Beauty tips for the budget-conscious woman

We girls always want to look our best. But sometimes looking fabulous can get quite expensive. Ever wonder if there's an easier or cheaper way to achieve the look you desire? Here are some beauty tips for the budget-conscious woman:
1. Bleach your own teeth. There's a wide array of teeth-whitening products now available in stores and online. Going to a dentist for a professional procedure may cost anywhere from $100 - $1000. Take the do-it-yourself route for a spruce-up to your smile.
2. Sign up for freebies. There are a ton of websites that may offer free product samples, including make-up, perfumes, skin care, etc. If you're not quite sure about that new face cream, request a free sample. That way, if you don't care for the product, you won't have wasted your money on a full-size container that you'll just throw away. Sometimes the free products even come with coupons for future purchases, saving you even more money.
3. Give yourself a manicure. You can pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home at any hour of day or night by buying a home manicure kit. There are many different varieties available at local stores, all of which come with easy instructions. A kit can last several months, while the same amount of money might buy just one manicure session at a professional salon.
4. Use ice water when you shave. Just rinsing your razor in ice cold water will help keep your razor sharp. Your razors can last longer, sometimes twice as long.
5. Don't condition your hair everyday. The labels on hair products might instruct otherwise, but it's not always necessary. Often you only need to condition every other day or a couple of times per week. Conditioning everyday can even start to weigh your hair down or make your shampoo less effective. Using less conditioner will save you money since you won't have to buy conditioner as often.
6. Get some vinegar. Vinegar is a very versatile liquid. You can use it to fight dandruff and dry scalp when mixed with equal parts warm water. You can use vinegar with equal parts cold water to make your hair shine without expensive serums. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar in 8 ounces of water and use as a toner for your skin. Use a cup in your laundry's rinse cycle to make your whites whiter and make your favorite clothes last longer. There are lots of possibilities with vinegar!
7. Make your own hair spray. You can add two tablespoons of sugar to a 12-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Shake and dissolve the sugar for an all-natural (and earth-friendly) hair spray that might cost a few pennies. If you want a firmer hold, just add another spoon of sugar.
8. Find a barber or beauty college for your next hair appointment. Students at these schools need to work on actual people, not mannequins. If you agree to participate, you can often get a haircut, perm or coloring for free. They are supervised by licensed professionals, so there's no need to worry about the results. Look in your phonebook and call to inquire about available sessions.
9. Use a lip brush to apply lipstick and glosses. Your tubes of lipstick and gloss will last so much longer and there's no need for blotting. Plus, when you get down to the last bits that you can't normally reach, a lip brush can be used to get those last applications.
10. Utilize products in your pantry to fight skin problems. Dabbing toothpaste on a pimple overnight can help clear up blemishes. Mix equal parts plain, instant oatmeal with honey to make a paste to use on blackheads. Much cheaper alternatives to common skin problems!