City Beauty on a Budget: How to Save on Skincare and Makeup

Living in a city comes with a world of benefits: exciting culture, endless social opportunities, and access to all the latest trends in fashion and beauty. But it can also be an expensive lifestyle, especially when you’re juggling high rental prices, too.

For city dwellers trying to keep up with skincare and makeup routines without breaking the bank, the high cost of beauty products can feel overwhelming. The good news? Looking fabulous doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

This guide will walk you through practical ways to save on skincare and makeup while living in a bustling city.

Shop for Multipurpose Products

One of the simplest ways to cut costs on beauty is by purchasing multipurpose products. These are items that can serve more than one function, eliminating the need for a cluttered (and expensive) vanity full of single-use products.

For example, a tinted moisturizer can work as both a foundation and a hydrating base. You can use a lip and cheek stain to add a flush of color to both your lips and cheeks, giving you a natural glow without needing multiple products. BB creams, which combine sunscreen, moisturizer, primer, and light foundation, are another great option.

Not only will these products save you money, but they can also help simplify your beauty routine — perfect for busy city life.

Opt for Drugstore Brands Over High-End Labels

While the allure of luxury beauty brands is strong, drugstore alternatives are often just as effective and come at a fraction of the price. Many drugstore brands invest in research and development to ensure their products compete with high-end counterparts, offering quality skincare and makeup at affordable prices.

In recent years, brands like e.l.f., CeraVe, and The Ordinary have gained cult followings thanks to their affordable price tags and impressive results. Even dermatologists often recommend products from these brands, proving that you don’t need to splurge to achieve beautiful skin or flawless makeup.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Sales

City life can be expensive, but one advantage of living in an urban area is access to a wide variety of beauty retailers that frequently offer sales, promotions, and discounts. Stay savvy by subscribing to your favorite beauty brands’ newsletters and loyalty programs to get the inside scoop on upcoming sales and exclusive discounts.

Platforms like Ulta and Sephora often have massive sales events throughout the year, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and mid-year sales. Additionally, many drugstores frequently have "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) deals, so keep an eye out for those as well.

Another smart move? Download apps like Honey or RetailMeNot to find coupon codes and cash-back offers before you check out.

DIY Your Skincare Routine

Creating your own skincare products at home is not only fun but also incredibly cost-effective. Many ingredients in your kitchen can be used to create nourishing face masks, exfoliators, and even moisturizers.

For example, honey is a great antibacterial ingredient that can help soothe acne-prone skin, while oatmeal makes for a gentle exfoliant. Coconut oil is a fantastic natural moisturizer for both the skin and hair. These DIY treatments are simple to whip up and give your skin the nourishment it needs without requiring you to spend on high-end products.

Simple DIY Skincare Recipes:

• Honey and Oatmeal Mask – Mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of ground oats. Apply to your face, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Coconut Oil Hair Mask – Warm up a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to the ends of your hair. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Coffee Scrub – Combine coffee grounds with olive oil to create an exfoliating body scrub.

Invest in Skincare, Save on Makeup

When your skin looks healthy, you naturally need less makeup to achieve a flawless look. By prioritizing a good skincare routine, you can save money on cosmetics.

Focus on investing in key skincare products like a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. These essentials will help keep your skin clear, moisturized, and protected from environmental damage, reducing the need for heavy makeup coverage.

Once your skin is in good shape, you can simplify your makeup routine by using less foundation and opting for lighter, more natural looks. This saves money on makeup and gives your skin a break from heavy products.

Embrace Minimalism

The minimalist trend has been on the rise, and for a good reason — it’s both chic and budget-friendly. The idea is to strip your beauty routine down to the essentials and avoid unnecessary products. Not only does this trend save time, but it also helps you avoid spending on items you don’t truly need.

For skincare, focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. For makeup, choose a few key products like mascara, a tinted lip balm, and a brow gel to create a polished look without requiring a full face of makeup.

Minimalism also encourages buying higher-quality products that last longer, reducing the need for constant repurchasing. For example, investing in good-quality mascara may cost more upfront but will often last longer and perform better than cheaper alternatives.

Use Samples and Trial Sizes

Before committing to full-size products, take advantage of samples and trial sizes. Many beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta offer free samples of skincare and makeup products, allowing you to try them before purchasing. This is especially useful for expensive products you may be hesitant to invest in without knowing how they’ll work for your skin.

Additionally, subscription beauty boxes send you sample-size products each month. These boxes typically cost around $10-$15, which can be a fun and affordable way to try out new beauty products without committing to full-size versions.

Stick to a Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to both skincare and makeup. Rather than buying new products every time a new trend hits the market, stick with what works for your skin. Changing products too often can irritate your skin and lead to wasted money on products that don't deliver results.

When you find affordable beauty products that suit your skin type, stick with them. Over time, you’ll see the best results by maintaining a consistent routine rather than constantly switching things up.

Final Thoughts

Looking your best in the city doesn’t have to drain your bank account – whether you’re renting an apartment or room in Philadelphia, NYC, Las Vegas, or anywhere else in the US, you can enjoy a beautiful, glowing look without breaking the bank. Whether you’re navigating skincare on a tight budget or finding ways to save on makeup, these tips can help you achieve city beauty on a budget.