Looking Good Despite Trump’s Bad Economy

Looking Good Despite Trump’s Bad Economy

By Cate Rees-Hessel

We are all suffering from Trump’s bad economy these days: tariffs, rising gas and grocery prices and the cost of other essentials skyrocketing, make it more difficult to budget my shrinking dollar. It’s important to look our best, despite economic woes. So here are some suggestions for looking good in a bad economy:

1. Drug store brands and store brands can often work as well as more expensive skin care products, but read the labels carefully before buying.
2. Avoid cosmetics that are made in China – they are unregulated. Some well known name brands are making their products there, so buyer beware. There are also products from these companies that use made in the USA or elsewhere but are assembled in China – I personally avoid these, as well. Certain reputable firms have some products made in other countries, but still have China made products as well – check each item individually. Labels can read made in PRC, which means Peoples Republic of China. Products of the Republic of China (ROC), otherwise known as Taiwan, are OK, though.
3. Look for cruelty free cosmetics, and labels that say paraben, sulfate, phthalate, and artificial fragrance-free. Do your due diligence research before purchasing and keep your receipts in case you miss something in the labeling. Search for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol or its substitutes, or salicylic acid in skin care lines.
4. Don’t be afraid to seek out samples. Some online retailers offer free shipping, also.
5. Be cautious of SPF in skin care items – sunscreen is very important but certain ingredients can be unsafe. The FD only considers two – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – as “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE).
6. Check expiration dates on clearance cosmetics, as well as the protective coverings. Often the outside packaging might look a bit worse for the wear but the seals are intact.
7. If a pedicure or manicure are not in your budget, opt for polish changes – most salons will trim or file nails with that service. Most salons have free massage chairs, many have cuticle oil and lotion. Buy a good pair of cuticle nippers and a cuticle pusher to groom at home before visiting your nail tech. Most salons offer cuticle grooming for a nominal add-on service when getting false nail fills. If you opt to do your own nails, file in one direction working toward the center. Look for online coupons and Groupon deals. I might add to be cautious – I have had many a great Groupon deal but have been burned once. Be cautious – check out the business thoroughly that is offering the special; use the Better Business Bureau website and online reviews before buying.
8. Thrifting and resale can save a lot of money on clothing, but look closely for wear and tear – avoid any garment with tears or stains. A good steam iron and clothing pill shaver can be an enormous help in keeping your wardrobe fresh. Use your clothes dryer to refresh dryable items between washings. Make sure buttons are secure and well fastened. Stretched out items can be somewhat revitalized with some spray starch. Trimming loose threads and frays with a sharp pair of scissors can extend the life of clothes and accessories. Shoe polish and the use of a good cobbler shop can make footwear last longer. “Magic erasers” type scrubbing pads on casual and athletic shoes with white soles can keep them looking clean and newer.
9. Take good care of your teeth. Review dental plans very carefully before choosing one. Read labels on whitening products carefully – certain budget products can, as I previously warned, be made in China.
10. Vintage finds can be very fashionable but remove shoulder pads, stirrups, and the like before wearing. Update the look with modern accessories.
11. Clothes swaps or giveaways and free cycling can be very helpful for tight budgets.
12. Accessories like costume jewelry and scarves are a great way to update your look.
13. Budget hair salons can do a good job when you communicate with the stylist. Explain exactly what you want and take one or more photo(s) along of the hair style you want.
14. Condition and shampoo often; use styling products to keep hair cuts fresh. At home hair color is fine, just pay attention to the shades on the box and condition. Do a patch test before coloring and don’t leave it on longer than called for. A professional bottle of color from the beauty supply store (without activator) can be used as a filler for over the counter colors. Use ash tones to avoid brassiness and a good purple shampoo and/or conditioner.
15. Prescription glasses are expensive, so opt for frames that are versatile and durable. Use mildly abrasive toothpaste with a soft cloth to reduce scratches on the lenses. Never put your glasses down with the lens touching any surface – this can cause scratching. Keep a case and microfiber cloth handy.
16. Make your own skin care products – recipes are available online. I use salt, sugar, and cooking oil to make body scrubs, mixed to a little dryer than a slurry consistency. Outdated yogurt and beyond their prime fruits also make great face masks.
17. Non-aerosol body sprays are less pricey than actual cologne and perfume. They are often lighter in fragrance, subtle, and pretty. Stretch them by adding just a bit of alcohol as they get used up. I buy a large bottle of my favorite Jean Nate and pour it into a purse size spray bottle with just a bit of alcohol mixed in. Keep the fragrance cool in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing splash.
18. Mix and match separates can create many different outfits for one low cost.
19. Fine jewelry is expensive but can be a good investment. I personally don’t care for lab created diamonds, but they are a money saver and technically are considered diamonds. I would prefer a smaller natural diamond myself, but to each their own. Other gemstones, both precious and semi precious, are equally as lovely as diamonds in a different way. Opt for natural, untreated, unheated stones. 925 sterling silver, ten or fourteen carat gold are decent quality options when eighteen carat gold is not within your budget. I have heard of nine carat gold, also, but am not familiar with it. Do your research before buying fine jewelry. Online purchases can be OK but ask for certification in writing. Vintage jewelry can be beautiful and unique with a better price tag. Take your finds to a jeweler to be tested for authentication. Jewelry stores will often test and clean jewelry as a courtesy.
20. Opt for higher quality disposable razors as a grooming tool. The cheaper ones often leave hairs behind – you won’t get as close of a shave. Decent grade tweezers are also a better buy.
21. Loss leader introductory pricing on spa services can be intriguing, but make sure only one treatment is needed to see results. That intro price for one visit may require very costly follow up visits to be successful. Again, do your homework.
22. At home beauty and grooming devices might take longer for results to be seen than salon treatment but once you own the device, multiple uses are free of charge. Check reviews and safety info to avoid issues.
23. Using split payment services like Klarna can make purchases a bit easier to budget. When applying for credit, if possible, opt for cards that offer no interest payments for an extended period of time. One of our main credit cards gave six months of no interest upon opening our account.
24. Beauty schools often have inexpensive clinics and sometimes offer free services for models that are willing to take part in classroom demos.
25. Good grooming is not expensive and it’s the most important element in looking good. A daily bath or shower, shampoo, and shaving are integral in making a nice appearance. Put a smile on your face as well – a pleasant look is beautiful in any economy.