The Cheap Girl

Sign up to receive news and product updates from Guerlain Canada and receive a free sample of Orchidee Inperiale. I look forward to receiving this sample and Guerlain is one of my favourite perfume houses, plus I LOVE orchids!

Click here to receive the perfume sample

I’ve been trying to add more natural and affordable products to my skin care routine. I basically don’t want to spend hours at night prepping my skin (I used to spend at least 2 hours while I watch tv,  getting my face ready for bed) so I am currently looking at a lot of 2-in-one products.

When I went to visit my aunt in San Francisco I discovered witch hazel. My aunt used it for everything. Witch hazel has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that make it perfect for people who suffer from break outs. I wanted to find a witch hazel solution that was alcohol free and was not too harsh on my skin.

Lo and behold Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel. I’ve been using it for a week now and I am quite happy with the results.

From the website:

Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Toner will make your skin bloom. Rose Thayer’s remarkably soothing Toner is made with rose-petal water, Vitamin E and our proprietary Witch Hazel extract.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Certified Organic Filet Of Aloe Vera), Glycerin (Vegetable), Fragrance (Natural Rose) Hamamelis Virginiana (THAYERS® proprietary un-distilled Witch Hazel) Extract, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate.

I use this product to cleanse and tone my face. I prefer things to be unscented but I don’t mind the light rose smell. I like this product because it soothes and cleans my face. Most of all it does not leave my skin feeling dry. I have not tried to remove make up with it yet so I am not sure how effective it will be.

The item can be purchased online for $13.99 (free shipping in Canada) and there is also a lavender option (I am going to try this next time)

Besides keeping acne away from my face I also use the toner in place of regular deodorant. Wet a cotton ball or pad and apply directly to your underarms. So far so good!

This is for all the Laura Mercier lovers out there

….

HauteLook is offering fantastic discounts on Laura Mercier cosmetics. They had a few make up kits that I wanted but missed. Boo! No matter. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time.

Click here to get your invite.

If you love La Mer, book an appointment with Holt Renfrew’s La Mer Beauty counter to learn about The Eye Concentrate and to receive a free sample.

From the website:

“Now available in this limited edition offering complete with an elegant tray and silver-tipped applicator, this revolutionary eye treatment helps significantly reduce the look of dark circles and fight the visible signs of aging. Over time, skin regains its clarity and radiance for an ageless and bright-eyed look.”“Three unique forms of La Mer’s famed Miracle Broth^TM hold the secret to this treatment: magnetized hematite and an exclusive marine ferment. Plus, a cooling silver-tipped applicator immediately improves micro-circulation.”

Click here for Holt Renfrew store locations

This list is a work-in-progress and will be updated. This post will be placed on the side bar with a link. Come back soon for updates!

*Tips with links are highlighted

FASHION

1. Shop off season

2. Shop at thrift and vintage stores

3. Shop at ethnic stores for beautiful and unique pieces. Why pay top $$$ for a cashmere scarf when you can get it from a direct dealer for 1/4 of the price? Read my scarf story.

4. Shop at outlets

5. Do a price comparison before making a purchase

6. For designer labels, check online first for deals.

7. Sample Sales

8. Shop your own closet

9. Shop your someone else’s closet

10. Attend a swap shop event

11. Sign up for newsletter updates from your favourite shops.

12. Re-evaluate your wardrobe often and keep a mental note of things that you need to buy.

13. Quality over quantity. It will save you money in the long-run

14. Update your accessories to give your current wardrobe a boost

15. Save on the trends and splurge on the classics

16. Shop at upscale vintage shops for designer labels

17. Use the cost-per-ratio before making a purchase: divide the cost by the number of times you will wear the    item

18. If you’re petite, shop in the kid’s section

19. Check online for in-store coupons and online discount codes. Google is your best friend!

20 Ask someone to buy it for you.

21. Ask for a gift certificate from your favourite store for your birthday and christmas

22. Give your wardrobe a second life by altering your clothes to make something new

23. Ask your friends and family for clothes that they don’t want anymore that you might like

24. Borrow clothes from friends and family

25. Keep your receipt for price adjustments and read the return policy

26. Make friends with the sales associates to get the inside scoop

27. Check the sale rack first when shopping

28. Shop at garage sales

29. Dye your clothes in a different colour

30. Re-dye your clothes to give life back to the look of the fabric

31. Hand wash your clothes

32. Learn how to sew

33. Watch DIY fashion videos.

34. Mix and match your clothes and take picture for future reference

35. Don’t follow every trend

36. Shop on Craigslist, Ebay or Kijiji for discounted deals.

37. Learn how to remove stains

38. Mix and match what you already have in new ways to create new outfits

39. Make your own accessories

40. Rent designer accessories

41. Learn how to score online deals.

42. Find online shops that offer designer discounts (Shopbop, Labellush, Ssense)

43. Learn how to shop wisely.

44. Find a good tailor. Good tailoring can make clothes look even better. This is useful when buying items such as suits that that are on the inexpensive side.

45.  Buy only things that you absolutely need or love and will wear multiple times

46.  To save on luxury designer goods, join for private shopping sales.

47.  Back to Basics: Practice basic grooming and hygiene

48. Learn how to develop your own signature style

49.  Shop at Costco for Jewelry and Designer Accessories. Can you believe that they carry Chanel and Fendi?

50.  Commission a student studying fashion design to create clothes. This is a great way to get a one-of-a-kind item at a fraction of the price.

BEAUTY

51. Have the basic items.

52. Do a price comparison online before making a purchase

53. Diane Irons is your best friend when it comes to budget beauty

54. Paula’s Choice. Effective ingredients without the price tag

55. Use what you already have at home

55. Learn how to create a spa atmosphere

56. Create a spa day for you and your friends

57. Sign up for spa updates and discounts

58. Stretch regularly and find an exercise routine that you like

59. Drink lot’s of lemon water

60. Sleep on your back and invest in a beauty pillow

61. Learn how to use your cosmetics in multiple ways

62. Eat balanced meals with lot’s of fresh organic vegetables and fruits

63.  Use natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen for cosmetic purposes

64. Use cayenne pepper or gently brush your lips with a toothbrush to get a natural pout

65. Groom your eye brows. Get it professionally done first to get an idea of what shape to follow

66. Develop an “easy” exercise routine that you will follow at least once a week

67. Take advantage of your work benefits (massage by an RMT at a beautiful spa)

68. Get your hair done by students at a hairdressing school

69. Learn how to do your own manicure and pedicure

70. Learn how to create multiple looks with your make up

71. Learn how to create basic up-dos.

72. Curl your hair with a flat iron.

73. Keep a bottle of lotion near your bed and moisturize often

74. Use a body brush to remove excess toxins

75.  Shop for discount cosmetics online.

76. Ask for samples

77. Take advantage of cosmetic bonuses

78. Ask a beautiful and stylish woman that you admire for her beauty tips

79. We are so lucky to live in such a diverse world. Read about beauty secrets from around the world.

80. Cut back on sugar, excess carbs, alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine.

81. Use organic, cold pressed olive oil as a moisturizer, hair mask, cuticle cream…

82. Learn how to create the 5 minute face

83. Beauty Basic: VASELINE.

84. Know where to splurge and where to save on make up

85. Research the ingredients and read the reviews before making a purchase.

86. Delegate a weekend every month for cleansing and detoxifying

87.  Go to a make up counter and ask for a complimentary make over

88.  Shop at factory, warehouse clear-outs for discounted cosmetics.

89. Shop after the holidays for deals on perfume box sets and make up sets

90. Practice good posture. One of Tim Gunn’s fashion and beauty tips!

91. Buy Diane Iron’s books or watch her videos on using everyday products for beauty.

92. Learn how to create hair highlights at home

93. Give yourself an energizing facial massage.

94. Avoid tanning. Opt for a faux glow or learn how to enhance your natural colour.

95. Sleep more.

96. Local Deals: Check out The Best Canadian Fashion and Beauty Deals for discounts

97. Take 5 minutes a day to meditate and breath deeply

98. Chew, taste and savour food slowly. The faster that you eat, the more you will eat.

99. Learn how to say no, be happy and make time for yourself.

100. Subscribe to The Cheap Girl — See the side bar

XOXO

{images via fashiontribes.com & dreamstime.com}

Diane Irons on Beauty Product Comparisons

Natural VS Synthetic Products

Use fresh lemons as a toner

A little hemorrohoid cream  as an eye cream or tightening facial cream (*use a tiny amount and do a test patch first)

Basic cream mixed with vitamin capsules to create an antioxidant cream

Use powdered milk and water to create an exfoliating cleanser

Mix vodka with inexpensive shampoo to create shiny hair

Kitty litter with water (look for one with no added chemicals) and use as a clay mask

* Diane Irons is a former model and author of:

911 Beauty Secrets: An Emergency Guide to Looking Great at Every Age, Size and Budget and

The World’s Best-Kept Beauty Secrets

Free Sample! Euphoria by Calvin Klein from Town Shoes

Receive a free sample of Euphoria perfume by Calvin Klein. Valid until November 19, 2009 at Town Shoes. While quantities last.

Click on this link to print your Euphoria coupon.

The Cheap Girl on Facebook

Hi CGs!

The Cheap Girl is finally on Facebook. I have created a live stream for updates. So if you don’t always check this site, you can now get facebook updates.

Please follow this link to become a fan.

Please note that The Cheap Girl also has a facebook group.  You are more than welcome to join but I rarely update the group so please join The Cheap Girl fan page for regular updates.

Thank you for all your support and I’ll see you all on FB!

XOXO

Budget Beauty Find: Smashbox Function 5 Self-Adjusting Powder Foundation

From Beauty Ticket $36.00 USD SALE $9.99 USD

Click here to view more colours.  Hurry, Supplies are limited!

Budget Beauty Review: Ponds Cold Cream

WHAT:

Pond’s Cold Cream

THE PROMISE:

The cool classic that removes make-up as it thoroughly deep cleans.

What does it do?
The classic rich cream deep cleans down to the pores to remove even the most stubborn make-up and impurities, while leaving skin soft and smooth.

How does it work?
Cold cream cleans thoroughly and gently, without stripping or drying and without harsh detergents. It’ll add essential moisture to dry skin, without leaving residue.

(ponds.com)

APPLICATION:

Slather the cream generously and remove with a cotton pad

Rinse if desired

Add an additional layer if using as a moisturizer

PROS:

Soothing, non-greasy texture. Great for removing make-up.  Left my face moisturized.

CONS:

It might be too heavy for people with oily skin.

PRICE:

Under $10 ($9.49 at Well.ca–Free shipping, anywhere in Canada)

THE VERDICT:

A wonderful classic! It doubles as a cleanser and moisturizer, a great 2-in-1 product.  I like to use it when I am too tired to wash my face. It takes less than 5 minutes to slather and wipe the product off. I love the texture and the price! My grandma used this product everyday and she had great skin!