Beauty advertisements are everywhere—YouTube tutorials, Instagram posts and traditional print media. With the global cosmetic products market valued at $532.43 billion in 2017 and Indian at $6 billion, the appeal to vanity is hardest to resist. High maintenance or low, beauty is an achievable ambition with some help from cosmetics. With a little information and some strategic spending, you can have great-looking skin and still have dosh left in your wallet at the end of the day. Here are a few easy tips on how to ace your skincare shopping list without maxing out your credit card.
Look within
Beautiful skin starts from nourishment within. There is no possible way that you can achieve gorgeous, radiant skin if you’re not eating healthy. Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. Eat a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables, and aim for at least five portions a day. Add a range of healthy nuts and fats (avocado is the best) and make sure to drink at least six-eight glasses of water a day. To ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet containing the best foods for skin health, it is advisable to speak to a nutritionist.
Homeward ahoy
Another good cash saver is to simply look around your kitchen and garden. Aloe vera, for example, is easily grown in our gardens and does absolute wonders for your skin and body. Try freezing aloe gel into ice cubes and massage daily or start your morning with an aloe juice. Another good option is coffee grounds. Coffee helps in smoothing that dimpled appearance of cellulite and has antioxidants that help to release toxins. Not every item will work for every skin type, but trying something you already have around the house is much more affordable than purchasing expensive versions. Search online for amazing DIY options to suit your skin type.
Go dual
Choose products strategically. One purchase could serve multiple purposes. For example, a face cream may also double up as a makeup remover/nourishing cleanser that removes the most stubborn residue. Or an SPF can also act as a daily moisturiser. Try and find products that are multi-purpose so you can buy quality products instead of a whole bagful of them.
Face steams
If you have trouble taking care of your skin or simply want to improve the general health of your skin, then you should without a doubt look into facial saunas/steaming. By adding this to your skincare routine, you will quickly notice an improvement in your skin and that awesome glow. Use flower or herb-infused waters for your steams to amp up the benefits.
The writer is founder, Gulnare Skincare