Many people – both men and women – are religious about skin care and/or beauty regimes, myself included. While it can be expensive, it’s not an area in our budget we’re willing to cut completely; but that doesn’t mean we can’t save money while pampering ourselves. Here are some tips to keep you looking and smelling beautiful – without busting your budget.

All-Natural Household Items

Believe it or not, many of the items in your kitchen are much cheaper and healthier for your skin than conventional beauty products. The combination of honey and oatmeal makes a perfect deep cleansing spa treatment that both hydrates your skin and reduces inflammation. Raw honey also has natural antibacterial properties that provide gentle but effective cleansing. Mix honey with a little olive oil to create an inexpensive but moisturizing hair conditioner.

Buying Basics? Choose Generic Brands

When it comes to the basic beauty essentials – such as cotton balls, makeup applicators and hair clips – buy generic brands. You can save a bundle by stocking up at discount stores instead of purchasing expensive brand items from department stores. I like to purchase hand sanitizer, cotton swabs and bath sponges from places like the Dollar Store.

Online Specials and Daily Deals

Thanks to sites like Groupon, and Living Social it’s easy to get up to a 90% discount on treatments from the best salons and spas in your area. Do a little online research to look for coupons or daily specials for tanning salons, teeth whitening and even laser hair removal treatments. I found an offer in my area for a spa facial treatment 70% off the original price.

Make Your Dollar Go Further

The best way to make your visits to the salon last – and therefore go less and spend less – is by having a very good maintenance routine. You can preserve your hair color by washing your hair less often, using a good conditioner, or giving your hair a break from heat styling. Keep your face and skin looking healthy between appointments by always using sunscreen developing a good cleansing and moisturizing routine.

The Places to Splurge

If you feel like treating yourself, some treatments and products are worth the extra money. Pick and choose what you want to splurge on and cut back everywhere else. If you’ve had an extremely stressful week, it may be worth it to pay for a massage. Do what makes you feel best, but know that you’re budget should be a priority; so if you’re splurging somewhere, make sure to cut back somewhere else.

Are these kind of products typically part of your budget? How do you save money while maintaining your hygiene? Are there any other products you can make with in-home essentials? Share your tips in the comments below!

Carrie Smith is a PerkStreet Customer Columnist who has worked as a freelance Certified Bookkeeper for nine years and as a Tax Specialist for four. She specializes in small business and oil and gas accounting. She has written several finance and accounting articles at Hubpages.com, and also writes regularly on her own blog CarefulCents. Follow her on Twitter @applecsmith.