Save your money.

40 dollar shampoo, 200 dollar flat iron, 30 dollar foundation, 40 dollar lipstick, 50 dollar skin cleanser, 300 dollar moisturizer!

Yes, beauty costs big bucks, and you are stuffing the pockets of many companies out there. Is it worth it? The answer is different for everyone, depending on their needs. For most of us I will say no. The fact is there are great quality products and services out there in every price range, and paying more at doesn't necessarily mean you are getting the best.

I have been brutally honest with my clients for years about the pitfalls of marketing and beauty ad propaganda. I always say ask yourself, Did that (insert expensive product) actually do what it said it would? Is my hair shiny and soft, repaired, straight, frizz free? Have my wrinkles disappeared in the 6 weeks it said it would ( after 4 applications a day!) Did my lipstick last the full 6 hours without reapplication? Some will say yes, other will say HELL NO!

Do your research. A penny saved is a penny earned. We could spend hundreds a year and look in our cabinets and see bottles and tools we never use collecting dust. What is great for one person may not work for you. Don't be fooled by clever sales people. Impulse purchases can kill the wallet and leave you jaded.

Tips.

1. Try before you buy. Ask for samples, trail sizes or if the have a return policy if you are not satisfied. Hang onto receipts and bring it back if it's a dud. Check the Internet for unbiased product reviews.

2.Try not to buy in bulk. Unless you know that you will never tire of it, and you LOVE IT. Most of us will switch products frequently as we get bored of scents, or your hair/skin gets used to it. Nothing is worse then having 2 litre bottle of shampoo you're sick of.

3.The most expensive of anything is not always the best there is. Again, it's good to educate your self on ingredients. Example. dimithecone, silicone are the main ingredients in all anti frizz/smoothing serums and sprays. Prices can range from 4 bucks to a whopping $50! If your hair is thick..Serum, If your hair is fine spray. In all my years, I have never seen a huge difference with any of them.

4. If you are a Brand junkie. Hey, I'm guilty with some things. Make sure it's something you will use all the time. My fav lipstick (Christian Dior!), daily leave in conditioner (L'Oreal Liss Extreme) , compact pressed powder (Chanel!!!) Flat Iron (FHI HEAT) I use these thing almost daily, so they are worth it. There is nothing more annoying then having a Yves ST Laurent frosted blue eyeshadow that you wore New Years 5 years ago collecting dust.

5. Shockingly, I have found incredible deals in the weirdest places. Winners for instance sells brand name flat irons, products, curling irons, brushes, perfume and high end spa stuff. For half the price. Dollar stores are a trove for cotton balls, latex sponges, cosmetic bags, travel mirrors. I always take a tour down that isle.

6. Reintroduce yourself to the products you already have. 80% of the time, we use things the wrong way, or buy the wrong thing for our needs. Read instructions, and follow them. Are you using too much or too little? Do I apply on wet or dry hair? Fingers or sponge? Is my blowdryer 10 years old? (you need a new one lol) You will be shocked at how often we chuck something blaming the product, We need to look to ourselves too.

It all sounds like a lot of work right? There is something to be said about less is more. It is worth it.

Basically, assess your REAL needs. Figure out what works, and what to toss.