Here are some tricks and tips to assist you to look good for less money:
• Rather than paying out for dumbbells, for a cheap home workout, use cans of beans, for example, or bags of sugar instead.
• Cut-price and designer clothes can be found at factory shops, discount-clothes stores and even some supermarkets. Less obvious bargain-hunting places include army-surplus stores, dancewear and sportswear shops.
• Trade your old clothes for new at a nearly-new shop, clothes agency or second-hand designer boutique.
• Save on mascara by dyeing your eyelashes using a home eyelash-tint kit.
• To freshen your face, pour mineral water into a small atomiser or plant spray and spritz face.
• Get a free make-over. Most of the new-generation make-up stores and counters offer free make-overs in the hope that you will purchase some of their products. Unless stated, you are under no obligation to buy.
• Look out for the major cosmetics houses’ promotions. Buy one or two products and you will qualify for all sorts of freebies, from a complimentary facial to a cosmetic bag.
• Update your make-up for free by mixing together different shades of your existing lipsticks or eyeshadows to create a palette of new colours.
• To make your expensive toner go further, dilute with witch hazel or rose-water.
• Save money by having a cut without a blow-dry; by the time the hairdresser has finished cutting your hair it will be almost dry.
• When you just can’t squeeze any more cream out of a tube, cut it in half – you’ll be surprised at how much is left inside.
• For a cost-free toner, wet a muslin cloth with cold water and cover your face with it for a few seconds. Alternatively, splash your face a couple of times with cold water.
• Ask at cosmetic counters for trial-sized products. They are a good way of testing if you like a product and are the perfect size to pop into your handbag or take on holiday. (The trick to getting freebie samples is to ask the beauty consultant for advice.)
• Second-hand chic can be found at charity shops, flea markets, thrift stores, jumble sales, antique shops and second-hand designer boutiques. Don’t discard hand-me-downs: you might find that your mother’s boucle coat becomes your all-time favourite item.