As for cosmetics, I really think that women should reevaluate using them all together. I think that society has made women feel like they NEED to wear makeup to be feminine and/or beautiful. My skin is perfect, like, people ask me what products I use ALL the time. And I don’t wear a single drop of makeup. The less crap you put on your face, the more of a chance your skin has to do what it needs to do naturally to stay soft and clear. Makeup, even oil free, clogs your pores. Your skin cannot breathe properly with crap on it. I’ve suggested this to many of my friends, and the ones who decided to try it have seen huge improvements in their skin. And they’re not spending small fortunes on makeup anymore.

As for shampoo/conditioner…maybe it’s because I have supercurly hair, but I cannot use anything other than Pantene. If I don’t, I can’t even get a comb through it. Some people just have hair that will not allow them to buy the cheap stuff.

The people who were suggesting that people cut their own hair…my husband cuts his own hair, but it’s very short, and would be hard to screw up. For women, or men with more hair, pay the money to get a good cut. I’m not suggesting going to an expensive salon, but if you cut it yourself, chances are it will look awful, and you’ll have to go somewhere to get it fixed. Save yourself the hassle and horror, and just get it done by someone who has the expertise. Your hair will thank you.

Instead of spending so much time and energy into looking for ways to save a penny here, and a dollar here…try thinking of ways to make more money!

It’s like this. The extra little money it takes to shower daily and use deodorant every day…may lead to better job opportunities since you don’t smell like ass and you look sharp.

@ All in Good Health. I was just talking to a coworker yesterday and she told me someone told her about using olive oil on skin during the winter time. she mixed a little bit in with her regular lotion and she said in two days she has noticed a BIG difference.

Thankfully, found a frugal way to help my very dry skin in the winter: straight-up regular olive oil, with a few drops of essential oil added for a light (and soon dissipating) scent. Don’t get the extra virgin olive oil, as sometimes the olive scent will linger. Sounds strange, but it works wonders, and is very inexpensive.

And Matt: poor you if you’re so spoiled that you can’t imagine life without a woman with shaved legs. How much does your wife/girlfriend waste every year on shaving?

Personally, I use decent deodorant, soap (oil of olay), shampoo (garnier fructis), toothpaste (colgate total) but I stock up on them big time when I see them on sale. I think this saves me about half on my grooming expenses. I also get my simple haircut done for $5.50.

Lipstick does the same thing where you can’t push it up anymore but there is perfectly good lipstick left in the tube. I bought a lip brush to use the rest and it works great.

The things that have worked for me are buying in bulk, checking out the dollar store and discount stores (biglots), I just bought a ton of Zest soaps for 3 dollars. Buying in bulk saves time because you don’t always have to go to the store (save gas) or search for another great deal (save time).

For guys I think being able to cut your own hair could save so much money. Haircuts get pricey! That’s definitely what I would do if I had that option…

As for the inexpensive soap, that’s something I cannot take liberties with. Even a week using cheap soap makes my skin itchy and dry. I have been a loyal Dove customer for years, and have the softest skin to prove it!! Soaps marketed to men really are better for men’s slightly thicker skin. Not to mention the cologne smell – hardly a feminine touch!

The shampoo though, there I do agree with you. I use Aussie shampoo that I can get here at Bed, Bath and Beyond in NYC for 2.50 a bottle. I have bottles in my bathroom of half used Redken and Biolage that cost way more, and that I now have to use up, because I like the Aussie better! I even got my mom hooked on my last visit home.

One of my favorite solutions is Cosmetics and More. They have a local storefront here in New York and I can buy cosmetics and other products for cents on the dollar, literally! I picked up a concealer there for $2.14 including tax last night. Just for giggles, I popped into a drugstore and saw the exact same product for $7.99! I get hair dye there for $2.50 a box (as opposed to $9 or something, a big savings especially considering I need 2 boxes to do my hair). I also use super-cheap shampoo so I can splurge a little (only a little) on conditioner. I don’t notice a difference in my hair when I use a more expensive shampoo but I notice WORLDS of difference in conditioners (I have very thick, curly hair).

I second Rose’s comment about Walmart.com’s samples page–I have actually made it a goal this month to use those samples up as I’m running out of room to keep them! That will save me maybe a month’s worth of shampoo and conditioner purchases.

I’ve also found that doing all my toiletries purchases (aside from cosmetics) at a drug store that has rewards points to be somewhat helpful. It takes me a few months to build up to the $5 coupon but hey–it’s $5!

Wait… what? Your poor husband.