Remember when we used to drop half our paycheck on fancy blowouts and celeb-worthy facials, only to curse our empty fridges when we got home?
Yeah, me too.
I was that girl who thought salon beauty treatments were a non-negotiable part of adulting. But then reality hit – in the form of a struggling bank account and a craving for something more substantial than ramen and cereal every week – and I figured there has to be a way out of this hellhole, right?
Well, I’m glad to say yes, there is. Thanks to hundreds of hours on BeautyTok and this shifty economy, I’ve cracked the code on how to get that luscious, salon-worthy glow without breaking the bank or planning a Money Heist-level caper. You know you’ve thought about it.
So, stop Googling “how to sell feet pics” and “can I do OnlyFans with a mask?” and come see how much money you can save this month by turning your home into your personal five-star spa.
Trust me, it’s a lot – like a vacation in Turks and Caicos a lot (okay, maybe a low-budget Miami trip, but money is money). And the results you’ll get? So good, you might never step foot in a salon again!
Brow Tinting
I forwent: Monthly brow beauty treatments ($40-$100) for the Maybelline New York Brow Tattoo Long-lasting Tint ($13) — saved me $37 a month./
We all know the struggle of keeping our brows on fleek. One moment, they’re looking all thick, lush, and perfect, and the next? You’re staring at a faded mess – just that two-week relationship back in your campus years. *Eye roll*
Luckily, tinting eyebrows is one of the most straightforward and seamless beauty treatments you could ever do at home.
What You Need For This Beauty Treatment
- An eyebrow tint kit (trust me, it’s cheaper than two salon visits)
- Petroleum jelly (your skin’s best friend in this process)
- A timer (because we’re not trying to go full Groucho Marx here)
A Step-By-Step Guide To Brow-mazing Results
1. Cleanse your brows and surrounding skin – Remove any makeup, oils, or remnants of last night’s regrets. Top Tip: apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your brows to keep the tint from staining your skin.
2. Mix your potion – Combine the tint and activator or as directed in the kit’s instructions. Stir until you get a smooth, even consistency.
3. Paint away – Channel your inner Jean Michel-Basquiat and apply the mixture to your eyebrows. Use the applicator and ensure to cover the hair from the root to the tip.
4. Wait It out – Let the eyebrow beauty treatment sit for the recommended 5-15 minutes. The longer you wait, the darker and sexier the color. You can use this time to contemplate your life choices or figure out what you’ll be cooking for dinner (why is it always such a struggle?).
5. Wipe off the tint – Use a damp cotton pad or cloth to gently wipe off the tint. If your brows are still playing hide and seek, feel free to go for round two.
6. Rise and reveal – Give your brows a lukewarm water rinse, and pat them dry. Voila! You now have salon-quality brows that’ll make everyone think you splurged and saved enough cash for a fancy latter. Or, you know, to clear those student loans like a responsible adult. (But seriously, get the latte.)
Easy enough, right? I’ve got more!
Gel Manicure & Removals
I forwent Bi-weekly nail beauty treatments ($30-$80) for the Morovan Poly Gel Nail Kit ($33) with a 48W LED Lamp, base coat, top coat, 6pcs pure color + 2pcs temperature-changing color poly gel, and other basic nail art supplies—this saved me $180.
Storytime: I love gel manicures. They last long, offer a variety of options, and are luxurious.
But after one too many botched salon attempts (I swear one time my nail tech almost took my finger off, and another made my nails look more like a Jackson Pollock painting than a polished masterpiece), I decided to take matters into my own hands.
Little did I know, I was about to unlock a world of nail art possibilities and serious savings.
What You’ll Need For This Beauty Treatment
- A gel nail kit (UV/LED lamp included – it’s an investment, but so worth it)
- Bonder polish (think of it as super glue for your nails)
- Gel polish remover (because mistakes happen)
- A rough nail file (we’re going for texture, not a hand exfoliation)
How To Make Your Digits Look Luxurious
1. Prep your nails –Trim and shape to your desired length and style (I love almonds and ballerinas because they don’t break easily compared to lipsticks, mountain peaks, and stilettos). Also, push back your cuticles and buff the surface of each nail to ensure the gel adheres appropriately.
2. SPF (never forget to sunscreen, sis) – Before applying any product, slather your fingers with SPF 50 and let it sit for about 15 minutes before moving on to the next step. This will protect you from the harsh UV rays.
3. Bond, nail bond – Apply a thin layer of bond. This is your insurance against premature polish pop-offs.
4. Base it – Apply a thin layer of the base coat to each nail. Cure it under your UV or LED light for about 60 seconds. This sets the foundation for your luxurious gel beauty treatment.
5. Color me impressed – Apply a thin layer of your preferred gel polish color. Cure each layer under the UV or LED light. Depending on the polish’s opacity, you might need 2-3 coats to get your desired finish. Cure each coat as you go.
6. Seal the deal – Apply a layer of the top coat to seal in color and add that glossy, salon-finish shine. Give it one last cure. That’s what separates amateurs from the pros.
7. Clean up on aisle N – Use a cotton pad with some alcohol to wipe off the tacky later on top of your nails. You might also need the gel remover for any major messes made. Also, before I forget, make sure to apply cuticle oil (I love the CND Solar Oil, $11) – it keeps your gelled digits healthy, hydrated, and strong all month long.
And just like that? You’re done. The best thing about an at-home gel mani is that you can change your nail color on a whim without guilt. Feeling moody on Tuesday? Bam! New nails. It’s literally like therapy but cheaper and with more sophisticated results.
Related: How To Rehab Your Nails After A Gel Polish Peeling Disaster
Pro-Level Facials
I forwent: Bi-weekly beauty treatments ($100-$180) for a personalized, cozy, and oh-so-affordable at-home facial that saved me over $1200! No cap! Facials are hella expensive.
Sure, we love a good, relaxing, and oh-so-luxurious professional facial, but let’s be real – our wallets aren’t always on board with that splurge. Thankfully, you can get that spa-worthy glow right from the comfort of your home.
Now, before you roll your eyes thinking this is some boring skincare lecture, hear me out. This isn’t just any old face wash routine – I’m talking about a personalized spa experience that’ll leave you feeling like a new person. Intrigued? I thought so!
What You’ll Need For This Beauty Treatment
- Trusty gentle cleanser (because we’re not trying to wage war on our face)
- Exfoliator of your choice (dead skin cells, your time is up!)
- Steam source (time to channel your inner teapot)
- LED mask (yes, we’re going full Tron)
- Specialized beauty treatment or serum (liquid gold for your face)
- Moisturizer (hydration nation)
I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture!
My Eternity-Approved Pro-Level Facial Game Plan
1. Cleanse your skin – If you want to achieve glass skin, you know, those Korean beauty treatment results that have been floating all over TikTok, you need to cleanse and double-cleanse your face first.
2. Exfoliate – Whether you prefer the gritty satisfaction of a scrub or the science-y feel of a chemical exfoliant, this step is key to unveiling your freshest face yet.
3. Let’s steam, baby – Channel your inner spy and create a mini sauna by leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head. But if you’re feeling fancy, invest in a facial steamer – either way, your pores will be living their best, most open life.
4. Slip on your LED face mask – Rather than slapping on some goopy mask, for a salon-worthy glow, you need to go full-on Daft Punk with an LED mask. Strap it and bask in the glow of red, blue, or green light therapy for 15-30 minutes and enjoy ache-, fine lines-, and hyperpigmentation-free skin. Fancy, right?
5. Apply serum – This is where the magic happens. I love the La Roche Posay Ultra-Concentrated Effaclar Serum ($43). It literally speaks to my skin’s deepest desires. It’s got glycolic acid for boosting skin radiance, niacinamide for brightening dark marks, and salicylic acid for unclogging and refining pores. It’s everything you’ll ever need in a serum potion!
6. Finish off with your favorite moisturizer and SPF (if it’s during the day). By this point, your skin should be singing praises to the skincare gods.
Related: How To Create Your Ideal Skincare Routine As A Black Girl In 2024
Foot Treatment
I forwent Bi-weekly pedicure appointments ($50-$80) for at-home foot treatments using a combination of cost-friendly scrubs, masks, and massages – which saved me $260.
Forget the glass slipper. I aim for golden arches in my 30s. Your feet work hard; they carry you through the day and endure endless hours in uncomfortable shoes, so it’s time to give them some TLC.
The best part? I discovered an easy, affordable, and surprisingly refreshing way to pamper yourself with a foot treatment without spending your rent.
What You’ll Need For This Beauty Treatment
- A large basin (or a kiddie pool if you’re feeling extra)
- Warm water
- Epsom salts (the OG foot refresher)
- A handful of smooth river rocks (trust me on this one)
- Foot scrub (sayonara, dead skin!)
- A pumice stone or foot file (let’s get medieval on that dead skin)
- Foot mask (sheet masks, but make it feet)
- Moisturizing socks (yep, they’re a thing)
- Your favorite rich foot cream
- Optional: A mini fan (you’ll see why)
My Guide To Total Foot Bliss
1. Soak and detox – Start by filling a basin with warm water and adding a generous handful of Epsom salts. Now, here’s where I zig instead of zag. I toss in a few smooth river rocks, soak my feet, and roll them over the rocks for an impromptu reflexology session. It’s like a pebble beach vacation for your feet, minus the sunburn and overpriced cocktails.
2. Scrub-A-Dub – After soaking (and when your toes are sufficiently prune-y), it’s time to slough off dead skin. Go to town with your foot scrub, and then use the pumice stone or foot file to gently buff away any remaining rough spots.
3. Now for the sci-fi twist – Slip on those foot sheet masks. Yes, they look ridiculous. And no, your cat will never look at you the same way again. But trust me, 20 minutes of soaking up all that moisture will have your feet thanking you.
4. Cryotherapy for your feet? – Yes, hun. Blast your feet with a mini fan while you wear the masks. It gives this much-needed and super-relaxing cooling effect that’s perfect, especially during the summer.
5. Deep conditioning but for tootsies – Once you’ve peeled off the beauty treatment masks (and hopefully not scared of any houseplants), it’s time to massage in that rich foot cream like you’re kneading dough for the world’s most luxurious bread.
6. Moisturizing socks? – Yes, you’re going to need those. They’re like sleeping bags for your feet, locking in all that goodness while you explore dreamland or binge-watch the new season of Survival of the Thickest.
Want to share your favorite at-home beauty treatment wins or epic fails? Comment below or tag us in your before-and-after pics. Let’s prove that looking fabulous doesn’t have to break the bank.
