your cheap as chips beauty secrets....

Madame Razz

So this is a very girly thread, but particularly apt given 'de recession'!! I've started using Boots coconut and almond oil replenishing hair mask recently, they have it on offer, 2 tubs for 3 euro.

Anyway, it is amazing; probably the best deep conditioner i've ever used; And so cheap compared to the ridiculous prices I've paid for ones in the past.

Which got me to thinking. Sometimes you just find products(make-up/body whatever) that are dirt cheap but work brilliantly, and become staples on your bathroom shelf.

So Ladies, 'fess up your cheap as chips beauty secrets here:

Mine are:

That Boots mask

Witchhazel and rosewater as a toner

Ponds cold cream for a deep cleanse, nothing better, esp if you have evening makeup on!

All I can think of for now...

Over to you.....

The Sweeper

Moved to FAP because it's more relevant in this forum.

spaceylou

Wow that is good for a hair mask I might check it out. How much is in a tub???

Alternatively (and what i currently do) when my hair is getting a bit dry, I put olive oil in it, avoid the roots, turn on the hair dryer on a low setting for a few minutes just to warm it a wee bit, and then wrap in a towel - best done 30 - 60 mins before having a shower, and then just wash hair as normal. Nice soft hair again

Dinxminx

Really? Isn't it hard to get the oil out of your hair?

spaceylou

nah, i mean I don't drown my hair in the oil but it comes out easy enough. It isn't really an different (except in price) than the hot oil treatments you can buy in boots etc.

Just thought of another trick for soft hair (its a constant battle), if you are swimming, put some of your usual conditioner in your hair before your swim. It a protects in from the chlorine in the pool and b gives it a mini hair masque because in your swim cap it gets nice and warm and the conditioner gets plenty of time to work.

Glowing

I'll second the Witchhazel and Rosewater!!! I LOVE it!

2.66 a bottle in Boots, takes all your makeup off, and doesn't dry out your skin, leaves it soft and clear - you can't beat it.

all the stars

when stuck the odd time, mix sea salt in with shower gel for exfolliant (on body not face)
works great.....

boogle

I have curly hair and use a leave-in conditioner spray after I wash my hair. Whenever I run out I just put a blob of normal conditioner in a spray bottle with some water, shake it up, and Bob's your uncle. It does a grand job.

Madame Razz

spaceylou wrote: »

Wow that is good for a hair mask I might check it out. How much is in a tub???

400ml, it really is amazing stuff, hair feels great after it!!

I think the Palmers body lotion range is great too, all the lotions work really well, and their coconut body oil is simply divine, much better than any other kind I think. And its all very reasonably priced!

Boots do omega 3 fish oil capsules also, they're in a blue and gold box, and they have exactly the same ingredients(slighgtly more in fact) as another brand, except they're a lot cheaper.

Oh, and i am quite impressed by tesco own brand mouthwash also, mundane i know:rolleyes:

Sugar Drunk

- lidl face wipes they are brilliant and cheap! I also bought their toner yesterday
- E45 moisturoiser its great much better than expensive creams I used to buy
- baking soda for whitening teeth (dip your toothbrush and paste in it or just apply with a face cloth)
- Montague jeneusse face masks - i really like these. Only 2 euro and they do the trick
- essence make up. soooo cheap. their glitter eyeliner is on par with urban decays but its only 2-3 euro
- sea salt and shower gel to make body scrub
- coffee granules and shower gel to make cellulite busting wash
- pigsback.com I have the credit card you get points when you spend anything i have been racking up points for ages and just cashed mine in for 80 euro worth of boots vouchers!!

unreggd

Where are these cheap chips u speak of?

im gettin ripped off!

lubie76

Simple - Conditioning eye makeup remover lotion

Non oily but still removes the most stubborn eye make up better than any of the expensive ones.
Have to say though I think when it comes to moisturisers and stuff, you generally get what you pay for.

deedee lepoopoo

Rosewater as eye make-up remover.
Vaseline for the eyes and lips.
Neem Soap for bumpy skin and dandruff.

ncmc

The day and night cream in Lidl (I think it's called Siana), €2.99 each and is just as good as a lot of the spendsy ones.

St Ives body moisturiser, not mega cheap but def one of the best body creams i've tried.

Johnsons Clean and Clear face wash, I've used Clarins, Lancome and Estee Lauder face wash and I always come back to this one.

www.strawberrynet.com for really cheap cosmetics, get them at US prices with free delivery. Normally a free gift with your first order and incremental discounts after that.

Twee.

Boots body creams are excellent. They come in a pump bottle (handy when your hands slippy covered in the stuff!) and often on 3 for 2. I use the coconut and cocao & mallow which just gorgeous. Makes you smell great!

LadyMayBelle

Wow,i must try that baking soda for whitening teeth. i always use boots brand eye makeup remover,the blue bottle. find it great. a recent lover of the tesco mouthwash.

jos28

Baby oil or almond oil mixed with sugar makes a great body scrub. Its great for giving your hands a treat too. I use it on my hands after heavy work like painting/decorating/gardening etc, they feel great afterwards.

pookie82

Gotta laugh at the OP's post. I was in Boots today looking at the almond oil and coconut hair mask but opted for a more expensive one (in my folly) thinking it wouldn't be much use! Damn it. I was wandering around the store for ages looking at all the two for one offers and buy one get one half price on really good stuff - definitely recession shopping destination from now on!!!

On topic, I have found in the past that a lot of boots own brand stuff is great, including their hairspray. It's really light but gives good hold. I love their 17 lip glosses too. Really cheap and much better than the Loreal and Maybelline ones which you'll pay over a tenner a go for. Tesco face wipes are just as good as most of the really expensive brands too, the ones in the blue packaging, and are only around 1.75! I also have really dry skin and used to buy every moisturiser under the sun but I've found that astral is by far the best. A lot of people think it's too greasy but I find it great and you get a massive tub for a fiver. H&M also do a gorgeous smelling body butter for only 2.50.

Madame Razz

Seriously, that hair mask is brill, deffo splash out on it next time you're in boots, i've used redken and bumble&bumble masks previously and they're not as good and ten times the price(literally...and for only one bottle!!!)

Oh, and for the keeping of the baking soda/coffee/seasalt/ almond oil sugar mix in the bathroom, Lidl have a set of 40 'tupperware' lunch/snack boxes for €9.99 this thursday....might be handy...i'm deffo nabbing me a set:D

pookie82

manukahoney wrote: »

Oh, and for the keeping of the baking soda/coffee/seasalt/ almond oil sugar mix in the bathroom, Lidl have a set of 40 'tupperware' lunch/snack boxes for €9.99 this thursday....might be handy...i'm deffo nabbing me a set:D

lol. Quite the bargain hunter aren't you!!!:D
You should start a recession blog:)

Madame Razz

I know!! I sound so scabby!!! LOL:D

I'm actually not; in fact i'm actually bloody hopeless with money and am sucked in by every wild beauty product claim and also have quite a disturbing shoeshopping habit!!

I suppose recently i have forced myself to cop on a bit, all this talk in the papers got me thinking; and actually its quite addictive and strangely satisfying.

I wont be becoming a miser anytime soon, but its nice to have money staying in the pocket as opposed to constantly splurging!!

And hey, everybody loves a bargain;)

pookie82

manukahoney wrote: »

I know!! I sound so scabby!!! LOL:D

I'm actually not; in fact i'm actually bloody hopeless with money and am sucked in by every wild beauty product claim and also have quite a disturbing shoeshopping habit!!

I suppose recently i have forced myself to cop on a bit, all this talk in the papers got me thinking; and actually its quite addictive and strangely satisfying.

I wont be becoming a miser anytime soon, but its nice to have money staying in the pocket as opposed to constantly splurging!!

And hey, everybody loves a bargain;)

Didn't mean to imply you were scabby at all!:) I think you're dead right, recession or not. it's a great thread. Everyone loves to find out about a great product that won't rip them off. I'm constantly searching for products that do the trick without emptying my wallet. i really don't believe in spending a fortune on cosmetics. The odd thing I'll splash out on - like Clinique mascara or really good perfume - but apart from that i think it's utterly ridiculous that we're supposed to fork out up to 15euro nowadays for an average lip gloss!!!! if i can substitute a really expensive make up brand for a just as good cheaper one, I will every time.

I'm pretty unadventurous when it comes to trying new products if they cost a lot, I prefer to stick to tried and tested brands unless they're discontinued or not in the shop some day I need them, so it's good to get a heads up first on what something is like - and if it's cheap to boot, that's even better! Just thought this thread was funny cos i was in Boots today looking at that hair mask and got suckered into thinking it's a bit too cheap to be any good!!!

Madame Razz

If i had seen those masks on offer ordinarily, i would have thought exactly the same thing, but a friend recommended it, so i cant claim full credit!!

It kind of got me to thinking that everybody probably has a cheap but brilliant beauty secret and that it'd be good to get tips from people and learn from their experiences!!

And you're so right, everybody likes to look their best, but its great if you can do it without breaking the bank!!

pookie82

manukahoney wrote: »

If i had seen those masks on offer ordinarily, i would have thought exactly the same thing, but a friend recommended it, so i cant claim full credit!!

It kind of got me to thinking that everybody probably has a cheap but brilliant beauty secret and that it'd be good to get tips from people and learn from their experiences!!

And you're so right, everybody likes to look their best, but its great if you can do it without breaking the bank!!

Come to think of it I spotted some really cheap waxing strips today in Boots too..... ya know, might come in handy now and then for.... I dunno.... waxing guys' backs??? :D:D:D

Sorry, couldn't resist!!!!:P

Madame Razz

I could have crept up on him in the dead of night and ambushed him with said strips.....except that would have meant him being in my bed.....uuuuggggggghhhhhh!!!

and in fairness,they'd have to be industrial strength to tackle his back!!!:eek:

RxQueen

for dry skin , i use coconut oil from the health shop its about €1.20 a bottle , its realy cheap and most of all it works!, was suggested to me in another thread here glad i took up that advise

and defo 3rd the tesco mouthwash!

laurak265

Revlon Flex shampoo and conditioner! Can be got in heatons and most pound shops and it is the only thing i use in my hair! Fantastic shine and really healthy and two big bottles for 4euro!

Whips egg whites and apply to your face! Natures face mask for free! Leave skin extremely soft!

Must try the baking soda for white teeth...cheers for that one!

Sugar Drunk

pookie82 wrote: »

Come to think of it I spotted some really cheap waxing strips today in Boots too.....

I bought the cheap boots waxing strips recently. Waxed my own legs and bikini line before going on hols - saved me fortune in the beauticians. You just warm them between your hands and go for it

Madame Razz

Heres another i thought of today... works very well also, especially if you use a lot of 'product'

As a clarifying/deep cleansing shampoo add table salt to your regular shampoo.

Very effective!!

445279.ie

I get the Boots own brand Cucumber cleanser and toner. It's brill and only about €1.50 a bottle. Been using it for years and it's the only thing that doesn't dry my skin.

Dee369369

pookie82 wrote: »

Tesco face wipes are just as good as most of the really expensive brands too, the ones in the blue packaging, and are only around 1.75!quote]

I get the tescos orange vit e ones.at 1.50 and 33%off at the moment it does the job well.

charles worthington's leave in conditioner leaves your hair really soft and lasts for ages.it's bout 2 or 3 euro.

also boots nail varnish remover without acetone is great for your nails cos the acetone is what dries it out.bout 2 or 3 euro and iv had it for years can't get rid of it! :eek:

Also (got a few don't i )boots natural collection mascara is really good at 3euro.

I'm sure i've more but i'm interested to see what other people recommend as i do love a bargain!

Nickibaby*

Using Johnsons Babywipes for taking off my make-up. They often have special offers in Boots or in any supermarket about €4 or €5 for a double pack of 72s. Really good at taking off eye make up, very gentle on the eyes.

Vicks vapour rub makes a great overnight foot cream.
Your feet feel really refreshed come morning.
Like someone has snuck in and given them a good rub while you were sleeping.

Aspirin facemask.
http://ezinearticles.com/?DIY-Skin-Savers:-The-Aspirin-Mask&id=171592

LolaLuv

Also, if you have a cough that prevents you from sleeping at night, put Vick's on your feet then socks over top to reduce the cough. I have no idea how it works but it really does.

Crushed aspirin + honey is one of the best face masks ever.

Rimmel mascaras are cheap, and I think they work wonderfully.

Edit: Sorry Moonbaby, I didn't see the last two lines of your post. Second on the aspirin facial!

KatiexKOUTURE--

manukahoney wrote: »

Heres another i thought of today... works very well also, especially if you use a lot of 'product'

As a clarifying/deep cleansing shampoo add table salt to your regular shampoo.

Very effective!!

Oh and on that if you just put your regular shampoo into dry hair does the job...

And if you are buying make-up, perfume etc. ask if they've any samples of any new products... I've a nice collection of tiny perfumes and make up and they're handy to bring on holiday rather than a big bottle.

spaceylou

On that note, if you check out the website of companies they often have free samples etc if you ask for them, and like the last poster said very handy for hols or weekends away. I recently got chanel chance sample in the post from their website and also a face cream from.......(can't remember who) - opps!!

or couponmaster.ie has links to freebies and decent reductions on stuff on the web.

missmatty

+1 for asking for freebies. I emailed Bliss in London and they sent me a good few samples of their stuff. Nothing like a good scrounge!

Chemist own-brand rosewater or witch-hazel & rosewater are excellent, very cheap too.

Superdrug hand creams are brilliant Was in Belfast lately and bought about 4 tubes to stock up while I had the chance. Also they have all the own brand paracetamol, ibuprofen etc (aspirin for the facials :pac: ) so I stock up on those. They also do a great range of mini travel products. I spent about 30 quid but got loads of stuff, was my main reason for going to Belfast. (Actually day return on bus eireann is a bargain 22 yoyos)

How Strange

The eye makeup remover from Boots range that look like Bliss products. It's oil based so it doesn't sting your eyes when removing mascara and it only costs about €4 and lasts for months even if you're using it everyday.

Frizzease serum and v05 hot oil treatments for dry hair.

petek

i tried that boots coconut deep conditioner before a year or two ago (i think it was the same one, maybe its changed though) and i thought it was pretty rubbish. what i do really love right now is this coconut conditioner from Penneys, its no particular brand, its just some cheap coconut line they have (they have conditioner, body wash, shampoo maybe and more?). anyway, the conditioner is amazing and only €2.

my housemate ran out of her conditioner the other day (the loreal anti-frizz stuff) and snuck a bit of my coconut one, afterward she had to admit it to me so she could find out where i got it because she was so impressed! this stuff is great. its quite light though, i can use it all over my hair (not just the ends) and then every other day i might put something more heavy duty on the ends (might try the boots mask for the ends when my nexus keratin stuff runs out)

i think with the baking soda for the teeth whitening thing - u should be careful about it because i heard it can be very damaging for the enamel if u use it a lot.
sometimes i use a little baking soda mixed into a paste as a kind of micro-exfoliator scrub for my face. not too often though. a little natural yogurt as a face mask can be very softening too.

oh yeah, and i second whoever mentioned the boots cucumber toner (i think they call it "skin refresher") and rose water for toning. much more effective than the expensive toners i bought before

Madame Razz

Rose hip seed oil is an absolute godsend and can be used for scars. stretchmarks, wrinkles, dehydrated skin......etc etc etc.....

And a little goes a long way....;)

(Yes, I am unashamedly reviving this thread; we're in a heck of a lot worse situation now than we were last August and it could be of benefit to somebody!!)

sheena1985

Aldi have an under-eye concealer which is as good as any of the expensive brands, looks exactly like touche eclat except its a glossy silver tube.. Only €4.99 ! Can't go wrong..

Also have started using max factor masterpiece mascara, not the cheapest i know but it's better than any of the premium brands i've tried.

Boots eye make up remover, someone mentioned it already, the oily one, is great as well!!

Léan

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet but Vaseline is a fantastic eye makeup remover! . Been using it for years. Just put it on your eyes and wash off with some cotton wool and warm water, really is fantastic, removes everything and is very gentle.


Also, caster sugar and olive oil for a great exfoliating scrub, for a really really good scrub use normal granulated sugar and olive oil.

Mayonnaise is also a great conditioning hair mask, rub it into hair and but a shower cap over it for about 20 mins then was out with normal shampoo and conditioner. It's really great to put a shine back into dry hair .

A little bit of almond oil is also great as a toner if you've quite dry skin, very gentle too.

I've made great face masks in the past by mushing up avacados, leaving them in the fridge for a while then applying them like a normal face mask . Banana is quite good too! Add a little bit of your normal moisturiser if they're too thick .

degausserxo

If you're sick of paying five or six euro for a 'good' bottle of shampoo, try baby shampoo! Something like €1.50 a bottle, smells gorgeous and it left my hair softer than any other shampoo has.

idontknowmyname

I've been using granulated sugar and olive oil anytime i want a really good scrub on my legs or anywhere else on my body- throw in a load of coffee granuales every now and again to try and beat the ol cellulite. The olive oil leaves your skin really shiny and very soft- love it.
Must try the olive oil in hair ends thing and check out the boots leave in conditioner....

yellowcurl

After trying loads of body moisturisers, i've finally found one that isn't too sticky or gloopy and actually does what it says on the bottle. You only need to use a little and it spreads well, Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Moisture. I've had one bottle since Jan and it's still going strong!

flowerific

Warm Olive/Almond oil for hair and nails
Equal parts Apple Cider vinegar with water makes very effective and gental face toner and astringent
Baby Oil to remove eye makeup or mosturiser after shaving legs
Sea salt for body scrub

MissFlitworth

Not much use at the moment but- went into the christmas sales in boots this year and bought a load of shampoo and conditioner sets for half price. They were already pretty well priced in comparison to the individual bottles of shampoo (Toni & Guy, Charles Worthington etc) then with half off I ended up getting shampoo, conditioner and and a couple of travel sized bottles of hairspray/serum/hair masks for less than the cost of 1 normal bottle of shampoo. Spent about €40 and it's still running strong, don't think I'll have to buy shampoo or conditioner till May.

I use Aldi's day cream (can't remember the name but it comes in in a clear glass jar with a blue lid) and it's great, lovely smell as well and only €2.99

This isn't really cheap as chips but discovered recently that j-cloths are amazing for taking off nail varnish! I use a torn up jcloth instead of cotten now and it takes it off so easily

amz5

Just bought that hair mask in boots today, currently letting it work it's magic so I'll keep you posted

I think Aqueous Cream (costs about 4 euro for a big tub in the chemist) is my best body moisturiser find in a long time. I throw it on my legs and arms before bed and then scrub it off with exfoliating gloves in the morn and my skin is baby soft and not a bit dry. Exfoliating gloves are the best exfoliater ever as well, I have a pair for my body, and a pair for my face. (As you can prob guess I have dry skin!) I think they're fab. Going to try to get that cucumber toner next time I'm in boots, should have brought a shopping list today. Wouldn't mind if this thread was a sticky...

Olive oil is great too, defo second that one.

moonflower

^ If it's the Boots own brand cucumber toner you mean, don't buy it if you have dry skin! It dried my skin out so much and left behind a residue that felt horrible.

Sulu

I am a total cream and face treatment addict!! Have a taste for the expensive, but like many recessionistas still love a bargain. For an excellent pick me up you just can't beat the masks from the Dead Sea range - you know the range with the blue and white packaging available in health shops, not the dead sea range sold by crazy rip off merchants that harass you in the shopping centres. The masks range from 5 - 10 euro approx - Also for another excellent pick me up try the Cucumber Eye Pads from Beauty Formula, approx 3 euro from selected chemists, they come in a slim packet, put on your eyes for 10 mins before a big night and hey presto you have refreshed party eyes - cannot beat it.

fonpokno

Love Aqueous Cream, have to use it because I have dermatitis and the skin on my arms has never been so soft.

My favourite shampoo is Boots Rosemary and Watermint shampoo, I have really oily hair (have to wash it daily) and this stuff get it so clean that i can sometimes leave it for two days! I also love their Henna and Horsechestnut conditioner, oh it leaves my hair soooo soft.

As for the christmas set, I got a load of Ruby and Millie stuff for like 70% off after Christmas in boots. Twas deadly.

Love all the almond oil and sugar scrubs, my dad has been making this up for years cos his hands get so rough from working in the garden and outdoors.