The recession may be the worst thing to hit the City for 10 years, but there has to be an up side to everything, right ! Lack of money makes us more creative and above all interjects a little normality in to our otherwise frivolous spending.
If you have recently found yourself unemployed or just going through the process of tightening your belt, then read on. At WeAreTheCity, we appreciate the need for life’s little luxuries and above all basics. Who is actually going to cut back on make up/face creams because it’s expensive, there are certain things that a girl just cant go without !! So if you are finding yourself looking at your budgets, contemplating what can go, you dont’ scrap the things that make you feel good – read on for our guide on how to look good on the cheap. A little investment in your time can reap some luxurious rewards. Our thanks goes to member, Carolyn Cohen for her research.
Make-up and cosmetics
There are lots of department stores out there (House of Fraser by example, if you want to start in the City). They all stock top end brands for skincare, such as Decleor, Clarins etc. So why not visit the store and stock up on testers. Just go up to the counters and state you would like to try before you buy. You will end up with cleaners, toners, moisturisers and masks – all you need to do is rotate the counters and stores. You could end up with a free facial as well if you ask how the testers need to be applied.
Get made up for free
Most make up counters will do your make up for free. You can also pick up some great tips from their professional artists. So if you are going out for the evening, just ring the store prior and book an appointment. At House of Fraser, there is Mac, Bobby Brown, Dior and Benefit to chose from (there is also a Benefit over at Spitalfields). Don’t forget you can also book sessions for mini facials as well, most of the counters will be happy to provide if there is a chance of selling you something.
Haircare
So many hair salons offer cheaper deals off peak, or opportunities to be hair models. You can get a good cut and colour by letting an experienced stylist show a junior how it’s done. We also feature discounts on the site of hairdressers that are willing to provide our members discounts. A recent recommendation from one of our writers was Hobbs at Camden, who recently won Hairdressers of the year. If you rotate the salons, you could end up with 2 blow drys a week for free.
Fitness
Now that summer has arrived, there are so many free offers and taster sessions available. Take advantage of all of them and you could keep yourself in Gym sessions and free personal training sessions for at least a month. See Members offers on the site as we have a few to get you started, such as Powerplate and the Reformer.
Shop around
Chose outlet stores, scan the internet – remember City prices are inflated as you are paying for convenience. Most of the large well known stores sell their items off in outlets (eg Sweaty Betty), just scan the net. Alternatively, jump on the tube and head out to Camden, where Karen Millen lookalikes are sold for 1/3 of the price. One of our members picked up a near on identical coat for £35 (KM price £300).
Eating out
Scan the free papers, there are so many cheap offers on at the moment as Restaurants and bars are struggling for custom. For example, Crush feature their offers in the London Paper event week, so no need to compromise your morning smoothie. Going to lunch with a friend, then take advantage of the buy one, get one free offers. There are so many emails doing the rounds with lunch vouchers so don’t forget to send them to your friends (or send to us and we will put them on the site). Coffee shops seem to be feeling the pinch and it’s understandable why at £2.50 per coffee. Beat the caffeine addiction and opt for a hot water, add a piece of lemon and you’re not only on your way to being healthy, but you’ll save approx £12.50 per week, that’s £50.00 per month.
Whether your otherwise temporarily unemployed or just conserving costs, you can still look beautiful and feel good for virtually no cost. Go have fun and above all, get as much of it for free as you possibly can !!.
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