A month ago I decided to join A Thrifty Mrs in her £100 beauty challenge. You can read more about the actual challenge here but I thought I’d give you a bit of an update to let you know how I’m settling in to it.
I’ll admit, I hit sheer panic zone a week in when everything seemed to be running low already. I had a few things in ‘stock’ but essentials were thin on the ground. I needed a plan.
I decided to switch my shopping up and take a look to see what Bodycare had to offer. Everything I looked at was less than £2. I was amazed to see so many well known brands discounted.
I sniffed my way through unfamiliar products and took a chance on the Argan Conditioner. A quick scan of the back told me it had no nasties so I picked up the matching oil to go with it. I must say, I’m very pleased with them. The conditioner smells amazing, my hair feels really nourished and I’m going through it much slower than the Herbal Essences I was using beforehand.
Here are my initial six switches, £65.89 saved:
Left: Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation, MUA English Rose Mosaic Blusher, Eylure 45 Day Mascara, Argan Oil Conditioner, Johnson’s Camomile Baby Shampoo, Argan Oil.
Right: YSL Perfect Touch Foundation, Benefit Posie Tint, Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, Herbal Essences Toussle Me Softly Shampoo and Conditioner, Tigi Rockaholic Shineblaster.
£24.61 does seem like a lot of my year’s budget but the Argan oil and the eyelash dye will probably last me the year. I don’t wear makeup often so I expect the same from the foundation and blusher too.
And honestly, what am I missing? Well, other than a lip tint (because the posie tint was a 2in1 for lips and cheeks), I’m happier with my bargains. Why did I ever spend £36 on foundation?!
Even if I don’t make it through the next 11 months, I think just taking the time to reassess my spending a bit and replace these six products will have been worth it.
Lindley says
I always end up splurging on makeup and beauty products and I slap myself as soon as I enter the local market and see products serving the exact same purpose (less ingredient heavy, in fact) and a quarter of the price!
This puts it all into perfect perspective ;)!
Vicki Higham says
I totally agree. I’ve noticed you’ve been commenting a lot lately so I just wanted to say a special thank you for your support 🙂
Lyndsey says
You are BRAVE there’s no way I could do this I would end up spending the budget on lipstick alone … Haha xx
Vicki Higham says
Haha! I guess I’m lucky in that I’m not crazy about makeup. I’d love to see a beauty blogger try it.
J says
I’ve just seen you tweet about a hospital appointment. I don’t see why you need so many when you seem fine to me?
Vicki Higham says
Well, it’s important to remember that we only share what we want to share. I’m not going to announce how awful my day/night has been – I’d bore you all. Rest assured that people are only given hospital appointments if they’re needed and the fact I have this many should say enough
rachel19784 says
After reading this post I will be definitely changing the beauty products I purchase. I will give the cheaper brands a try
http://umeandthekids.com/
Vicki Higham says
Think of all the extra treats you could buy with the difference! 🙂
Sarah says
What a great challenge I shall definitely be watching to see just how you get on its so scary how much we do spend on things.
I’m going to have to pop into Body Care and see if I can grab some of that Argan Oil! So thank you so much for sharing.
Sarah
Life in a Break Down
xx
Vicki Higham says
Hi Sarah, it really is scary when you sit and figure out how much we spend. This is certainly making me rethink what I buy. Let me know what you think of the oil! x
Top Style Advice says
Make-up and beauty products are so expensive these days, and its so difficult to select which make-up to choose if you’re on a limited budget.
Great post and I like you blog! xox
Vicki Higham says
Thank you! I totally agree, even highs treet brands seem expensive at times
Efsun @ makeuptemple (@makeuptemple) says
Good Choice, I need to do a beauty challenge soon :))
Rachel says
This looks like a lot of fun for us readers, not so sure I could do it though xx
Lots of Love Beautyqueenuk!