Even as a student you can afford to look good – without kissing all your treats goodbye. Just be prudent. You’ve got your A levels and you’re off to college or uni. I understand you’re a bit giddy, but let me bring you back to reality for just a moment to remind you that beauty comes at a price – especially when the doors to the bank of mum and dad are getting a bit stiff. It’s time to stand on your own two, manicured feet and find a way to stay beautiful for less, perhaps by making your own treatments or scouring the shops for bargains.
Read our tips to find out how:
1. Booze equals blotches
I realize that student days and alcohol go hand in hand (I do dimly recall mine) Bear in mind, however, that excess alcohol not only gives you a pounding headache, but also dehydrates skin, depriving it of vitamins and minerals, and can cause spots and facial bloating. Your eyes may end up bloodshot, too. Gorgeous.
2. Forget the fags
A smorgasbord of cancers aside, smoking is expensive and a killer for your hair and skin. The more you smoke, the less oxygen that can travel around your body. Instead, your blood cells will carry carbon monoxide gas which, as a poison, can only have negative effects on your crowning glories – notably making your hair brittle and your skin grey. Cigarettes also contain enzymes that help break down collagen, which causes wrinkles.
3. Feed your skin
I know you’re bored of my banging on about nutrition, but good food helps super skin. Learn to love water (the cheap stuff out of the tap is fine) and skin-boosting broccoli, tomatoes, avocado and oily fish. If you can afford it, buy Brazil nuts or almonds for your hair.
4. Be supermarket savvy
These are the places to search for budget beauty items. Lidl stocks a wide range of Cien products, including shampoo, shower gel, anti-wrinkle cream and moisturizer for men and women for a few pounds. The big guns, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, sell many own brand items, including sun lotion from £3. Asda’s George range has blushers and concealers at £3, while its cheapest product is shaving foam (just 26p). Even Waitrose has its own skincare range, including the Pure collection from £1.99 for eye make-up remover.
