How I'm Saving Money on Beauty Products

When it comes to my beauty routine, I've been in a saving sort of mood lately. It's not that I won't splurge on big-ticket items, but, more that I'm pretty beauty savvy and know a trick or two. So I figured the least I could do is share a couple hints to help you smarten up too. At the very least, you'll have an extra buck or 500 for a new pair of shoes.

Get crafty: For mascara, buy a department store brand with an amazing wand (it's all about the wand.) I like Lancome Defincils Pro Mascara, $25. Then, when it's used up, save the wand and use it with a cheaper, drugstore mascara. The truth is, most mascaras are made with the same ingredients, so they don't really vary all that much. But having an amazing wand can make a major difference to your lashes.

Try travel size tools: If you've been dying to buy a pricey tool like a rotating facial brush or high-end tweezers, buy the travel size versions instead. Yes, they are a smidgen smaller, but they do the same job for much less money.

Double up on products: Even though it's tempting to get them all, you really don't need every product out there. You can get away with using your face cream as an eye cream and your body lotion as a foot cream -- things like that. Not only is this a good tip if you're trying to save some dough, but it's also helpful when you're a girl on the go and need to pack lightly (always a challenge).

Be thrifty: Cut cotton balls in half. They are usually made larger than actually needed. So tear 'em in half and double the life of yours. That also means fewer trips to the store.

Score free products: Follow brands on Twitter and visit sites like Total Beauty that give away beauty loot. I'm also fascinated by "Extreme Couponing" (a reality show that demonstrates how much you can save if you just use your brain -- and some scissors) and it prompted me to sign up for the rewards programs at Rite Aid, CVS and Duane Reade. Clubs like that are a great way to get free coupons and other money-saving certificates.

Those are my money saving tips. Now, when I feel compelled to splurge, these are the items I can't resist.