Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

Who among us doesn’t watch shampoo commercials with envy for the models’ lustrous locks? The problem is that having gorgeous hair is those models’ job. They and their employers invest thousands in treatments, trims, products, and styling to get that look.

We can’t promise you’ll be waving your shiny hair around in a meadow, but there’s still hope. There are plenty of ways to get gorgeous hair without blowing your life’s savings on hair care products.

For beautiful hair you can afford, try these tips for great savings.

Tips to Save on Hair Care Products

Most of us can’t afford the highest of high-end hair care like Cuvée Beauty, but it turns out it’s not necessary. Here’s how to save on your favorite hair care products.

1. Cut Back Your Shower Routine

It might sound obvious but one of the best ways to pay less for a hair product is to use less of it. We’re not suggesting that you abandon shampoo and conditioner. However, you should use shampoo as little as possible.

Instead of shampooing every day on autopilot, wait to shampoo until your hair is oily. You’ll probably find yourself shampooing two or three times per week instead of seven.

In fact, shampooing your hair too much will strip the natural oils and dry out your hair. You’ll end up spending even more money buying hydrating products you shouldn’t need in the first place.

2. Experiment With Dosages

Another effective way to cut down on your hair products is to use them in smaller amounts. Most of us squeeze a certain amount of shampoo or conditioner into our hands without thinking about it.

Instead, start paying attention to how much you use. Use less and less each day until you find the point when your results suffer. Use a touch more product than that an voila, you’ve stopped wasting hair product.

3. Coupon, Coupon, and Coupon More

Hair products are a couponer’s heaven. They’re some of the easiest items to find coupons for, and you can score huge savings if you plan well.

On top of your local paper, there are often printable coupons for hair products. With their long shelf lives, it’s easy to stock up on them too. 

4. Go the DIY Route

Making your own laundry detergent and household cleaner has become a popular way to save cash. Did you know you can do the same with your hair products?

There are countless recipes online that let you make your own shampoo. It’s also easy to find recipes for conditioner, hair masks, and other hair products too. If you’re planning to try them, now’s the time to start saving your spent bottles and containers.

We have a word of warning, though. Not all DIY recipes are cheaper than store bought alternatives. Do a careful cost analysis before you spend $20 on ingredients to make a $2 bottle of conditioner.

5. Get Every Last Drop

If you added up how much money you’ve thrown away at the bottom of product bottles, you’d be kicking yourself. Over time, the leftover product you toss out adds up.

Instead, try some simple tactics to get every last drop out of your product bottles. One option is to use the old “add water and shake” trick. A few drops of water can pull make the product accessible without diluting it too much.

It’s even more effective, though, to use a tiny spatula. There are spatulas with the specific purpose of clearing out makeup and hair product bottles.

6. Sample It Up

The best way to save on something is to get it for free. You might be surprised how easy it is to score free hair products if you know where to look.

Free samples are common marketing techniques for hair product manufacturers. In many cases, brands have forms on their website you can fill out to give free samples.

There are also third-party websites with the sole purpose of finding free samples for you. Keep in mind that some of these sites end up sending you a lot of spam, though, so be prepared to delete some emails.

7. Keep Your Styles Simple

We’d all love to hop out of bed with a flowing mane, but that’s not reality. For most of us, styling our hair is the most time-consuming part of our daily routine. Beyond time, though, many styles require a lot of expensive products too.

If your mornings are full of sprays, gels, pins, shine enhancers and more, maybe it’s time for a change. Cruise the web for more natural styles you can try that don’t require so many products.

Keep an eye out for styles that keep heat to a minimum too. Heat tools can damage your hair so you’ll need pricey products or treatments to keep frizz at bay. That’s a recipe for taking more money out of your pocket.

8. Get Organized

Most of our money-saving tips have focused on how to use fewer products and save on them when you buy them. There’s another common reason we waste money though: buying duplicate products because you’ve lost yours.

While this doesn’t happen as much with shampoo and conditioner, it’s the scourge of bobby pins and ponytail holders. You buy a 100-pack and seem to run out after only throwing out a dozen of them. The rest are lost somewhere under furniture or in purses.

Instead, find a way to organize your hair supplies in one reliable place. You’d be surprised how long your hair products will last when you use them until they wear out.

Gorgeous Hair for Less Green

There’s a reason wealthy people always seem to have better hair. The easiest way to make your hair look its best is to dump money into high-end products and stylists.

That isn’t the only way, though. The tips above can help you have all the hair care products you need without blowing your budget.

For more awesome ways to save without compromising your style, check out our frugal living blog.

228,000 people had weight loss surgery in 2018 in the United States. That number has climbed by 12,000 in just one year.

Due to the cost of an anesthesiologist, hospital stays and blood work, weight loss surgery isn’t always cheap.

Read on to find out more about the cheapest weight loss surgery options out there.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery 

Gastric sleeve surgery is the least expensive weight loss surgery on the market.

It is also one of the newest weight loss options in the US. A weight loss surgeon will remove the majority of a person’s stomach (up to 85%). This will reduce the individual’s appetite and how much food a person can fit in their stomach.

Prices start at around $10,000. Paying for elective surgeries can be difficult. Yet there benefits to your health are worth it! 

Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery is the common term for a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. 

During this procedure, the surgeon places an inflatable silicone device around the top portion of the stomach. The band works to limit how much food a person can eat at one time. It also makes the individuals feel full and satisfied with less food. 

The cost of this weight loss surgery is only slightly more than the gastric sleeve surgery. Typically, costs start at around $10,995.

One of the main perks of this surgery is that you can have the band removed down the line if you choose. Also, your doctor can tighten or loosen the band to adjust how much food you can eat at one sitting. 

This is a great option for those who want to keep some control over how much food they will be able to take in. 

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is the short name for the Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB for short).

This surgery has been the go-to surgery for weight loss for many years. It is a trusted procedure that has proven to improve the lives and health of hundreds of patients. Make sure to choose the best weight loss surgeon who has the experience and credentials to perform your surgery. 

A surgeon will use a camera to be able to sew together a small stomach pouch out of the existing stomach.

The surgeon will then connect the small intestine to this smaller pouch. People who have this surgery feel full and satisfied with less food and are able to lose a lot of weight. The entire process takes about an hour. 

For this surgery, patients can expect to spend a night or two in the hospital for recovery and observation. That adds to the price of this procedure.

Generally, you can expect to pay around $15,500 for this semi-affordable weight loss surgery. 

Bottom Line on Cheapest Weight Loss Surgery

Thanks for reading about the cheapest weight loss surgery options available to you.

Always talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of any type of weight loss surgery. You may or may not be a candidate for every type of surgery out there.

Most weight loss surgery practices provide self-pay payment plans so that you can get the help you need sooner.

Remember, your health is important. If you and your doctor feel that weight loss surgery is your best option, you should do whatever is necessary to get the surgery.

Next, check out these five tax refund tips to help you make the most of your money.

Selling over 200 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes since 2013 signals more than just profit for Starbucks. The long lines tell us it’s time to get the sweaters out and brush off the boots, too.

If your winter wardrobe is feeling a little too familiar, don’t worry. Some of the current fashion trends 2018 are familiar, also. Tweeds, 80’s retro, and oversized coats are all the rage.

If those Pumpkin Spice Oreos you have in the pantry beeline to your waistline, you’re in luck.

If you follow the 2018 fall trend, no one will notice. From the cut of slacks to your favorite winter coat, most everything’s bigger this year.

Here are a few highlights from the forecast:

Big, Oversized Coats

Designers are answering the call of #MeToo among their customers with empowerment.

Women entering the workplace during WWll had clothing for protection rather than decoration. This year’s runway shows hommage with suit coats, trench coats, and double-breasted jackets.

The newest versions are loose-fitting and long. Though a few designs show a belt, it’s the shape and length of the clothes that shine rather than what’s underneath.

Textured, Floral, and Long

Dresses in floral patterns and appliques are at the very shortest, mid-calf. Textures include chunky knits and stiff fabrics that stand up straight.

Classic herringbone, tweed, and bright skirts pair up with sweaters and flat boots. Slacks are wider-cut and show with layers.

And, ala streetwear, the look topped with a hat or fitted hood are tres chic.

80’s Memories

It’s not Madonna’s black bustier, but Boy George’s long, colorful coat that’s back. Power suits, big shoulder pads, and animal prints come calling as well.

Are you a hardcore 80’s clothes junkie? There’s also gold lame and leather jackets with several inches of shoulder.

Remember pants that gather at the ankle? Yep, they’re back. Jumpsuits, too. Is this the final demise of the skinny jean? We can only hope.

Prints, Checks, Fringe, and Ruffles

There are loads of bold prints as we bid a fond farewell the old block patterns. Long dresses and skirts show layers of ruffles or fringe at the hemlines.

There’s a smattering of vintage for those who like checked patterns over houndstooth.

It’s not your gramma’s gingham though. Today’s checks range from neon green to big black, red, or purple.

Check Jacquemus for some of the coolest new 2018 arrivals.

The Cable You Don’t Want to Cut

We love our cable knits, and for sure they’re here to stay. They’re a comfortable friend we can bring to work, play, and date night.

This fall, there’s hooded versions, sweaters and matching slouch hats. Muted tones are perfect in layering comfortable tunics.

Don’t overlook dresses and skirts, too. These pieces pair great with scarves and leggings for both fun style and cozy warmth. Like our favorite latte, they never let us down.

Can You Find Current Fashion Trends 2018 on a Budget? Yes!

The current fashion trends 2018 that are a rerun of old are easy to find in thrift shops, too! Check out our 5 Types of Clothing to Look Out for While Thrift Shopping to get started!

If you’ve ever worn your hair long at all, you probably know that split ends are super annoying–and that loads of different things can cause them.

From washing with the wrong sort of shampoo, to using water that’s too hot, to using a not-so-perfect brush, split ends can befall even the most gorgeous heads of hair.

Most hairdressers recommend a haircut every 4 weeks or so to help cut down on those pesky split ends–but let’s be honest: factoring haircuts into your schedule and your budget that often can be a huge no-go.

Instead of booking it to your hairdresser’s chair every time you catch sight of a new split end, consider trying out one of our favorite DIY split end treatments instead!

Here they are.

1. Coconut Oil

You’ve already heard what coconut oil can do for your skin and your digestive tract–but did you know the stuff can also help repair split ends?

Since, as you probably know, split ends are usually results of different sorts of deep damage to your hair (if you didn’t already know that, click here to learn more.) It’s important that split end treatments get deep into the hair for repairs, too.

Try applying a coating of coconut oil to the ends of your freshly-shampooed hair (or across its whole length, if you’re feeling generous), then wrapping your hair in a towel to sit for 30 minutes. When enough time has passed, hop back in the shower and shampoo your hair 2 more times to prevent any unwanted oil buildup.

Repeat this every 2 weeks or so and watch your hair repair its split ends, and adopt a gorgeous new glow overall!

2. Avocado Protein

First, avocado toast for your tummy, then avocado protein for your locks!

Combine one raw egg with an entire avocado (fingers crossed they’re on sale!), mashing the substance until they two ingredients are mixed well. Once they are, add olive oil, mixing in more and more until the whole solution is smooth and just a little thicker than normal store-bought conditioner.

Once it’s been mixed up, apply the mask to your whole head and let it soak for 20 minutes or so. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Voila!

3. Fish Oil

How many times has your doctor recommended you start taking those big, smelly fish oil pills? Too many, probably. But when it comes to your split ends, you may want to listen up!

Omega-3 and -6 oils found in fish oil can work wonders for your split ends. Bust a few fish oil capsules into a saucepan set to low heat, then mix them with a couple dollops of coconut oil and lavender for 5 minutes.

Pour the solution into a bowl, then dip your ends in and start to work the stuff up until it’s gone a few inches from your roots. Wrap your hair in a towel, then let it sit for about 40 minutes. Shampoo twice to rinse out excess oils!

4. Honey & Olive Oil

This one even sounds delicious and calming, right?! Mmm.

The combined nourishing potential of olive oil and honey make them the perfect duo to help fix up those split ends. This mix can also work to nourish the scalp and boost your hair’s shine overall.

Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of raw honey, mixing them together thoroughly. Lather the combination into freshly shampooed hair, let it sit for 40 minutes, then shampoo once more and rinse well!

5. Egg Yolk

Since ancient times, eggs have been famed friends of human hair. When it comes to deep conditioning and restoration, there are few relevant rivals for the egg yolk, which contains loads of protein.

Mix an egg yolk or 2 with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, almond oil, and honey (you can already tell how well this one’s gonna work, huh?!). Apply it to your entire head, from roots to ends, then let it soak for 35 or 40 minutes.

When enough time has passed, rinse the solution with lukewarm water (don’t want to risk cooking any eggs to your scalp!) and a gentle shampoo.

6. Beer

Maybe your split ends are out-of-control enough that you’ve already turned to beer for help coping–but next time you head to the fridge, grab an extra bottle for your hair itself.

Beer can help nourish your hair the same way it nourishes your soul–kind of. Its proteins and sugars are great for damaged hair. They soak in and repair damaged follicles, targeting your well-worn ends.

Next time you’re in the shower, grab a beer that’s gone flat (never a fresh beer, since the carbonation has potential to damage your hair further!), shampoo your hair as you normally would, then step away from the shower’s stream to pour the beer over your hair. Coat your whole head with the liquid, letting it sit for 3 minutes or so before rinsing it with warm water and another shampoo.

7. Old-Fashioned-Trim

There are loads of different ways you can treat your hair’s split ends and general…well…”blah.” Many creams, masks, and treatments can make your hair look healthy and fabulous again when done right.

But, when it comes down to it, there are still occasions when nothing is going to solve your split ends problem but another trip to the salon for a quick trim.

If you’re concerned about losing length by getting those split ends chopped off, just let your hairdresser know you’re working to grow your hair out. Ask her to do her best to cut only what absolutely needs to go, instead of that generous couple of inches she sheared off last time.

If you’re worried about spending money on a trim, you might try watching some tutorial DIY videos, and keep your hairdresser on standby if the situation goes wrong!

Do everything you can to treat your hair right–but remember, sometimes the only thing that’ll give you that fresh feeling you’re after is a good, old-fashioned trim!

Want More on How to Do Away with Split Ends?

Millions of people suffer from split ends every year–and millions will continue to do so if serious change doesn’t occur.

Okay–enough with the melodrama!

If you’re looking for more information on how to deal with split ends and keep that mane of yours healthy and glowing, check out the rest of our awesome thrifty beauty content!

Forget spending your money on sheet and clay masks–you can give yourself the spa experience right from the comfort of your own home.

Because let’s be honest, sometimes we’re just too lazy to run to the store for a new face mask. So why not turn to your kitchen for some DIY mask recipes?

These masks can tackle any skin problem out there–acne, dryness, dull skin, and more. All you need is simple, all-natural ingredients like avocado, honey, and oatmeal that you can find in your kitchen.

Follow these simple recipes to pamper yourself with the perfect DIY face mask.

Top 10 DIY Face Mask Recipes to Save Money

While there are a lot of DIY recipes out there, this list features some of the simplest, most effective masks–all made out of ingredients you can find in your home.

Although it’s always fun to treat yourself to a spa facial, these face masks are much easier on your wallet–and they can be a lot of fun to put together.

Let’s get into the top 10 recipes you can try.

1. Hydrating Avocado Mask

• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1 teaspoon plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

Mash the avocado until it’s soft, then mix in the yogurt and honey. Keep stirring until it forms a creamy paste. Apply to your face and leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.

The avocado and yogurt provide a moisturizing and cooling effect, while the antibacterial effects of the honey can help fight off acne. This moisturizing mask is perfect for calming stressed-out skin.

2. Refreshing Banana Mask

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Mash up the banana into a paste and then mix in the juice and honey. Try to get it as fine as you can, but it’s okay if there are lumps. Let the mask sit for 10 to 20 minutes.

Who knew that bananas could be good for your skin? This tropical mask will give you a healthy, all-natural glow–and it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin types.

3. Nourishing Honey Mask

• 2 chamomile tea bags
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast

First, brew one cup of the chamomile tea with the two bag and let it cool. In another bowl, stir the honey and yeast together. Then add just enough chamomile to create a paste. Let sit on your face for 20 minutes.

Although most of the other masks incorporate honey in some way, this mask is designed to harness the raw antibacterial power of honey. It’s calming for sensitive skin, fights off acne bacteria, and is rich in B-vitamins.

4. Cleansing Vinegar Mask

• 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Mix the two together and apply to your face with a brush or a cotton pad. Let sit for about 10 minutes after it’s dried and then rinse off.

Vinegar has been used as a skin toner for centuries–and it’s just as good for your skin today. It works a lot like botox injections to tighten and reshape the skin. Using vinegar on your face can cleanse your pores for a cleaner, smoother look.

5. Tightening Egg White Mask

• 1 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon of orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder

Separate the egg whites from an egg and whisk in a bowl until it’s fluffy. Then stir in the orange juice and turmeric powder to make a light paste.

This mask is great for oily skin or large pores. With a boost of vitamin C to brighten your complexion and turmeric to calm inflammation and even out your skin tone, the egg white mask can tighten your pores and calm acne flare-ups.

6. Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Mask

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Stir together equal parts of brown sugar and coconut oil to form a grainy paste. Apply with gentle, circular motions to exfoliate the skin. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off.

This mask works as an effective exfoliator and a mask. The brown sugar helps to clear away dead skin while the coconut oil replenishes and hydrates your skin barrier.

7. Calming Oatmeal Mask

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain oatmeal

Stir the ingredients together and then apply to your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water–and be sure to clear the oatmeal from your drain.

While this oatmeal face mask might seem weirdly breakfast themed, it’s surprisingly effective. It mattifies the skin and soaks up oils, all while calming the skin with oatmeal and tightening your pores with egg yolk. This mask is great for the end of a stressful day.

8. Brightening Papaya Mask

• 1/2 cup papaya
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 squeeze lemon juice (optional)

Mash about a half-cup of papaya in a bowl, then blend in the honey. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightening power. Apply to your face and leave on for up to 20 minutes.

This mask is great at lightening the skin and evening skin tone. The blast of vitamin C can help correct issues like hyperpigmentation, sun spots, acne scars, or otherwise discolored skin.

9. Age Defying Cocoa Mask

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oats
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 2 tablespoons honey

First, combine the cocoa powder, cream, and honey. Then gradually stir in the oats until it forms a paste. Apply a thin layer to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Chocolate doesn’t just taste amazing–it can do wonders for your skin too. It helps with the production of collagen in your skin, which can reverse signs of aging. Plus the oats and honey will soothe and moisturize your skin.

10. Acne Fighting Milk Mask

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 2 tablespoons nutmeg

Mix these ingredients together and apply a thick layer to the face. Leave on for up to 20 minutes and then rinse off.

Honey is a natural acne fighter, but nutmeg can also exfoliate your skin to prevent future breakouts. To top it all off, milk can soothe irritated skin and replenish moisture.

Saving Your Face and Your Wallet

These DIY face mask recipes are super easy to put together–not to mention great for your bank account.

So the next time you get the urge to splurge on an expensive spa treatment or face masks from Sephora, check your kitchen cabinet first. You might just have everything you need to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and blemish free.

Looking for ways to take your skin care routine to the next level? Check out our beauty and fashion tips!