Ask Cherry: Maintenance Fees

Dear Cherry,

It's a recession and I'm trying to save money. But I have new boo. Can you tell me what maintenance items are unacceptable to cut from my routine? I've been stretching my pedi's and brow work. Those can't and shouldn't be eliminated right?? What about those expensive teeth whitening strips? Or those fabulous salt scrubs from The Body Shop? Or all of the plug-ins strategically placed around my apartment...

Help!

- True Beauty on a Budget

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Dear Beauty,

Girl... I feel your pain. Primpin' ain't easy; especially in this economy.

My first suggestion is to skip the salon & and spa and DIY! From mani/pedi's to bikini waxes, you can save lots of $$$ by spending a little extra time taking care of yourself, yourself. To get you started I'll refer you to the lovely people over at Bella Sugar. They have complied a great list of DIY Spa Treatments including a good homemade body scrub. For your brows I suggest threading. There are lots of places that can hook you up for about $8 (NYC) - $12 (DC). Personally I've had better luck doing my own touch ups between threadings than w/ waxing. For DIY teeth whitening check out this article from Health.com

Things to nix: ACRYLIC NAILS!!! BOOO!!!! If you have them (this goes for all ladies, not just Beauty) let them GO! Fake nails are so Prom '98. If you suffer from weak or brittle nails, invest in some Duri Rejuvacote. Within two months I promise you you'll have killer nails and extra money in your wallet.

If you're shelling out lots of money on make-up I suggest checking out e.l.f. cosmetics. They sell awesome, yet dirt cheap make-up. Before purchasing any make-up, try it on using Instyle's Hollywood Makeover -- it's the best thing ever! Simply upload a picture of yourself and you can try various brands of different types of make up in numerous shades. If you're a salon quality product whore (I know I am!) hit up your local Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or Loehmann's. They carry all types of high-end haircare and skincare products for cheap.

Did I cover everything... oh, Plug-Ins!... Ditch the Plug-Ins! I have no idea WHY they are so expensive but even on sale w/ a coupon the nice ones that don't smell terrible can run you like $6 a pack. I suggest picking a concentrated Room Spray at Bath and Body Works or Pier 1. They retail at $5 and $6 respectively, and last forever. Unlike a Plug-In that runs all day, you just spray these when you need it. All it takes is a little spritz in each corner of the room and you're good for the rest of the day. I've had the same can for the past 3 years and it's still 1/2 full.

The most important thing is to de-stress as opposed to being in distress. Remember that you don't have to do EVERYTHING yourself, but even if you pick two things you can do at home that's a start, or alternate... I get spa pedi's maybe 3 times a year and then DIY in between.

I hope this helps you keep some ducats in your pockets!

- Cherry