The word “recessionista” has been thrown around quite a bit lately, and with good reason. Everyone is taking a closer look at their spending but nobody wants to look like they’re spending less. The easiest way to cut back is to skip the salon and take your beauty routine into your own capable hands.

Mani-pedis

With the right tools you can get the same nail salon look without the hefty price tag. Just think of how many wears you can get out of one bottle of nail polish! Why not invite some girlfriends over and have a manicure party while you’re at it? Fun and thrifty.

Products to try: Maybelline Salon Expert Nail Colour and Urban Spa Manicure & Pedicure Essentials Set

Hair colouring

Why bother booking an expensive appointment when you can take matters into your own hands? You can get a beautiful, natural hair colour out of a box and with the new and improved hair colour dispensers available you don’t have to worry about getting hair colour where you don’t want it. There are even kits available for highlighting your hair, so there are no excuses!

Products to try: L’Oreal Couleur Experte Easy 2 Step Colour plus Highlights, Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Perfect 10 or Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-Up

Self-tanners

Skip the tanning beds! There’s really no need to harm your skin in your quest for a healthy glow when there’s so many great options for self-tanners. They’ve come a long way from the streaky, smelly creams of yore and now you can take your pick between sprays, foams, creams, and lotions. Don’t forget to exfoliate your skin first for an even application. Your skin will thank you and your wallet will thank you.

Products to try: Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam

Facials

There are lots of great masks, peels and at home microdermabrasion kits available for less than the cost of a facial that will leave your face feeling rejuvenated. Bonus: you don’t have to worry about leaving a tip!

Products to try: Juice Organics Apple Exfoliating Peel or NeoStrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution

Teeth whitening

We all know that coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarettes can lead to unwanted stains on your teeth. If you can’t bear the thought of giving up these vices and a professional teeth whitening treatment is out of your budget, don’t lose hope. At-home whitening strips, trays, toothpastes and mouthwashes are affordable, easy to use and effective. You’ll be back to flashing pearly whites in as little as a week.

Products to try: Crest Whitestrips Premium 7-Day Formula or Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolve Strips

Multi-taskers

Who doesn’t like a good two for one deal? Multi-tasking products like tinted moisturizers will save you precious minutes in the morning, free up space on your vanity, and most importantly, save you money.

Products to try: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturing Plus Touch of Foundation or Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Mineral Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 15

(Picture from here)