With the economy taking a nap right now, everyone can use a tip or two to save some extra money. There are many ways to save money on beauty, so I have put together a list of some ways to save a few bucks here and there, without making a huge sacrifice or effort!

1. Buy Vaseline: If this conjures images of the KY surgical jelly used by your ob-gyn, then you have been missing out on an inexpensive and efficient product that works miracles. For around $1, you can buy a small jar of Vaseline that will last forever. I use to it to take off eye makeup, to moisturize the heels of my feet and cuticles around my nails, as a lipgloss, and to fix any “I’m trying to do this really cool eye makeup look but now I look like a raccoon and I need to take this off and start over” problems. Also, the little tubes of it are $1 at Walmart and great for your purse!

2. Spend less on shampoo: If you ask any hairstylist, they’ll tell you that the place you should spend your money is on conditioner. Any old shampoo brand will do for most people, but the conditioner is the one you’ll probably have to fork over a little more for.

3. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it!: Just because it’s “on sale” or ridiculously cheap does NOT mean that it belongs in your closet. If you try it on and it doesn’t wow you, put it back. If you’re a girl that likes to shop, you will know when an outfit is amazing and when it’s mediocre…and why be anything less than amazing?

4. Shop at d*$count stores: I know, I dropped the d-word, but really, it’s not so bad. Suck up your snobbery and slip into stores like Ross and TJ Maxx for some unbelievable bargains and great styles. Some of these stores are less than pretty to look at, but I have found the majority of my “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!” clothes from these stores. They’re also great for inexpensive lingerie for surprising hot neighbor….or just being that creepy lady in the office that wears lingerie as clothes….shudder.

5. If it’s broke, fix it: This was also in the “Go Green” post, but it saves you money as well. If you have a sweet skirt with a frayed hem, sew it up!! If you don’t know how it’s still cheaper to pay a few dollars to a seamstress than to buy a whole new skirt.

6. Accessorize: Wearing a simple fitted t-shirt and jeans never goes out of style, especially if you know how to dress it up a bit! The same goes for lbd’s (little black dresses) and anything simple that you look fabulous in. Add jewelry, cute shoes, cute bag and presto change-o, you’re a new woman! Or man, if you’re into that sort of thing, love your false lashes Cinnamon!

7. Get creative: Go through your closet and find ways to mix and match the clothes you already have. Chances are, you can come up with a new look using the top you completely forgot about from two years ago, with the new pants you bought last month.

8. Baby oil, not just for wrestling anymore: By using baby oil in the shower every day, my skin stays super soft and it’s easier than applying lotion everywhere. And: cheaper! It’s also more sensitive on my legs after I shave, none of that burning like some perfumed lotions do. A little goes a long way, so make sure not to use too much, or you’ll be sliding to your death on the way out! I put it on while the water is still running to get rid of any excess, I also blot with a towel after to soak up any residual oil.

9. Drink more water!: Water is free. If you hate the taste, add some lemon or a little juice, still cheaper than soda and other beverages….the best part? It’s absolutely wonderful for your skin and pretty much all aspects of your health.

10. DIY Nails: I save so much money by doing my finger and toe nails myself. Every once in a while I’ll treat myself to a pedicure, but I try to keep that to a minimum. If you go to Sally Beauty or somewhere similar, you can obtain all the necessary items for next to nothing. Brandy’s DIY mani/pedi: 1. Soak feet in hot water with epsom salts, 2. Moisturize feet with lotion or baby oil, use Vaseline for cuticles around finger nails, 3. Wipe off lotion/vaseline and clean under nails, 4. File to a desirable length, 5. Polish with chosen color, 6. Use shiny, clear top coat to make it last longer….done!! I don’t have nasty rough feet most of the time, but if you do, you can use sugar, salt or anything mildly abrasive mixed with baby oil to rub on the rough patches. I’ve been told that sugar and lemon juice work well.

Have any other suggestions? Let us know!