Part two in a series of articles for suggestions on how to make your beauty dollars go further!
Buying Retail Products
Many spas now have developed their own cosmetics lines. For instance, Donato Salon and Spa, features Donato products. This is a good consideration because these products are a little cheaper than big name spa brands. Try them out. Find one you love? Send it in to Spa Spy for a review!!
Most product lines have one really amazing product. For example, in my opinion Darphin’s bar none best product is their purifying balm. It gets rid of acne, but since it’s a balm it doesn’t dry you out. It shrinks pimples in no time, and for those of us who have acne, once a week, I use it as a night cream and I wake up beautiful. Ask your esthetician, what is the best product from the lines they carry. You can supplement a cheaper beauty line with that one really great spa product.
Look for gifts with purchase. Check department store counters. I know that Spa fanatics are gasping in horror that I am suggesting department or even drugstore products, but there are many great companies out there. If you like Lancôme makeup, buy when there’s a gift with purchase on, and you can great things like eye makeup remover free. I know a lot of women who detest buying eye makeup remover and this is a great way to get those small products that you have to have without really paying for them. Just keep in mind, that if there is a GWP be sure that you are only buying what you’re actually going to use, otherwise it’s moot.
Spas are also offering gifts with purchases, so get on their email lists. Also, spas are offering discounts on products when you have a facial or spa service. That is the time to get your spa brands cheaper at a time when you were going to have a service anyway.
Avoid buying online from anyone other than a licensed seller of spa products. There are people out there who have gotten their hands on old product that was supposed to be destroyed, product that has expired, been stolen and a myriad of other reasons. This is why they are so cheap! You don’t know what you’re buying and there are no guarantee’s on the products, and if they are expired they are not suitable for use and can cause damage.
Many times you can order online through the manufacturer, for example Darphin: you can shop online and with a minimum order you can also be eligible for free shipping. Just be sure you’re at the real brand’s website. (Hint: the brand has usually purchased the website “brand”.com)
When you are at the spa, avoid buying fancy body products. They are usually disappointing, or comparable to mainstream brands. Save your money for cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream and a good foundation. These are your necessities!
Hair Products
It is pretty hard to find drugstore brands that are as good as the salon brands. This is just a fact of life that we need to consider. (I know there are people who will argue with me, please send me your brands and I’ll give them a try.) In my opinion, if you are on a budget, buy a good shampoo and conditioner. That is your necessity. I like to buy from my stylist because then s/he knows exactly what I am using and can suggest something new or answer questions. If they didn’t sell it to you, they may not be able to help you figure out why it’s not working. Try the BSO’s (Beauty supply outlets) etc. just be sure to check for expiry dates, often these places are buying at discounts from the manufactures and usually with good reason. Styling products can be purchased at BSO’s, Trade Secrets etc. at a cheaper price too, but again, double check dates. I have been burned, buying something from Trade Secrets and it’s turned, or they changed the formula so my stylist used the new formula on me, but I bought the old formula (old stock) from Trade Secrets and it didn’t work the same way. Formula changes happen for a reason!
If you can’t afford the salon hair care products, look for drugstore brands that offering a money back guarantee. Pantene is the first one that comes to mind. I’ve tried Pantene and if I can’t afford my salon brand, that is the brand I go to. Also, I have been pleased with Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray. I actually buy this one over the salon brands because it’s just as good. When you are at the drugstore ask about the return policy on opened hair products. As long as you are not a compulsive returner, they will often exchange a product that isn’t satisfactory.
Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist. “If I can only buy one hair product what should it be?” “If you had to pick a drugstore brand, what would you choose?”
Comment with your favourite drugstore brands!
S.S.
(Based on hair service and reception area only, not spa)