10 self-care swaps that saved me $150 in beauty routines

Self-care doesn’t have to drain your bank account. A lot of beauty routines are marked up because they sound fancier than they are. Once I got more intentional with what actually worked for my skin, hair, and routine, I found myself ditching overpriced products for smarter swaps—and saving a surprising amount. These aren’t low-effort or low-quality. They’re things I use daily or weekly that give me the same results I used to pay way more for.

Swapped Makeup Wipes for Micellar Water and Washcloths

Makeup wipes seem convenient until you realize how fast you go through them. I switched to micellar water and a reusable washcloth, and I haven’t looked back. It’s gentler on skin, especially around the eyes, and one bottle lasts forever.

Most drugstore micellar waters cost less than a couple packs of wipes and actually remove makeup better. Plus, I’m not tossing something in the trash every night, so it cuts down on waste too.

Started Dermaplaning at Home Instead of Booking Facials

I used to get facials every few months for the glow and exfoliation, but I’ve gotten nearly the same results using a $5 pack of dermaplaning tools at home. It takes five minutes and makes my skin feel smoother instantly.

No, it doesn’t mess with your hair growth, and yes, it helps makeup go on better. I still get a professional facial occasionally, but doing this once a week on my own cut out at least $100 a year.

Traded Fancy Scrubs for Coffee Grounds and Coconut Oil

I used to buy body scrubs with pretty packaging and strong scents, but honestly, nothing works better than used coffee grounds mixed with a little coconut oil. It’s gritty without being harsh and leaves skin really soft.

I started making small batches after saving grounds from my morning coffee, and it’s completely free. Store-bought scrubs can run $10–$15 easy, and this swap worked better than most of them ever did.

Replaced Shaving Cream With Conditioner

Shaving cream always felt like something I was “supposed” to buy, but I realized it wasn’t doing anything special. So I started using the cheap conditioner I already had in my shower, and it actually gave me a better shave.

It softens the hair, moisturizes the skin, and makes razors glide without dulling the blade. I haven’t bought shaving cream in years and I don’t miss it. One bottle of conditioner lasts me forever.

Cut Back on Hair Masks and Started Oiling Weekly

Instead of splurging on salon hair masks, I started oiling my hair once a week with almond or castor oil. I leave it in for a few hours—or overnight—and it keeps my ends strong and scalp healthy.

Those $20 jars of deep conditioner weren’t giving me any better results. A single bottle of oil can last six months or more, and you can actually feel the difference when you’re consistent with it.

Swapped Salon Brow Appointments for Tweezing and Tinting at Home

Getting my brows done professionally every few weeks added up fast. Now, I tweeze stray hairs regularly and use a $10 brow tint kit that lasts multiple months. The results are surprisingly close to what I was paying $20–$25 for.

It takes a steady hand the first couple of tries, but once you get used to it, it’s easy. And tinting at home saves me the awkward in-between phase where my brows looked undone.

Started Using a Bar Soap Instead of Expensive Body Wash

I used to be all about body wash, especially the “hydrating” or “firming” ones. But I finally went back to a basic moisturizing bar soap and it actually made my skin feel better. Less residue, less fragrance, and no more dryness.

Plus, one $4 bar lasts way longer than a bottle of body wash. I store it in a soap saver so it doesn’t turn to mush, and I don’t waste product every time I shower.

Replaced Heat Styling With Overnight Braids and Satin Scrunchies

Constant heat styling was damaging my hair more than I realized. I started doing overnight braids and using satin scrunchies to avoid creases. It gave me the waves I liked without touching a curling wand.

I also sleep on a satin pillowcase now, which helps with frizz and breakage. It doesn’t cost much at all but made my hair routine faster and healthier, which meant fewer products and less fixing damage later.

Used Vaseline Instead of High-End Lip Masks

Those $20 lip masks might smell nice, but plain old Vaseline works just as well overnight. I started applying a small dab before bed and it kept my lips soft through winter without needing constant reapplying.

I’ll still throw a tube of tinted balm in my bag during the day, but I haven’t bought a high-end treatment in over a year. A small tub of Vaseline lasts forever and costs under $2.

Traded Toners and Essences for Cold Water and Aloe Gel

I tried a few trendy toners and essences, but most of them ended up irritating my skin or doing nothing. Now I splash cold water after cleansing and use aloe vera gel if my skin feels tight.

It’s cooling, calming, and way less expensive than layering multiple products. A good aloe gel can cost under $10 and lasts for months. It also works well under makeup, which was an unexpected bonus.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.