How to save on your beauty routine
Here at GLO, we’re all about investing in looking and feeling our best, but we also know that things can get pretty expensive quickly in the beauty stakes. So today we’re sharing our favourite tips – from budget-friendly products to DIY treatments – that will help you get the best value for money in your beauty routine.
1. Cut back on your cleanser
First up, there are places you can cut corners financially in your skincare lineup and others where it’s best to pay a bit more for optimal results. Cleansers fall into the first category: you literally wash them down the drain and luckily there are loads of excellent and inexpensive options on the market.
BYOMA’s Milky Moisture Cleanser works for pretty much every skin type and makes short work of makeup, SPF and pollution. It’s rich in lipids and moisturising oils to cleanse and soothe the skin at the same time. And at £14, it’s a bona fide bargain.
2. Invest in your serum
Conversely, your serum is arguably where you should be spending the most in your routine: they are where you’ll find the active ingredients that will help you achieve your skin goals, be that brightening, hydrating or rejuvenating.
So if you’ve saved a little on your cleanser, we’d suggest spending the difference here. We think that everyone could benefit from a daily dose of vitamin C and Medik8’s C-Tetra is one of the best on the market. It contains a potent form of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals from pollution and sun exposure that can lead to premature ageing. Pop this on in the morning and you’ll be all set for the day ahead.
3. MASTER An At-Home Facial
We love a speedy treatment as much as the next person (well, probably more actually), but they can add up pretty quickly if you’re not careful. So why not eke out your in-salon results just that bit longer with this clever Facial Skin Cup Set from Fierce Nature? If you’ve never tried cupping before, here’s the gist: it gently stimulates blood circulation, which in turn accelerates healing, increases cell turnover (read: younger looking skin) and boosts lymph flow, which can help alleviate any puffiness. Slot these cups into your evening skincare routine 2-3x a week for best results.
4. Cheat A Spa Experience At Home
That post-full body massage feeling is a thing of beauty and we like to replicate the sensation at home with Mirror Water’s luxurious Smooth Body Oil. Slather it on post-bath or shower for super silky limbs, thanks to its blend of marula, grapeseed and camellia oils – bonus points if you use a body scrub first too. Then slip into your favourite pair of pyjamas, pick up a good book and you’ve pretty much guaranteed yourself a seriously cosy night in.
5. Carve Out Those Cheekbones
Gua Shas have been prized for millenia for their beautifying magic: when used regularly, these simple tools will up your blood and lymph circulation, leaving you with a glowing, soothed and depuffed complexion. We love this one from Odacité and while Gua Shas can represent a bit of an initial investment cost-wise, trust us when we say you’ll have yours for decades to come. Top tip: leave yours by the sofa to remind yourself to do a spot of massage while you’re watching the TV. More sculpted cheekbones while catching up on your favourite Netflix series? What’s not to love?
6. Look After Your Lymph
Lymphatic drainage massages are all the rage right now and for good reason: unlike your cardiovascular system which has its own pump (the heart), the lymphatic system has to be activated manually for lymph to circulate and to carry toxins out of the body. But if you’re looking to tend to your lymphatic system at home, dry brushing is a great place to start. Invest in a high quality dry brush, like this super chic offering from Dr Barbara Sturm, and commit to gently brushing your limbs in firm strokes towards your heart once a day (we like to squeeze in a session before showering).
Not only will it get your lymph moving, regular brushing will gently exfoliate, leaving your limbs looking enviably smooth. Dr Barbara Sturm’s brush comes in two versions: Medium, which is a great all-rounder, or Soft, more suitable for those with sensitive skins.
7. Say Farewell To Knots
We’ve yet to find a hairbrush that is as universally loved among our families and friends as The Tangle Teezer. It works wonders on wet hair, (which, FYI, is when your locks are most vulnerable to damage) detangling effortlessly without any pulling, and is likewise fab for grooming on-the-go, taking up no room at all and leaving hair shiny and smooth. It’s a prime example of an inexpensive product that we prefer to pricier alternatives – which is why we have one in every handbag, the bathroom cupboard, the shower…. You get the point.
