodorant - I always used whatever was on offer but 2 years ago developed a bit of an itchy rash one day and can now only use Sanex roll on - I've tried reverting back to spray ones but suffer within a day or so, whichever I use. I buy 2 or 3 when they are on bogof or £1.00 each.

I do have a bit of an advantage though in that I work from home so I don't need to use make up everyday.

chocaholic110

I rarely wear make up. Do the same with Tresemme as a prevous poster - Asda just had it at 2 bottles for £4 so bought loads. Tend to stock up when offers on or ask for Christmas - have got so much Santuary maternity stuff I need to have another baby straight after this one (though i suppose I can still use it when not pregnant).

Protogenia

I like a mixture of cosmetics due to trial and error of what suits me and I tend to wear make up every day (not a full face but mascara, highlighter/blusher and lipgloss) when going out somewhere special I wear the lot except a foundation...just use a touch of concealer under my eyes.

I like expensive mascara and perfume so those I buy from Ebay but the American site...a damn sight cheaper than ours. Moisturiser...love Oil of Olay and tend to buy from local chemists when they are doing good deals, I use a basic milk cleanser by Asda own brand which is 99pence a bottle and when brought home half is decanted into another bottle and both are watered down by 50%. Just as effective yet not as thick. I use a cotton wool roll rather than balls as it works out so much cheaper. Toner and astringent, I use witchhazel. Cheap as chips from local chemist (99pencefor 150mls), is gentle on the skin and goes along way.
I like Herbal Esscences shampoos and conditioners and buy those in multiples when on offer, I use roll on deodorants...cheaper and don't contain nasty parabens like alot of spray ones do. Always buy nail varnishes off Ebay, don't bother about the brand as they all chip...very often on Ebay you can pick up 6 or 7 bottles for £2.50 including postage and packing...they last me about a year.
Use a good basic lipsalve for lips (I find vaselene too messy even though it is more cost effective) and finally I use cyclax body moisturiser every day. A fat tub is only 99pence from my local chemist, they smell delish (particularly the cocoa butter one) and they leave your skin feeling like silk.

Toto

I do wear make up most days (just so I don't scare small children when I go out) and I do use the expensive stuff (mostly clinique) But I've got sensitive skin and I react to loads of stuff. I also have GHDs, wear mostly gaultier perfume and use expensive hair stuff.

I justify this though because these things are important to me, rightly or wrongly I like to use the things I'm happy with, after all, I use them every day and most of my make up lasts a year. I save for things I want though, I usually get some things as gifts and fairly often I get freebies when we do corporate gigs.

Lucy1982_2

Toto - Freebies! I don't suppose you need any staff do you?

Gemmzie

This is where my indulgence lies I'm afraid.

I have brand new GHDs because cheapo straighteners were wrecking my hair. I got them for about £67 from Boots so best deal I could find.

I can only wear Clinque make-up, anything else brings me out in hives and I have very sensitive skin which really needs the three step plus gawd knows what else to look presentable. I've tried without and it's not good.
I get it from work at 25% off and buy when it's 10% off day and there's a gift.