The Cost: Department store makeup doesn't come cheap. Those gold-plated tubes of lipstick typically cost $20 to $30. High-end foundation averages $40 to $100. Anti-aging lotions and potions sport the highest price tags, starting at about $30 and shooting up to $300 or $400 -- and if you crave the really luxe stuff, it's possible to spend as much as $1,000 on prestige skin cream.

How to Stretch It: Shop smart. According to cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, "luxury" makeup and skin care products are often smoke and mirrors. "[Drugstore] facial cleansers and toners use similar ingredients as [products sold at] department stores," he says. As for makeup, Robinson says you ought to save on mascara, since formulations don't vary much from department store to drugstore. "Some department store brands actually try to copy drugstore brands," he says.

Total Savings: Considering you're supposed to replace your mascara every three months, you can save $60 to $132 per year. Drugstore cleansers and toners usually cost less than half the price of similar department store products, so you can cut that expense in half -- probably a savings of at least $60 per year on those two products alone. For example, if you switch from Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser, $23, to Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser, $7.49, you'll save almost $50 if you're replacing it three times a year. Make similar swaps with your toner, moisturizer, eye cream, etc., and the savings will continue to add up.

The Cost: For most of us, haircuts cost about $40 to $100.

How to Stretch It: To cut down on salon visits, Surething says the one cut you should avoid at all costs is a blunt, A-line bob. Ask for something low-maintenance and layered, like a long or medium shag.

No matter what length you decide, says celebrity stylist Lee Rittiner, you should never ask for bangs. "You always have to style bangs," says Rittiner, which means frequent trips back to the salon for trims. If you're a devoted member of the bangs society and simply will not give them up, try cutting them on your own. Rittiner suggests trimming bangs by holding your shears vertically, so the point is going into your fringe. "Never, ever cut a blunt line," he says. Surething says to separate the bangs into small pieces, cutting into them vertically (no more than 1/4") with thinning shears from the middle and working your way out.

Total Savings: By getting a low-maintenance cut that only needs updating twice a year rather than every two months, you'll save $160 to $400.

The Cost: Hour-long massages are usually $70 to $100.

How to Stretch It: Massages might seem mandatory after a long week, but their three-figure prices have a disappearing effect on your paycheck. For a cheap rubdown, find a massage school in your area. To get an official license as a massage therapist, students need to complete about 200 hours of therapy, so they're always looking for a pair of tight shoulders to rub. Most are about $25 per hour, with discounts for seniors and students. Check out the Natural Healer's website for a full list of massage schools around the country.

Total Savings: $45 to $75 per massage