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Tip Store: Beauty: Cleansing & Exfoliating
MOO Coffee Scrub
Don't throw your used coffee grindings away, put them on a saucer to dry out then take them to your bathroom. Splash your face with warm water, press your wet fingers into the grindings and wash your face using the grindings to gently scrub your face. It smells delicious and your skin will feel so smooth and clean afterwards; you'll love it!
Contributed by Susan Schinzig
Contributed by Susan Schinzig
A SERIOUSLY Amazing Deodorant
I wanted to get away from chemically deodorants and found the aluminium free ones don't work for me at all. This is incredibly effective, and the cornflour helps absorb some of the wetness without stopping the perspiration completely, which is not good for us.
If you've never worked with coconut oil before, you need to know that the texture changes with the temperature. Above around 18C it will melt to a liquid. Under 18C it goes hard and white like copha. For this reason, the easiest way to store it is in a wide, shallow, sealed container, and just apply with your fingers, which is nowhere near as gross as you'd think. I tried decanting this into a cleaned out old wind up deodorant stick container, but due to the texture change it didn't really work.
Don't let that put you off - experiment and try what works for you. I keep it in the sealed container, so if it's been hot and the oil separates, I just get a teaspoon and mix it in again. If it's been cold and it goes hard, I pop it in my bed where it's still warm to soften up while I get ready.
This is such an effective, safe and cheap mixture, I urge you to try it out.
1 part bicarb soda
3 parts cornflour or arrowroot
2 parts solid coconut oil
tea tree oil and/or peppermint oil
optional
Mix this thoroughly - I just sit in front of the TV and mix, mix, mix. Then decant into a fairly shallow sealed container.
Contributed by Jane Murphy, 19th April 2012
If you've never worked with coconut oil before, you need to know that the texture changes with the temperature. Above around 18C it will melt to a liquid. Under 18C it goes hard and white like copha. For this reason, the easiest way to store it is in a wide, shallow, sealed container, and just apply with your fingers, which is nowhere near as gross as you'd think. I tried decanting this into a cleaned out old wind up deodorant stick container, but due to the texture change it didn't really work.
Don't let that put you off - experiment and try what works for you. I keep it in the sealed container, so if it's been hot and the oil separates, I just get a teaspoon and mix it in again. If it's been cold and it goes hard, I pop it in my bed where it's still warm to soften up while I get ready.
This is such an effective, safe and cheap mixture, I urge you to try it out.
1 part bicarb soda
3 parts cornflour or arrowroot
2 parts solid coconut oil
tea tree oil and/or peppermint oil
optional
Mix this thoroughly - I just sit in front of the TV and mix, mix, mix. Then decant into a fairly shallow sealed container.
Contributed by Jane Murphy, 19th April 2012
MOO Facial Wipes
Approximate $ Savings: $7 per packet
I've always loved using facial wipes - they're easy to use, smell good and leave my skin feeling nice and clean. However, at almost $7 for 25 wipes, using them twice a day makes them very expensive. Here's how I make my own - cheap, no chemicals and they work! Buy a good quality roll of paper towel - the thicker the better - and cut it in half (you now have enough for two lots of wipes). Put a cup of hot water, a tablespoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of your favourite liquid facial cleanser (this step is optional; not essential at all) into a plastic container and add your half roll of paper towels. Cover the container, tip it over and leave overnight. Viola! That's it! Take out the centre cardboard roll and tear a wipe off from the centre whenever you need one. In summer, I keep my wipes in the fridge and it's pure bliss using them on a hot day!
Contributed by Ellie McNiece, 23rd March 2012
I've always loved using facial wipes - they're easy to use, smell good and leave my skin feeling nice and clean. However, at almost $7 for 25 wipes, using them twice a day makes them very expensive. Here's how I make my own - cheap, no chemicals and they work! Buy a good quality roll of paper towel - the thicker the better - and cut it in half (you now have enough for two lots of wipes). Put a cup of hot water, a tablespoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of your favourite liquid facial cleanser (this step is optional; not essential at all) into a plastic container and add your half roll of paper towels. Cover the container, tip it over and leave overnight. Viola! That's it! Take out the centre cardboard roll and tear a wipe off from the centre whenever you need one. In summer, I keep my wipes in the fridge and it's pure bliss using them on a hot day!
Contributed by Ellie McNiece, 23rd March 2012
MOO Pore Strips
I used to buy pore strips to use as a part of my regular beauty regimen and they worked really well. Sadly they were rather expensive, around $1 each ($6.04 a pack of 6). Then I found this recipe on a forum and gave it a try.
The instructions are to mix one teaspoon of gelatine and one teaspoon of milk in a cup (not a glass, it's going to get hot). Microwave on high for 10 seconds, stir. If the gelatine hasn't dissolved properly give it another 2 second burst. Let the mixture cool down to blood temperature. When it's cool spread it over your nose, chin or forehead. Let it dry for 10 minutes. It will set like a stretchy glue. After the 10 minutes gently pull it away from your skin. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
Wonder of wonders it worked! And best of all it costs around 10 cents, a saving of around $48 a year! Contributed by Sonya Kelly, 27th January 2012
The instructions are to mix one teaspoon of gelatine and one teaspoon of milk in a cup (not a glass, it's going to get hot). Microwave on high for 10 seconds, stir. If the gelatine hasn't dissolved properly give it another 2 second burst. Let the mixture cool down to blood temperature. When it's cool spread it over your nose, chin or forehead. Let it dry for 10 minutes. It will set like a stretchy glue. After the 10 minutes gently pull it away from your skin. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
Wonder of wonders it worked! And best of all it costs around 10 cents, a saving of around $48 a year! Contributed by Sonya Kelly, 27th January 2012
Liquid Soap from Bar Soap
Ingredients:
1 cup soap flakes
10 cup water
1 tbsp glycerine
Equipment:
Cheese grater
A large pot
Measuring cup and spoons
A spatula for stirring
A soap container with a hand pump
A container to hold excess soap
Funnel
Instructions:
First, grate the soap. One bar of soap yielded a little over 1.5 cups of flakes. The recipe only uses one cup of soap flakes, so I put the remaining soap in a jar for later use. In a large pot, combine 1 cup soap flakes, 10 cups water, and 1 Tbs glycerin. Turn on medium-low heat and stir until the soap dissolves. This happens fast, about a minute or two. Let the soap cool completely, then pour into the containers using the funnel. That’s all there is to it!
Contributed by Alison Lawes, 4th March 2012
1 cup soap flakes
10 cup water
1 tbsp glycerine
Equipment:
Cheese grater
A large pot
Measuring cup and spoons
A spatula for stirring
A soap container with a hand pump
A container to hold excess soap
Funnel
Instructions:
First, grate the soap. One bar of soap yielded a little over 1.5 cups of flakes. The recipe only uses one cup of soap flakes, so I put the remaining soap in a jar for later use. In a large pot, combine 1 cup soap flakes, 10 cups water, and 1 Tbs glycerin. Turn on medium-low heat and stir until the soap dissolves. This happens fast, about a minute or two. Let the soap cool completely, then pour into the containers using the funnel. That’s all there is to it!
Contributed by Alison Lawes, 4th March 2012
Face Getting Super Dry in Hot Humid Weather?
When we went on our trip to Bali, I bought one item specifically for the trip and one item only. Jurlique rosewater balancing mist. It is expensive and I shall never buy it again, but it is fantastic for dry skin. I knew I would need something since my skin is so terribly dry, especially my face, in hot weather. It works an absolute treat. The Cheapskate version? DIY rosewater mist. It is so easy to make yourself with a smidgen of alcohol as a preservative. Google it! Or you can buy ready made rosewater much cheaper if you just get a less expensive brand. It is the best thing I've ever used on my dry face! ever! So refreshing!
Contributed by Tez K., 25th October 2011
Editors note: Way back in the olden days, when I was a girl, rosewater and witch hazel was the astringent of choice and worked a treat. It still does. You can get both from your chemist, just ask. Use 25ml rosewater to 75ml witch hazel in a clean bottle. Shake to combine. This is great for light acne, it cleans without drying. Cath
Contributed by Tez K., 25th October 2011
Editors note: Way back in the olden days, when I was a girl, rosewater and witch hazel was the astringent of choice and worked a treat. It still does. You can get both from your chemist, just ask. Use 25ml rosewater to 75ml witch hazel in a clean bottle. Shake to combine. This is great for light acne, it cleans without drying. Cath
Homemade Cleanser
I make my own facial cleanser by combining 180ml liquid castile soap, 20ml sweet almond oil and 20 drops of essential oil of my choice. This works out a lot cheaper than bought cleansers and I am doing my skin (and the environment) wonders by not using chemicals. I follow up with using jojoba oil as a moisturiser. You only need a couple of drops. I buy mine in a 1 litre bottle (as I use it for other products) for $42 which is much cheaper than most facial moisturisers and my skin has never been better.
Contributed by Zandra, Toowoomba, 12th May 2009
Contributed by Zandra, Toowoomba, 12th May 2009
Make Acne Wipes Last Longer
Approximate $ Savings: $50 a year
I need to buy acne face wipes which are the only thing I have found to keep the dreaded zits under control. While desperate to save as much money as possible for our first home deposit, I went out and bought a Decor tub (at a big w half price sale) that was big enough to hold my wipes. I then took the face wipes out of there packet and cut them in half. Because they are now stored in the tub, the wipes stay moist but instead of getting one month out of a packet I now get 2. It may not seem like a huge saving, but it all adds up.
Contributed by Manda Reeks, 23rd June 2010
I need to buy acne face wipes which are the only thing I have found to keep the dreaded zits under control. While desperate to save as much money as possible for our first home deposit, I went out and bought a Decor tub (at a big w half price sale) that was big enough to hold my wipes. I then took the face wipes out of there packet and cut them in half. Because they are now stored in the tub, the wipes stay moist but instead of getting one month out of a packet I now get 2. It may not seem like a huge saving, but it all adds up.
Contributed by Manda Reeks, 23rd June 2010
Well Seasoned Facial Scrub
Approximate $ Savings: $300
After spending many years using expensive brand facial products I decided it was time to look out for cheaper alternatives. I've discovered that instead of spending approximately $25 per month on a facial scrub I can get the same result from using table salt made into a paste by using a small amount of water. It works beautifully as the texture is slight grainy which removes the dead skin leaving your face feeling fresh!! No more expensive facial scrubs for me!
Contributed by Diane, Oatley, 7th May 2009
After spending many years using expensive brand facial products I decided it was time to look out for cheaper alternatives. I've discovered that instead of spending approximately $25 per month on a facial scrub I can get the same result from using table salt made into a paste by using a small amount of water. It works beautifully as the texture is slight grainy which removes the dead skin leaving your face feeling fresh!! No more expensive facial scrubs for me!
Contributed by Diane, Oatley, 7th May 2009
Microfibre Skin Treatment
To remove even the toughest make-up, invest in a facial microfibre cloth ($2 from any Woolworths). Dampen with WARM water and wash as usual, even over eyes. Skin affected by acne and dry skin conditions will especially benefit as there is absolutely no need for cleansers that irritate the skin. I went from taking antibiotics everyday for acne to having one pimple very quickly! (I had extremely sensitive skin that would break out as a result of the sensitivity).
Contributed by Lauren, Broadford, 11th June 2010
Contributed by Lauren, Broadford, 11th June 2010
Baby Wipes Make Excellent Face Wipes
Do any members use facial wipes to remove their makeup? Here's a great tip for you then. The other day I ran out of facial wipes so I used my sons baby wipes which did the trick! They are dermatologically tested, alcohol free and include natural aloe vera and vitamin E. Why pay up to $10 for facial wipes when you can use Mamia baby wipes at a cost of $3.50 from Aldi.
Contributed by Irene, Bayswater, 7th January 2009
Contributed by Irene, Bayswater, 7th January 2009
Massage Your Skin with This Combo and You Will Glow
For an excellent exfoliant take a 20 cent piece size of your usual cleanser (I use "Celaphil") and the same amount of bi-carb soda. Rub it together in the palm of your hand, then gently massage your face with this and rinse with warm water to remove. Do it once a month and your skin will love you, especially in winter when your skin can dry out.
Contributed by Edwina, Palmerston, 7th June 2010
Contributed by Edwina, Palmerston, 7th June 2010
Microfibre Exfoliating
Approximate $ Savings: $20
I used to use an Enjo face mitt for exfoliating in the shower. Very good product but they are so expensive! Now I have found home brand microfibre cloths available for very little in the supermarkets (from the cleaning aisle, not the beauty aisle) are just as good. Cut them in half for double the savings!
Contributed by R. Mencel, 30th April 2010
I used to use an Enjo face mitt for exfoliating in the shower. Very good product but they are so expensive! Now I have found home brand microfibre cloths available for very little in the supermarkets (from the cleaning aisle, not the beauty aisle) are just as good. Cut them in half for double the savings!
Contributed by R. Mencel, 30th April 2010
Just a Half Pump
Approximate $ Savings: $40-50 per year
A lot of the commercially produced liquid soap containers(and other pump packs used for body wash, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers etc) dispense quite a large amount. I've found if I just press the pump part of the way down I still get enough to wash my hands (shampoo / condition hair etc). It might take a bit to train the family so you might want to consider buying a pump which only dispenses a small amount. But it's worth the effort - it can cut down usage by up to 50% in all pump areas.
Contributed by Gillian, Birkdale, 3rd May 2010
A lot of the commercially produced liquid soap containers(and other pump packs used for body wash, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers etc) dispense quite a large amount. I've found if I just press the pump part of the way down I still get enough to wash my hands (shampoo / condition hair etc). It might take a bit to train the family so you might want to consider buying a pump which only dispenses a small amount. But it's worth the effort - it can cut down usage by up to 50% in all pump areas.
Contributed by Gillian, Birkdale, 3rd May 2010
Create Your Own Day Spa at Home and Save $150
Approximate $ Savings: $150.00
I love the feeling of a day spa but not the price of most products. As a treat to myself I recently purchased the new Olay Regenerist thermal skin polisher, mini-peel for the face at $19.99 for 125ml. Determined to replicate this self-heating product that activates with water, I noticed the main polishing ingredient was magnesium sulphate (Lectric Soda) which I usually stock for my home spa. I used around a teaspoon of the grainy soda to exfoliate my face and was delighted to find the same warming sensation on my skin. The formula also contained glycolic acid which is used in professional treatments, this was easily replaced with a squirt of lemon juice rubbed into hands and face until dry. At a cost of a few dollars for a kilo of Lectric Soda and a massive saving of over $150 dollars for the equivalent of 8 tubes of top shelf product I now enjoy an invigorating whole body pamper in the shower daily. Try it, you'll love it.
Contributed by Maria, Heidelberg, 12th August 2009
Editors Note: Washing Soda is Sodium Carbonate, not Magnesium Sulphate. Sodium Carbonate is found in many skin care products including facial cleaners, bar soaps, bath salts, bath oil, hair colours, even toothpastes and contact lens solutions. Controversary rages over the safety of long term exposure to Sodium Carbonate through direct skin contact.
Glycolic acid is a fruit acid and is derived from sugar cane, strawberries and grapes. Lemon juice is a citric acid and can be used the same way as a glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in skin care products and can be used on a daily basis. It is not recommended for sensitive skin. If you are using fruit acids on your skin (not around the eyes), please be aware that you will be more sensitive to the sun and so will need to wear more sunblock. Cath
I love the feeling of a day spa but not the price of most products. As a treat to myself I recently purchased the new Olay Regenerist thermal skin polisher, mini-peel for the face at $19.99 for 125ml. Determined to replicate this self-heating product that activates with water, I noticed the main polishing ingredient was magnesium sulphate (Lectric Soda) which I usually stock for my home spa. I used around a teaspoon of the grainy soda to exfoliate my face and was delighted to find the same warming sensation on my skin. The formula also contained glycolic acid which is used in professional treatments, this was easily replaced with a squirt of lemon juice rubbed into hands and face until dry. At a cost of a few dollars for a kilo of Lectric Soda and a massive saving of over $150 dollars for the equivalent of 8 tubes of top shelf product I now enjoy an invigorating whole body pamper in the shower daily. Try it, you'll love it.
Contributed by Maria, Heidelberg, 12th August 2009
Editors Note: Washing Soda is Sodium Carbonate, not Magnesium Sulphate. Sodium Carbonate is found in many skin care products including facial cleaners, bar soaps, bath salts, bath oil, hair colours, even toothpastes and contact lens solutions. Controversary rages over the safety of long term exposure to Sodium Carbonate through direct skin contact.
Glycolic acid is a fruit acid and is derived from sugar cane, strawberries and grapes. Lemon juice is a citric acid and can be used the same way as a glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in skin care products and can be used on a daily basis. It is not recommended for sensitive skin. If you are using fruit acids on your skin (not around the eyes), please be aware that you will be more sensitive to the sun and so will need to wear more sunblock. Cath
Cleaning Oil Based Paint from Skin
My husband spilt a tin of black oil paint on his face, thankfully not in his eyes, and he was told by the paint shop assistant to use margarine or baby oil on his face. He was going to use turpentine(!) but had run out and that is why we found out about the margarine. The baby oil was wonderful, he had no sore or red skin, and all was good.
Contributed by Jennifer, Moe, 3rd January 2010
Contributed by Jennifer, Moe, 3rd January 2010
Super Clean Skin for a Fraction of the Cost
Approximate $ Savings: $10-$20 a month
I love the ease of the packaged face-wipes at the end of the day, but I really don't love the cost. I also don't like some of the chemicals they put in them. Instead, I discovered its just as easy to grab a face washer and wet it (or even just the corner of it), squeeze out the excess water, put some face wash of your choice on (I use Cetaphil), and wipe over your face with it. I then give the face washer a quick rinse and squeeze out the water, and wipe over my face to remove any soap residue. Hang up your face washer and its good for the next night. I find this really easy and effective, and much less messy than trying to splash my face under the tap - not to mention it saves water. On top of it all, your skin really glows using this method because the face washer acts as a mild exfoliant!
Contributed by Jessica, Kealba, 12th March 2010
I love the ease of the packaged face-wipes at the end of the day, but I really don't love the cost. I also don't like some of the chemicals they put in them. Instead, I discovered its just as easy to grab a face washer and wet it (or even just the corner of it), squeeze out the excess water, put some face wash of your choice on (I use Cetaphil), and wipe over your face with it. I then give the face washer a quick rinse and squeeze out the water, and wipe over my face to remove any soap residue. Hang up your face washer and its good for the next night. I find this really easy and effective, and much less messy than trying to splash my face under the tap - not to mention it saves water. On top of it all, your skin really glows using this method because the face washer acts as a mild exfoliant!
Contributed by Jessica, Kealba, 12th March 2010
Body Scrub Alternative That Won’t Break the Budget
Don't even bother using a body scrub, just buy a pair of those 'rough' shower gloves for a few dollars, use your regular soap for your body and scrub all over. Works perfectly! I use a facial wash instead of soap on my face anyway and the gloves work as good as any scrub I've ever used.
Contributed by Kerrie, August 12th, 2006
Contributed by Kerrie, August 12th, 2006
Soap
When the soap in the shower or bath becomes too small to use moisten a new cake and the used one and press together. No waste at all.
Contributed by Ilona, July 28th, 2006
Contributed by Ilona, July 28th, 2006
Homemade Body Scrub
When I had to wax my bikini line and I couldn't do it myself, I went to a cheap beautician. While I was there I enquired about pimples and blackheads on the inside of the thighs. She advised that they are caused from dead skin and dry skin from soap. After the waxing she tried to sell me a tube of derma logia body scrub for $50! I said I would like to do it a cheaper way. I read the ingredients were thyme, rosemary, green tea, walnut shell, etc. I bought a big bottle of body wash at Go-Lo for $2 and now when I want to do a scrub, I add rock-salt and raw sugar, mix with 200ml of the body wash and voila, my own scrub. I am very wary now of beauticians, they maybe cheap for waxing but then they try to sell you beauty products that cost too much!
Contributed by Katrina, Heathcote, December 9th 2006
Contributed by Katrina, Heathcote, December 9th 2006
Exfoliating Cleanser
Approximate $ Savings: $30 per 2 months
Instead of buying a separate exfoliating product I now add a teaspoon of bicarb soda to the cleansing product that I'm currently using (which is generally on special). I put both in the palm of my hand and mix together before massaging gently over my face and especially around my nose. I find it is gentle and refreshing, and saves another step in the "beauty regime".
Contributed by Jacqueline, Earlwood, 16th May 2007
Instead of buying a separate exfoliating product I now add a teaspoon of bicarb soda to the cleansing product that I'm currently using (which is generally on special). I put both in the palm of my hand and mix together before massaging gently over my face and especially around my nose. I find it is gentle and refreshing, and saves another step in the "beauty regime".
Contributed by Jacqueline, Earlwood, 16th May 2007
Homemade Exfoliating Paste
Approximate $ Savings: $30 per month
Do you normally buy exfoliating scrubs with the little beads that clean out you pores? Do you buy anti blemish solutions like Clean and Clear that contain BHA (beta hydroxy AKA Salcylic acid)?
The use of 2 simple Aspirin tablets (which is Salicylic acid) crushed up and mixed with water to form a paste is an AMAZING facial exfoliant and cleanser. I'm sure cosmetic companies don't want anyone knowing about it, as it is fantastic and so cheap!
If you exfoliate once a week a $3.90, 24 pack of Aspirin from Coles will last you 12 weeks. My previous Clinique product cost me $38 for roughly the same number of weeks treatments! Yes, it sounds bizarre but don't just believe me, it's the number one ranked product review on Makeup Alley, it has had over 900 reviews there! http://www.makeupalley.com
Contributed by Carolyn, Gosford, 11th June 2007
Do you normally buy exfoliating scrubs with the little beads that clean out you pores? Do you buy anti blemish solutions like Clean and Clear that contain BHA (beta hydroxy AKA Salcylic acid)?
The use of 2 simple Aspirin tablets (which is Salicylic acid) crushed up and mixed with water to form a paste is an AMAZING facial exfoliant and cleanser. I'm sure cosmetic companies don't want anyone knowing about it, as it is fantastic and so cheap!
If you exfoliate once a week a $3.90, 24 pack of Aspirin from Coles will last you 12 weeks. My previous Clinique product cost me $38 for roughly the same number of weeks treatments! Yes, it sounds bizarre but don't just believe me, it's the number one ranked product review on Makeup Alley, it has had over 900 reviews there! http://www.makeupalley.com
Contributed by Carolyn, Gosford, 11th June 2007
Liquid Cleanser & Bicarb Face Scrub
Approximate $ Savings: $10-$80
I picked this tip up at a beauty show once, and actually decided to try it as I am out of facial scrub. Use with caution though as everyone's skin is different. I am not sure of the quantities suggested by the make-up specialist so decided to go carefully to start. I mixed about two parts Cetaphil gentle cleanser (about two teaspoons) (or another mild skin cleanser would probably be okay too) and 1 part (1 teaspoon) of baking soda to a paste in a small container. Gently applied to face and throat in a light circular motion avoiding eyes it worked as an effective gentle exfoliation. Remove straight away with a warm wet facer washer. Skin feels lovely and smooth afterwards.
Contributed by Shirley, Kariong, 22nd July 2007
I picked this tip up at a beauty show once, and actually decided to try it as I am out of facial scrub. Use with caution though as everyone's skin is different. I am not sure of the quantities suggested by the make-up specialist so decided to go carefully to start. I mixed about two parts Cetaphil gentle cleanser (about two teaspoons) (or another mild skin cleanser would probably be okay too) and 1 part (1 teaspoon) of baking soda to a paste in a small container. Gently applied to face and throat in a light circular motion avoiding eyes it worked as an effective gentle exfoliation. Remove straight away with a warm wet facer washer. Skin feels lovely and smooth afterwards.
Contributed by Shirley, Kariong, 22nd July 2007
Honey Scrub
Approximate $ Savings : $4.00 plus
Make your own facial scrub by combining a teaspoon of war or room temperature honey and a teaspoon of sugar in a cup. Mix and apply to face while in the shower/bath. The honey helps to hold the sugar onto your face while you rub gently. The whole lot then melts and washes easily away.
Contributed by Natalie, Bellambi, 16th October 2007
Make your own facial scrub by combining a teaspoon of war or room temperature honey and a teaspoon of sugar in a cup. Mix and apply to face while in the shower/bath. The honey helps to hold the sugar onto your face while you rub gently. The whole lot then melts and washes easily away.
Contributed by Natalie, Bellambi, 16th October 2007
Soap Gloves
For those last remnants of soap, I use those exfoliating/scrub gloves and place soap inside the palm of the gloves and soap away.
Contributed by Muriel, South Yarra, 8th October 2007
Contributed by Muriel, South Yarra, 8th October 2007
Hand Makeover
Approximate $ Savings: $25
Sick of dry calloused hands with all that cleaning? Try this fabulous hand makeover that leaves hands silky just like a expensive paraffin treatment at the beauticians. Stand over your sink and pour about a tablespoon of sugar into the palm of your hand and then add roughly the same amount of cooking oil -olive, sunflower, canola. Then rub hands together, not forgetting tops of hands, between fingers etc. Use as much or little pressure as you like and once most of the sugar has dissolved then rinse hands in warm water. I don't finish with soap as I find the oil sinks into skin leaving it even more soft but if you are planning to do anything after this then you will need soap to remove excess oil. Follow up with some lovely hand cream and you have the loveliest, softest hands that everyone will want to hold for a fraction of the price of a beautician!
Contributed by Stacey, Charlestown, 16th October 2007
Sick of dry calloused hands with all that cleaning? Try this fabulous hand makeover that leaves hands silky just like a expensive paraffin treatment at the beauticians. Stand over your sink and pour about a tablespoon of sugar into the palm of your hand and then add roughly the same amount of cooking oil -olive, sunflower, canola. Then rub hands together, not forgetting tops of hands, between fingers etc. Use as much or little pressure as you like and once most of the sugar has dissolved then rinse hands in warm water. I don't finish with soap as I find the oil sinks into skin leaving it even more soft but if you are planning to do anything after this then you will need soap to remove excess oil. Follow up with some lovely hand cream and you have the loveliest, softest hands that everyone will want to hold for a fraction of the price of a beautician!
Contributed by Stacey, Charlestown, 16th October 2007
Wipe Makeup Off and Save
Approximate $ Savings: $19.00
I like using the disposable makeup remover wipes (Swissper brand). You get 30 wipes for approximately $7.00 - I ran out of them so decided to use Homebrand thick baby wipes - worked just as well and cost $4 for 100 wipes. I have sensitive skin, as do babies, and as I had no irritations I will continue to use the thick baby wipes.
Contributed by Angela, Alstonville, 3rd July 2007
I like using the disposable makeup remover wipes (Swissper brand). You get 30 wipes for approximately $7.00 - I ran out of them so decided to use Homebrand thick baby wipes - worked just as well and cost $4 for 100 wipes. I have sensitive skin, as do babies, and as I had no irritations I will continue to use the thick baby wipes.
Contributed by Angela, Alstonville, 3rd July 2007
Bigger, Better and Cheaper Facial Wipes
Approximate $ Savings: $6 per pack
There has been a lot of hints regarding facial wipes recently. I have discovered a brand at Giant Chemists that saves you money without having to use baby wipes on your face. The Brand is Tru Value and sells for $1.99 for pack of 25. Compared to the popular brands that is a saving of $6 per pack.
Contributed by Christelle, Surfers Paradise, 6th August, 2007
There has been a lot of hints regarding facial wipes recently. I have discovered a brand at Giant Chemists that saves you money without having to use baby wipes on your face. The Brand is Tru Value and sells for $1.99 for pack of 25. Compared to the popular brands that is a saving of $6 per pack.
Contributed by Christelle, Surfers Paradise, 6th August, 2007
Instant Facelift
Instead of buying expensive facelifting creams try beating 2 egg whites till very firm and stiff then apply to face and neck, leave till firm and then gently rinse off. Also make sure your face is not too hot as this will make the egg whites runny. This does give you an instant face lift! it did for my wedding day and now I do it once a week for a treat.
Contributed by Trinity, Lalor Park, 19th April 2008
Contributed by Trinity, Lalor Park, 19th April 2008
Nice Face Wash
Approximate $ Savings: $20
Instead of paying lots of money for make up removers, for example face washes and remover towels, I prefer to use a pump of sorbelene cream smoothed over face and then wiped off with a damp (warm) face washer. Removes all traces and leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. All you need to do then is throw the face washer in the washing machine.
Contributed by Linda, Newcastle, 3rd July 2008
Instead of paying lots of money for make up removers, for example face washes and remover towels, I prefer to use a pump of sorbelene cream smoothed over face and then wiped off with a damp (warm) face washer. Removes all traces and leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. All you need to do then is throw the face washer in the washing machine.
Contributed by Linda, Newcastle, 3rd July 2008
Cleaning Cleanser Off in the Shower
Instead of purchasing cotton pads to take off my cream facial cleanser, I have switched to using it in the shower and washing it off with water instead. A flannel also works well. This saves money as well as being better for the environment.
Contributed by Ally, Albany, 8th September 2008
Contributed by Ally, Albany, 8th September 2008
Soap on Tap
Approximate $ Savings: $4 a week, $16/month,$208 /year
Soap is hard for kids to use, it's big for little hands and slippery. it's easier for kids to learn to wash their hands with liquid soap and a lot more fun too, but the liquid soaps can get quite expensive. instead of buying extra hand soap or refill bottles, I keep the empty dispenser bottles and buy cheap shampoo with a nice fragrance. You can get a one litre bottle of no name shampoo for usually under $2. I fill half the dispenser with shampoo and fill the rest with water. The 1 litre shampoo bottle lasts about 1 and 1/2 months at $2 a bottle, saving me $16 a month and over $200 a year. My kids love to wash their hands now.
Contributed by Kim, Toowoomba, 13 September 2008
Soap is hard for kids to use, it's big for little hands and slippery. it's easier for kids to learn to wash their hands with liquid soap and a lot more fun too, but the liquid soaps can get quite expensive. instead of buying extra hand soap or refill bottles, I keep the empty dispenser bottles and buy cheap shampoo with a nice fragrance. You can get a one litre bottle of no name shampoo for usually under $2. I fill half the dispenser with shampoo and fill the rest with water. The 1 litre shampoo bottle lasts about 1 and 1/2 months at $2 a bottle, saving me $16 a month and over $200 a year. My kids love to wash their hands now.
Contributed by Kim, Toowoomba, 13 September 2008
Snip and Save on Beauty Wipes
Approximate $ Savings: Hundreds of $$$'s over the years
Much as I love saving money, (not just from necessity), I still like to use quality products. Everyone knows how much nicer it is to remove eye make-up with the cotton wool squares that don't leave a heap of fluff on your eyelashes. However, they are about 2-3 times the price of ordinary cotton wool balls. What I do is buy the "Dove" cotton wool squares, cut them in half (4 at a time - doesn't take long) and put them in a pretty glass/cut crystal container that has a lift off lid (I use one I got from an op-shop - the lady said it could be used for jam/butter), about the size of a small margarine container. I find the half size squares just right for my eye make-up removal (I use both sides of it), so you save money both on the cotton wool and the eye make-remover because you don't need to use as much to moisten the squares. I use the same half size squares for my toner (rose water bought at an Indian food outlet - heaps cheaper than at health food stores and leaves your skin feeling slightly moisturised and fresh, not stripped). These two tips have saved me hundreds of dollars, as I used to use Clinique products which are quite expensive.
Contributed by Sonja, Sunnybank Hills, 1st October 2008
Much as I love saving money, (not just from necessity), I still like to use quality products. Everyone knows how much nicer it is to remove eye make-up with the cotton wool squares that don't leave a heap of fluff on your eyelashes. However, they are about 2-3 times the price of ordinary cotton wool balls. What I do is buy the "Dove" cotton wool squares, cut them in half (4 at a time - doesn't take long) and put them in a pretty glass/cut crystal container that has a lift off lid (I use one I got from an op-shop - the lady said it could be used for jam/butter), about the size of a small margarine container. I find the half size squares just right for my eye make-up removal (I use both sides of it), so you save money both on the cotton wool and the eye make-remover because you don't need to use as much to moisten the squares. I use the same half size squares for my toner (rose water bought at an Indian food outlet - heaps cheaper than at health food stores and leaves your skin feeling slightly moisturised and fresh, not stripped). These two tips have saved me hundreds of dollars, as I used to use Clinique products which are quite expensive.
Contributed by Sonja, Sunnybank Hills, 1st October 2008
Make a Soap Mitt
To use up the scraps of soap in the bathroom, I joined together two face washers by sewing around the edges, but leaving a gap of 5cm before the fourth corner. This space is large enough to pop in the soap scrap. Then I attached a length of cotton tape, doubled, in the corner, so the mitt could be hung from the shower caddy. No more slivers of soap stuck to the handbasin or drain and no more waste!
Contributed by Ria, Hamilton, 26th November 2008
Contributed by Ria, Hamilton, 26th November 2008
A Clean Change Saves a Bundle
Approximate $ Savings: $158.00
With our family of four including a 3 and 5 year old we were using approximately 1 to 1 and a half x 250ml bottles of hand soap a week and even using the larger refill bottles we were spending around $3.50 a week or $182.00 a year! I'm sure we would have used less if the kids didn't find it so much fun squirting it out and using way more than their little hands could handle. I decided that the waste was an expense I could save on, so now I buy twin pack baby soap for less than $2 (usually on special) and 1 bar lasts between 2 and 3 weeks ($24 a year). This is a huge saving of $158 a year. I have also made sure I keep a bottle of hand soap in the cupboard for when visitors come over and just put it out when they arrive and put it back in the cupboard when they leave and have had the same bottle for over 6 months.
Contributed by Leanne, Willaston, 28th January 2009
With our family of four including a 3 and 5 year old we were using approximately 1 to 1 and a half x 250ml bottles of hand soap a week and even using the larger refill bottles we were spending around $3.50 a week or $182.00 a year! I'm sure we would have used less if the kids didn't find it so much fun squirting it out and using way more than their little hands could handle. I decided that the waste was an expense I could save on, so now I buy twin pack baby soap for less than $2 (usually on special) and 1 bar lasts between 2 and 3 weeks ($24 a year). This is a huge saving of $158 a year. I have also made sure I keep a bottle of hand soap in the cupboard for when visitors come over and just put it out when they arrive and put it back in the cupboard when they leave and have had the same bottle for over 6 months.
Contributed by Leanne, Willaston, 28th January 2009
Refreshing Face Mask for Less
Approximate $ Savings: up to $50 every six months
Use plain yoghurt (any leftover yoghurt would do though) instead of a commercial face mask. It gives you a lovely feel to your face afterwards, is chemical free and natural and very very inexpensive!
Contributed by Bern, Caloundra West, 28th January 2009
Use plain yoghurt (any leftover yoghurt would do though) instead of a commercial face mask. It gives you a lovely feel to your face afterwards, is chemical free and natural and very very inexpensive!
Contributed by Bern, Caloundra West, 28th January 2009
Soft and Gentle Cleanser
Instead of taking my makeup off with a $10 cleanser (I don't like to use soap on my sensitive skin) I use Sorbolene cream. I bought a 1 kilo container from the $2 shop for about $3-4, and a couple of pumps used with a clean wet face washer under the shower really does the trick, even with eye makeup, and leaves my skin feeling great. Sorbolene can be mixed with water (half-and-half works) so I get twice as much for my $3. Since Sorbolene is the basis for many skin creams, it's not going to hurt my skin.
Contributed by Jane, Cairns, 22nd March 2009
Contributed by Jane, Cairns, 22nd March 2009
Support Your Local Trader and Save on Beauty Treatments
Approximate $ Savings: $33 every 2 months or so
Rather than doing my own waxing at home, I prefer to go to a beautician, it is far too messy, time consuming and painful to do it myself. Just keeping an eye out for pamphlets in the letterbox or on notice boards at shopping centres I found a lovely lady who has a clean, professional setup in her own home and it only costs me $17, compared to the $50 the local salon charges. Support your local home based business and you'll be amazed what you can find.
Contributed by Emma, Bertram, 1st April 2009
Rather than doing my own waxing at home, I prefer to go to a beautician, it is far too messy, time consuming and painful to do it myself. Just keeping an eye out for pamphlets in the letterbox or on notice boards at shopping centres I found a lovely lady who has a clean, professional setup in her own home and it only costs me $17, compared to the $50 the local salon charges. Support your local home based business and you'll be amazed what you can find.
Contributed by Emma, Bertram, 1st April 2009
No Waste Exfoliating
Approximate $ Savings: $20-$40 year
I save my leftover soap scraps and use them with my exfoliating body glove. You can pick these up for a couple of dollars in department stores. Place a soap scrap on the palm of your hand and put the glove on. Slightly wet the glove and move in circular movements across your body. The soap bubbles and cleanses your skin as you exfoliate - saves buying those incredibly expensive store exfoliators.
Contributed by Lisa, Christchurch, 20th June 2009
I save my leftover soap scraps and use them with my exfoliating body glove. You can pick these up for a couple of dollars in department stores. Place a soap scrap on the palm of your hand and put the glove on. Slightly wet the glove and move in circular movements across your body. The soap bubbles and cleanses your skin as you exfoliate - saves buying those incredibly expensive store exfoliators.
Contributed by Lisa, Christchurch, 20th June 2009
Solving a Clean Up Dilemma
I would love to pass on a tip, found out through my own experience. This won't necessarily to save you money, but it may solve a problem if you do something stupid like I did. I was painting a cupboard in the laundry instead of taking it outside and was using a spray can. It wasn't wash off in water paint and the colour I had chosen was a lovely deep blue, like the Aussie flag. I did not use a mask as I was supposed to and when I looked in the mirror around and inside my nostrils were blue. This paint was supposed to be removed with turpentine, which I was not going to put up my nose!!! With a bit of lateral thinking I solved my dilemma. Water proof mascara remover removed the paint and as it is made for delicate parts of the face there were no repercussions.
Contributed by Julie, 5th July 2009
Contributed by Julie, 5th July 2009
Turn Soap Ends Into Liquid Soap
I have been saving all my bits of soap ends in a jar that I filled with water (it's now lovely glug). I have now mixed a few teaspoons with hot water, and mixed it up. It makes lovely liquid soap.
Contributed by Helen, Nanango, 7th August 2009
Contributed by Helen, Nanango, 7th August 2009
Look Instantly Younger with a Simple Kitchen Ingredient
Bicarb soda is one of the best and gentlest skin exfoliators. It also doesn't clog pores by adding any unnecessary oils or waxes found in most exfoliating creams. Simply add some to your cleanser and exfoliate beautifully and gently at night to look instantly younger (and save $$$).
Contributed by Maria Katergaris, 11th October 2009
Contributed by Maria Katergaris, 11th October 2009