Frugal beauty tips

This morning in the shower (where I do my best thinking) I began to sort of compile a list of my favorite beauty tips for the frugal gal. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also are environment friendly.

• Don't wash your hair every day. My hair is actually pretty dry (I'm thinking it might be from years of dying it) so I can go a couple of days without washing my hair. I've read many articles from Cosmo, etc. stating that it is better for your hair because washing strips away natural oils and protectants. I actually like "second day" hair better anyway because it seems to look better and healthier. In addition, you save money and help the environment - you don't spend as long in the shower, decreasing the amount of water used; you don't use as much shampoo/product, extending the life of one bottle; and you don't have to use the hair dryer or styling utensils as much, decreasing electricity use. As a tip: If your hair starts to look a little "greasy" at the roots, you can add a little bit of powder and fluff a little to decrease shine.
• Make up does NOT have to be expensive. Many drug store brands (and internet based companies) have excellent alternatives to expensive make up. My suggestion would be to splurge a little on your skin care products (cleaner, moisturizer, etc.) and then cheap out on the makeup. Here are some good sources for makeup:
  
  www.eyeslipsface.com - ELF makeup (besides having a cute name) is really great since most are only $1 each. I personally love all of their lip glosses and their eye shadows.
  Maybelline mascara - Just get the standard one in the green and hot pink container. It really is fantastic, and for the price you can't beat it.
  www.everydayminerals.com - I wanted to experience mineral makeup, but the price of bare escentuals was a little much for me. So I did some looking at makeupalley.com and came across this internet based company. Great value compared to bare escentuals. The price is a fraction and they have a much larger assortment of colors to pull from. Also - as a plus you can order a sample pack to try it out first (all you have to pay for is minimal shipping and handling).
  
• Extended self-tanner life. I am very fair skinned. I don't get out in the sun very much, but I do like to add some color to myself. Sometimes self tanners can even be a little strong for me. So I will take the self tanner lotion and combine it with regular lotion to dilute it. Not only does it cost less (it extends the self tanner life, which can be expensive) but it also tends not to streak as much.