I have to attend a big family wedding in a month and it’s starting to add up. If this had been 3 years ago, I would’ve whipped out my credit card and started the list of salon services I need done before the big day. If you have a fancy event coming up, or just enjoy pampering without the high price tag…read on!
This is a list of services I would typically get done before a big event, with average amounts, including tips:
- Facial $80
- Massage $60
- Hair cut$50
- Manicure $20
- Makeup $50
…and this is just for me! I’m not counting plane tickets, hotel, clothes for the five of us, accessories etc. I’m overwhelmed just thinking about it. I like getting dressed up and trying to look my best, but I don’t want to put my family in debt for it. So what’s a girl to do?
Enter my plans for a Frugal Beauty Makeover in $15! Since the wedding will be a big family reunion, I’m going to try my best to look as young as possible. Wish me luck! 
Anti-Aging Mask
(by Scott-Vincent Borba author of Skintervention: The Personalized Solution for Healthier, Younger, and Flawless-Looking Skin
)
)
- 1 avocado $1.50
- 1 Vitamin E softgel
$.07/each capsule
- 1 T honey $.05
- dash of cayenne $.01
Mash all ingredients together.
Apply thick coat all over face and neck and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with damp cloth.
Salon: $50
Frugal: $1.63
Savings: 96%
Massage
The benefits of a massage are endless. Besides helping you relax, the blood circulation brings much needed oxygen to your skin tissue. My face always seems to glow after a massage. But, massages start at $50, not conducive to relaxation!
My frugal alternative is to head to the local mall and use their vending massage chairs. Have you seen these? Vending massage chairs are found inside malls and usually are in groups of 2-4.
The massage has three motions: rolling, kneading and S pattern. They are considered vending machines because they accept bills right at the chair, no appointment necessary! It accepts $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills and charges $1 for each three minutes of use. Sure, it’s in the mall, yes there’s noise everywhere, just take your iPod and close your eyes!
Salon: $60
Frugal: $1
Savings: 98%
Hair Cut and Color
I’m headed to beauty school! No, not as a student, but as an exam. Beauty schools are known for having very inexpensive beauty treatments. The service is always checked by a supervisor (teacher) and the cost can’t be beat!
If you are feeling extra frugal (and who isn’t?) try this: check craigslist.org under the services section and look for haircut or hairdresser. I’ve found beauty school hairdressers advertising FREE haircuts and color at their school in exchange for responding to a short survey after the service. These students are usually very close to graduating and just need extra hours to complete their degree. Just make sure the school is near you!
Check your individual school policy for tip acceptance, most do allow and appreciate it.
Salon Hair-Cut: $50
Beauty School: $5
Savings: 90%
Manicure
French manicures were my favorite indulgence years ago. I like my nails to look cleaned, prepped and pretty. This frugal alternative will take some practice but with the money you save you can afford to teach yourself!
There are so many great manicure kits to be found in drugstores. I like Sally Hansen, it comes with 2-3 colors with instructions. They also frequently go on sale and come with coupons, so I don’t end up spending more then $5, usually less.
Salon:$20
Frugal: $5
Savings: 75%
Makeup
Over the years I’ve learned to do my makeup myself but not without learning from the experts! Makeup counters across the country offer FREE makeup application in exchange for learning about their products. There is no obligation to purchase anything and tips are not only discouraged, but prohibited.
Approach you favorite makeup counter and ask what complimentary services they offer. Clinique is great for foundation, Sephora will do half face by a professional, and then help you do the other half yourself..great learning experience!
Since I love dramatic eyes and it’s still the one thing hard for me, I’m heading to MAC.
The one I go to will do a free “one feature” trial, which means I can pick one feature on my face to try out, for me it’s the eyes!
Salon: $50
Frugal:$0
Savings: 100%
Bottom line: If I picked the salon for all the services, my bill would come out to a whopping $260. My frugal alternative is $12.63, that’s a 95% savings!
Hi! I'm Isra, aka The Frugalette. I took my family from fancy to frugal in 3 years, with 3 kids and 1 income, oh and found the meaning of life too! To read more about my fancy life gone frugal, 
I love french manicures, too, and they have gotten so easy to do yourself! That mask looks awesome! I bet you were so relaxed afterwards!
I took Cosmetology in high school and I loved when people would come in and let us do their hair. Plus, the teacher watches every move, so you just might get a better hair do than if you were in someone else's shop.
And WAY cheaper!
Dawn
You're right Dawn, the teacher is always checking so really no worries!
I have never had a french manicure, but it looks like it wouldn't be too hard to do! that avocado trick would be great since they are on sale right now! I wonder if it matters how ripe they are?
Tazim, they should be ripe as if you would eat it, so they are easy to mash.
I love french manicures & can't get the hang of doing it myself. Applauding you for the beauty makeover on a budget! You are going to be one hot mama, on the cheap!
Aww thanks Dede!
Wow some great tips! I broke out in an allergic reaction last time I tried some store mask, I am going to test the avocado mask!
Oh no! As long as you're not allergic to avocados this should be OK.
I am going to definitely try the avocado mask. Thanks for sharing such great tips.
That mask looks awesome!
I'm fortunate in that my fingernails turn white once they get past my fingers, so people often think my nails already have a french manicure!
Wow, you have a natural manicure, very cool!
I am trying the mask! Looks like it would make your skin feel great! Thanks for the tips!
Did P for an entry for your prize. Please enter me in your drawing.
Awesome post, Isra! I have so used the beauty counter one before. When I took my sister’s engagement pics to save money, we hit up the beauty counter to get her makeup. Best to go when there’s 2 people behind the counter and not many customers.
And I will definitely have to use the Craigslist haircut tip, though I’m known to hit up the cheap haircut place, too.
Thanks Jessica! Great tip, you’re right if there are a lot of customers it might not work as well, and you also dont want them rushing your makeup!
love to win the juicer for sure.