Many years ago when my grandmother would brush my hair she would sometimes tell me if I was complaining “Well, it hurts to be beautiful”. I’ve taken this sentiment with me in life and remembered it often. It might be when I’m in the middle of a workout at the gym or getting the 10th prick during my Botox maintenance but the sentiment remains that sometimes it does actually hurt to be beautiful. What I found out later in life is that the pain isn’t always physical it can also be financial.
Chasing beauty can be expensive. Keeping up my appearance has always been important to me but when I see a chance to save some money I definitely want to try it. What I have found is that not every beauty secret needs to break the bank and not every one that does is actually worth it. Here are some beauty secrets that are completely pain-free both physically and financially.
GEL NAILS
Want a gel nail finish without salon prices?
BONA.HORA
Available on Amazon in 18 different patterns and starting at ₹299 these Korean-made strips will take your nails to a new level and no one will know you paid less than ₹300.
Amazon link
DASHING DIVA GLOSS
A little more expensive but still easier on the wallet than the salon, these gel gloss nail strips are easy to put on and come in a variety of patterns. Prices start at ₹499 and go up to ₹850.
Amazon link
THE VINE TIPS FOR APPLICATION:
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Make sure your nails are completely clean and dry before applying the strips
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Use the nail file in the package to remove the excess nail strip from the edge of the nail, always filing in one direction
PERFECT PEDICURES
Chasing the perfect pedicure that lasts longer than a week?
SYNATY EVERLASTING FRENCH NAILS
Synaty Everylasting French Nails come in a packet of 24 along with an applicator and a little bottle of nail glue that goes a long way. Retailing at ₹330 these glue-on nails look just like the real thing and will last a lot longer.
Amazon link
DASHING DIVA PEDI
Coming in on the higher side, Dashing Diva Pedi nails start at ₹765 and can go upwards to ₹1000 depending on the design. And the designs are really fabulous from daily wear to more fancy, there are nail designs for almost every occasion.
Amazon link
THE VINE TIPS FOR APPLICATION:
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I prepared each nail by cutting and filing from the bottom edge. The Synaty nails come quite long and I keep mine short but I was able to clip and file them with no problem.
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Make certain to use enough glue and hold and press with the applicator until the nail has a good seal.
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Have a big night out and are worried about the nails? Take a couple of them along with that little bottle of glue.
HAIR COLOR
Want to keep your blonde going strong without spending ₹10k every 6 weeks?
NISHA ULTRA BLONDE HAIR CREAM
The lightest color available in the Nisha Crème Hair Color collection, this color rates at a #10 (Ultra Blonde), performs as well as any other box color you may find back home, and at the low price of ₹220 per application, you can save the rest of your cash!
This box color gave me wonderful coverage and didn’t give me a brassy look.
Amazon link
STREAX RICH PLATINUM CREAM HAIR COLOR
Is your hair light with more gray or are you going for a gray silvery look? This color #9.1 Rich Platinum would be for you. Get a platinum silver color for ₹120 per application.
Amazon link
THE VINE TIP: Make sure you have a plastic bowl to mix your color and developer together in – these boxes do not come with a bottle applicator.
DRY SHAMPOO
Looking for a solution to keep your hair looking fine and fresh in the humid Indian summer?
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Starting off at ₹399 for 199ml this dry shampoo adds lift and volume all while helping you maintain your style for longer. Retailing in the states for around $7 for the same amount, we have found one of those special products that actually retails for less here in India.
Amazon link
ENLIVEN DRY SHAMPOO
Newer to the market is the Enliven Dry Shampoo available in Tropical scent. Retailing for ₹225 for 200ml this product is comparable to Batiste but over $2 dollars cheaper per bottle. Spray away, friends!
Amazon link
THE VINE TIPS FOR APPLICATION: Spray at the root and brush it through just a bit. If you have darker hair look for a spray specifically for brunettes by Batiste.
LIPS
Putting up a pout while searching for a natural-looking lip that can go from day to night?
XBY PEEL OFF LONG LASTING LIP COLOR
I picked up two different colors, Cherry Red and Rose Pink, for less than ₹300. I was hesitant at first, especially when I applied it the first time but I quickly became a convert when I received glowing praise from my teenage daughter who immediately had to try it!
Amazon link
THE VINE TIPS FOR APPLICATION
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Do your best to make certain to stay within your lip line when you apply.
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Keep your lips apart and breathe in through your mouth for a couple of minutes while the tint set.
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Use a cotton swab or tissue to gently wipe the set tint off your lips – remember the longer you leave the darker it will be!
