Since I moved out of Queens I have been avoiding going to get a pedicure. I hail from a land where you can get a mani-pedi for 15 bucks on Tuesday and Wednesday. Seriously, it’s that cheap. So, paying 25 bucks for a pedicure alone was giving me a little but of sticker shock. The other day I had a “treat yo self!” moment and I went t the local salon for a gel pedicure, and it was glorious. And it also got me thinking: When is it time to buy and when is it time to DIY? Here is what I narrowed it down to, for me. Maybe It’s different for everyone, but this is what I think makes sense.

 

BUY

• Pedicures: Especially uv gel ones. They look SO good, and you don’t run the risk or smudging them when you put your shoes back on. Plus they last a really long time, especially on the toes. I have been doing my own pedicures for a few months now, and I have to say there is just no comparison. You just can’t get all up in your feet like someone else can, it’s just a matter of human anatomy really. Sure you can keep your feet nice between pedicures, but trust me I’ve done the experiment. It’s worth it to have someone else do it when the time comes.
• Makeup Products: OK I have seen 196878 tutorials on Pinterest for DIY makeup products, and I am all for making your own stuff if it works well . . .but leave the makeup to the professionals. Cinnamon and baby powder might be the color of bronzer, and if you mix vaseline or coconut oil with a pigment it will look sort of like gel eyeliner but these products will NOT perform the way commercial products will. Beauty products are tested and reformulated many times both for safety and for performance, and it shows. If you are someone who is looking for a 100% natural alternative, then that is a different story but there are more and more organic makeup companies popping up all the time, and some of their products perform VERY well, so I think those are a better option.
• Hair Cuts/ Color: Some very talented, rare people can cut their own hair, but most people can not. Do you want to find out you’re on of the ones who can’t? I didn’t think so. As far as color is concerned, those box dyes can be tempting but they are far more damaging to your hair than you probably realize. You might not notice until it comes time to try and change the color, or if you mess it up and have to try to correct it. I have seen this nightmare play out many times, and have even been through it myself. If you ask me, just seek a professional and have them do something low maintenance. It will save you some heartache.

DIY

• Manicures: There is nothing wrong with going to get a professional manicure every now and then, but getting good at doing your own is a valuable skill. There will be times where you don’t have money or time to get one at a salon, and you will be very happy that you know how to make them look good on your own. Plus, if you’re like me and you get bored of a color after 3 days, getting them done professionally sometimes just isn’t worth it. I do, however reccomend a UV gel manicure before a trip, that way you don’t have to worry about it while traveling.
• Body Scrubs: Oil + Salt or Sugar + Some Scent = Every body scrub on earth. Well, maybe not. There might be a fancy one out there with better ingredients in it, but for the most part it really is that simple. Why pay 15 bucks for a small jar of what you can most likely make in your kitchen? All you’re really cutting out are a bunch of preservatives and artificial colors anyway.
• SOME Masks: There are some very effective face and hair masks that you can make at home, on the cheap, that will do nice things for your hair and skin. They’re easy, harmless, affordable and fun. But that doesn’t mean you should cut out all other masks as well. There are some face masks and hair masks that do things that you just can replicate at home, and usually you will benefit from those too.

This is definitely not a complete list, but these are the ones that seem obvious to me. Is there anything you always buy, or always DIY?

 

Tags:  beauty products diy ideas tips