HOW TO LOOK & FEEL GREAT FOR LESS!

From the perfect shampoo to relaxing spa treatments – your beauty regime needn’t break the bank if you shop smart

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Going for high-end brands doesn’t always mean a better product. “It’s worth watching reviews on Youtube for comparisons between highstreet and designer products or great recommendations for beauty dupes – cheaper products that work just as well as pricier ones,” says Abigail Yearley from Topcashback. co.uk. “It could save you hundreds. Bloggers swear by Nivea For Men’s post-shave balm as the ultimate primer, for example.” Aldi has also just launched a range of perfumes for £5.99 in similar scents to the popular Jo Malone ones, which retail for £45-plus. Similarly, skincare experts say as long as suncare has the UVA rating symbol, as well as protecting against UVB, the brand doesn’t matter, so you can safely pick sun cream from the pound shop if it has this.

LEARN SALON SECRETS

“If you prefer to go to a salon to get pampered, check if your favourite place is on Treatwell.co.uk, a website offering hair and spa discounts. Lots of small, independent shops are listed and you can bag a bargain,” says Abigail. Sites like Groupon also offer discount spa days, and you can often get great deals by looking for independent suppliers who work from home near you. Search for them on Facebook – type in “Nails in Cardiff” or “Swedish massage in Hull” and you could save up to 50% on salon prices.” It’s also worth asking your local salon if you can be a model for their trainees for a free cut and colour.

READ BEAUTY BLOGS

“Beauty bloggers and influencers often have some form of commercial relationship with beauty brands, so it’s worth regularly checking out their Instagram, Twitter and Youtube channels to see if they have a code you can use to receive a discount,” says Abigail. “And while you’re at it, follow all of your favourite beauty brands on social media. Some brands run exclusive 24-hour discounts for their followers, or offer earlier access to flash sales and discount days.”

GET AS MUCH AS 12% BACK IN CASHBACK!

“Cashback sites allow you to earn money back on your online shop. It’s a great way to ensure you get the latest beauty products for less,” says Abigail. Right now, Topcashback.co.uk is offering up to 12% cashback at Look Fantastic on all purchases for new customers, 5.25% cashback at Boots and an 8% saving with Clinique.”

BE A LOYAL CUSTOMER

“Many beauty brands and retailers, like Boots and Space NK, offer loyalty schemes both online and in store,” says Abigail. “They normally give you money-off or free gifts. You can also build up points to get products for free.” Boots offers one of the best loyalty schemes on the market – its Advantage Card gives you four points per £1 spend and it has regular points offers for card holders. With the Debenhams Beauty Card you also get a free Benefit eyebrow wax on your birthday!