“Recessionista”. For some reason, just the sound of this word makes me cringe. Maybe it’s because I have to be one right now because of the state of the economy. Or maybe it’s just that it sounds so un-chic. Either way, I will admit I’m a closet-recessionista. With my money having to go elsewhere, but being glamorous-looking still a high priority, I’ve had to be creative with some of my beauty products and make them do double-duty. Here’s a few of my favorite tricks.
No7 Blush Tint Cream is one of my personal favorites from the Boots lineup. The smooth, creamy texture instantly wakes up my complexion and lasts all day. I feel like I have ‘red carpet’ cheeks whenever I wear it. It does have an additional use though, you can use the Blush Tint Cream as a stain for your lips. Take your pinky finger and really dig the color into your lips, blot well, then top with your favorite gloss for va-va-voom shine or your favorite lip balm for a more natural shine (my favorite lip balm being the Boots Original Beauty Formula Lip Salve – LOVE the rose oil in it!).
Another trick I’ve learned over the years is with my de-puffing eye gel. First of all, I leave mine in the fridge. The cold temperature plus the active ingredients are a life-saver on those bad-eye days. An extra tip though, on those horrendous allergy day (like mine when the Santa Ana Winds roll into Southern California) or anytime your sinuses are congested and giving you pressure-headaches, pat the cold eye gel over your sinuses. It’ll not only soothe the skin, but it also helps the sinuses drain quicker. My go-to one is the No7 Reviving Eye Gel. According to my Boots Product Training Manual, it has witch hazel and horsechestnut extract in it which helps with swelling and circulation. Regardless, it’s definitely a life-saver.
My last trick seems a little strange, but I simply can’t afford to go to the spa right now for full-body scrubs, so I’ve had to go the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) route. Get the No7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion Exfoliator for only $14.99 and use it as a full-body scrub. You’ll probably use the entire tube for one session, but your skin will feel AMAZING afterwards and fifteen bucks is so much cheaper than my spa treatments. Top it off with a luscious body butter and you’ll have that ‘just from the spa’ glow, but still have money in your wallet.