My Favorite Products: Splurge vs Save!

My secrets: What products I used this past recession to stay looking polished and professional on a budget!

We all know the past year has been tough for everyone; people have been through layoffs, salary cuts, countless interviews, unemployment, financial struggles, etc. Our normal nights out of dinners and drinks with friends have turned into pizza and movies nights in. Yes, we have all needed to adjust, including myself, but what this year has really taught me is that when the going gets tough, the tough keeps going! In a role where I am interviewing applicants and meeting with companies every day, first impressions and looking professional is an important part of my job.

When you are happy with how you look, you feel better and will have a more productive day; so how can you look great without breaking the bank?

Tip #1
Only use your salon brand/expensive brand shampoo/conditioner for special occasions, such as an interview, an event or party, etc. Find a drugstore brand you like.
Save: I like Dove Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Shampoo/Conditioner! Free sample:(http://bit.ly/b11fq8)
Splurge: Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Shampoo/Conditioner (http://bit.ly/ddy3iy)

Late night? Use dry shampoo in between washes. It creates a polished look and ensures you wont have oily hair whether you stick it in a pony or wear it down. Suggestion: Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo in Powder form, not spray. I love it and it won an Allure beauty award as well! (Sephora: http://bit.ly/5En5sb)

Tip #2
Drugstore Makeup works just as well as designer makeup. Keep a combo of the designer stuff you can’t live without and substitute drugstore makeup for the stuff that you can.

The things I have been able to substitute are:

• Mascara – I actually love drugstore mascara. My favorite is L’OREAL Voluminous in Very Black or Carbon Black. Use an Eye Lash Curler first and apply two coats and your lashes will look great. CVS (http://bit.ly/9XzZDU)


• Eye Liner – I love this brand called Milani. It has great retractable eyeliner (no sharpening!) that lasts all day and doesn’t smudge. I like the color Espresso for a professional shade. (http://bit.ly/bOvNRZ)


• Lip Gloss – Yes, if we could all afford the Chanel lip-gloss I’m sure we would, but you can easily substitute at drugstore. Milani has great lip-gloss as well. Bee Mine is a nice shade to add a bit of color (CVS)

No substitutions:

• Foundation - You want your skin to look gorgeous and flawless and I haven’t found a good drugstore substitution for this one, so I think it’s really worth it! I absolutely love Bare Escentuals – just a brush of the powder over my skin and in trouble spots creates a flawless finish and it has SPF in it. It works wonders and is worth the money. I use 2N Medium Beige (Sephora). Starter Kit: ( http://bit.ly/drT6n8 )

Tip #3
Skip the dry cleaner and do it your self. I have been using Dryel; it is simple, effective and you would not believe the money you can save! (http://www.dryel.com/get-free-coupons/ )

• Running late? Use the wrinkle release setting on your dryer instead of breaking out the iron!

Tip #4
Do it yourself manicure and pedicures. I know it’s so great to have it done for you, but this can save so much money if you do it yourself. Of course, get your nail polish at the drug store! Sally Hansen is my favorite for a 5-step manicure in a bottle. (http://bit.ly/9NXxMK )

Tip #5
Instead of buying new shoes, go to the cobbler and get your old ones repaired. I was always so quick to throw my shoes away, but now I have saved a ton of money and kept my favorite shoes looking great through multiple seasons with some quick trips to the cobbler!

• David's Instant Shoe Repair @ 101 Federal Street in Boston if great, quick and has friendly service! (617) 951-2349

Tip #6
Invest in good skincare solutions, but do it smartly: Proactive Solution~ It works well and keeps me breakout free. Tips on how to get the most out of utilizing this product.

• Have it your way: You have the ability to customize the delivery frequency of certain items in your order via their website or by calling customer service. i.e. if you go through the lotion quicker than you do the toner, you can choose to have 2 lotions and no toner in your next shipment (as long as 3 items are in each shipment, you can change it up any way you choose)

• Only purchase it when there is a sale going on. If you pay more than $19.95 for the 3-step kit, there is a problem! http://www.proactiv.com/ or 1-800-235-6050

Hope you found my tips helpful. I welcome any comments of feedback.

*Jill Shaneck *Principal Recruiter, Accounting & Finance *Winter Wyman & Company*

JShaneck@winterwyman.com

www.winterwyman.com