6.01.2017


We are all on a budget, and as someone who really enjoys trying new beauty trends and products, I have to pick and choose what to spend my money on and where I can cut corners. We all do this I'm sure!

What I Spend On:


1. Gel Manicures. Cost, $25 per month
I can't believe how much I enjoy gel nail polish. I first decided to get a gel mani last Summer during my sister-in-law's wedding activities. I've always loved doing my own nails, and I have quite an extensive collection of Essie, O.P.I. and the like. But I didn't want to worry about chipping, so I went to a salon that I had heard wonderful things about. A year later, and I'm still trying to justify my monthly manicure. I keep telling myself that the next time "will be the last time" but I can't give it up. It doesn't help that I enjoy talking to my manicurist! She's pregnant and when she goes on maternity leave, I think that'll be my push to take a break. Maybe...don't hold me to it. 



2. Hair Blow-Outs. Cost, $60 per month
This is my biggest treat, and I do it about twice a month. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I swear it does wonders for my confidence. I can feel like a slob, walk into a salon, and leave feeling like royalty. I don't know what it is, but if I had to stop all beauty treatments aside from one, a good blow-dry is something I wouldn't give up. Maybe I have a slight complex which I won't get into here, but my hair has always bothered me. If it looks decent, I'm a happy girl. Weight fluctuates, we get older, but a good blow-dry won't disappoint. 



3. Botox. I've done it four times total. Cost, $130 per session
I've mentioned botox in a couple of comments to my readers, but I've been hesitant to write about it at length for fear of being judged. There, I said it! Before my first appointment, I did a ton of research. I researched so much that I waited over a year to finally go ahead with it. I was extremely nervous, and even though I know people who have had cosmetic surgery, I was afraid that getting botox would make me look unnatural. You know what I'm talking about. We've all seen people on social media that look pulled and bulgy in all the wrong places. Some people become unrecognizable. I only get it in between my eyebrows, where the constant worry and anxiety I manage turns into deep frown lines. I don't want to look concerned all the time. However, because we are planning to have a baby, I think I'm done for awhile because it can be harmful and I would never risk that.

If you'd like to hear about my experience, let me know! Botox and fillers aren't as taboo these days, but I still feel sheepish. That being said I'd actually love to do an entire post, if you care to read. 




What I Save On:



1. Facials
I can count on both hands how many times I've had a facial, and although they are definitely relaxing, I actually enjoy doing my own mini facials using my own products at home. I think if you have scarring or acne, facials are probably more of a necessity. For me, I usually reserve one night a week to turn on some music, throw my hair in a ponytail, and use a sheet mask. I also use Fresh and Milk makeup. 



2. Hair Cut & Color
I think by now you've probably noticed that I don't fuss with my hair. I let it air dry during much of the Summer, or I get a blow-out. My hair is fairly healthy because I don't color it often. About three times a year, I darken it or just do a glaze for shine. I keep playing with the idea of lightening it, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I like how low-maintenance it is, and it allows me to get my blow outs without feeling too terribly guilty. As for the cut, a simple trim every three months is enough.



3. Tanning Treatments & Products
Once upon a time, I was a sun worshiper. I would lie on my patio in the dead of Summer, bronzing lotion slathered all over my body. I still enjoy the sun, but I don't actively seek out a tan appearance. I wear sunscreen religiously, a hat, and sunglasses (muumuu optional though I like those too). Nate teases me because whenever we are outside, I'm the one that has to sit or stand in the shade. I don't mind being fair skinned anymore. As long as I have a good moisturizing lotion mixed in with some glowy liquid highlighter, I'm good to go!

What do you ladies splurge on, and what do you save on? I'm curious about this topic so please share below! 

14 comments:

  1. I splurge on a monthly gel mani and regular pedi monhtly, the rest I pretty much do at home. I used to get my hair done weekly but stopped going for the past year and a half, now I can't go back I just hate the waiting game at the salon.

    xo
    Pinksole

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    1. A gel mani and pedicure is probably one of the most relaxing things ever!

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  2. I've been doing at home gel color. I got a light and use OPI Gel Colors. I really love it. It takes about 30 minutes and lasts just as long. There is a little learning curve but if you decide to take a break this is a good alternative.

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    1. I've heard about this and it sounds great! I might have to look into it more closely once my girl goes on maternity leave. Thanks Mere!

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  3. Ooh, this was a fun post. Loved reading this! (And yes, I would def be interested in a longer post about Botox experiences!) You are so lucky to have such a gorgeous natural hair color that I vote leave it as-is and splurge in other areas. I guess I "splurge" on hair highlights but at under $60 a month (my salon is very reasonably priced) it doesn't feel that bad. I think clothes are more my splurge than beauty treatments!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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    1. I'm happy you enjoyed it Gina, and look out for the botox post in the next few weeks :) I splurge on clothes too! Well mostly accessories I think!

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  4. When I get my hair done, I like going to an Aveda school so I can save on it! It's half the price and they've always done a fabulous job. I've gotten botox too a couple times although I stopped in December since we were going to try IVF again in February. I am debating a small amount of filler just because I have such dark under eye circles. I think if you can make it look natural and it boosts your confidence, go for it!

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    1. I go to two salons right now and one of them is the Aveda salon in my town. I love their products. That's so neat that you can go to an Aveda school! I'll have to ask the salon about that. And thank you, I agree that if something makes you feel better about yourself, go for it!

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  5. Hair cuts and facials are my weaknesses. But I really want to start getting regular manicures and try dip polish. I think beauty endulgances are healthy! It literally does wonders to get a nice hair cut and I feel like I can take on the world! Lol

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    1. I agree, hair makes the biggest difference doesn't it? I think we all want Pantene commercial hair :)

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  6. I'm definitely more of a saver when it comes to beauty. I do buy a variety of skincare and makeup products in a regular basis. But my mom is an esthetician and hair stylist so I don't pay for hair colouring, waxing, threading,....I do go to spas every once in a while. Love me some Scandinavian style of spas and Epsom salt baths floating spa. I do the spa thing once every 2-3 months...
    I get shellac done when I travel so I don't have to deal with my nails when away. Never had any cosmetics procedures done besides LASIK (if that counts). Best money ever spent!!! I considereded breast reduction when I was younger but now I think I'm good with the ladies lol!

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    1. I want LASIK so badly! I have astigmatism and desperately have been wanting to correct it since I was in my teens. That's on my list! I don't go to spas, but there is one at a winery by me that is known for its spa and I hope I can go one day. That would be great for a birthday or anniversary present ;)

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  7. Such a fun read! I don't find myself splurging much when it comes to beauty, but when it comes to fashion.. it's a whole other story. LOL. In the beauty department, it would have to be massaged for me. At least once a month or every other month. If only I could afford to do weekly massages that would be amazing. And at least once a year I would spend between $150-200 (I guess that's a pretty big spurge?) on a good hair cut and color, but I've never done a blow-out before! I would love to try that! I hate maintaining hair so anything that would make it easier I'm all for it. Ha.

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  8. I love a gel manicure too, you just can't beat it! I have to admit I get two a month! I'm like you, I always say this is the last time, then two weeks later I'm back, lol. But like you, I don't fuss a lot with my hair, I have colored it in the past and it just made it dry, so I started only doing a glaze maybe once or twice a year.

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

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