5 Beauty Tips That Won't Cost You a Dime

There are all sorts of "miracle products" on the market, but here are 5 tips that will improve your beauty routine without making you pull out your wallet...

1. Double Cleanse

Double Cleansing is getting increasingly popular in the world of beauty, but has actually been a technique in Korean skincare for decades. The skincare industry in Korea is ten times what it is here in the States and looking at their skin, we could learn a thing or two. Enter "double cleansing". Literally washing your face twice in a row. Ideally, start with a mild milk or oil-based cleanser and finish with a cleanser suited specifically for your skin type. But if you use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil, you can use it twice. The idea behind it is that it gives your skin a much deeper clean without being very harsh and later allows your serums, moisturizers and creams to be better absorbed. Most sunscreens, makeup, and even pollution just can't be erased with one wash. Things to remember: Do not cleanse twice with an exfoliating cleanser, only use it for the second wash. If you use a Clarisonic, or other similar device, ONLY use it for the second cleanse - or else you risk pushing makeup and dirt INTO your skin, eeeeks!

2. Take Care of Your Hands

I have just read an article that literally stated, "Applying lotion 5-7 times a day will keep your hands from looking like a crypt keeper’s in 10-20 years". Needless to say, it freaked me out. There's also that saying, "You can always tell a woman's age by her hands". I give so much care to my face, what a disaster it would be to be given away by my hands! So I am happy to report they are now getting lots of love. After about a week of intense lotion-applying, they are smooth as silk! I use this baby and it's a dream!

3. Drink Water

Literally, how many times have you been told to drink more water by a beauty blog, magazine or know-it-all friend? About a million? Me too. It's almost annoying to hear someone say they attribute their good skin to water... I used to be so skeptical and try to pry harder, "Well water, of course, duh, me too, but what serum are you currently using?" Except then I actually started drinking more water and I figured out they were all right. My skin is easily more dewy and healthy when I am remembering to drink water throughout the day. It's plump and pliable and breakouts disappear way faster. So if you (like me) ignored everyone else, start now!!

4. Dermaplane

This is a fancy way of saying (don't freak out) shaving your face. Shaving your face, yes with a razor, is the easiest and least expensive way to combat aging. And it's effective! Take a look at some older men who have been shaving for their whole lives - the lower part of their face is essentially wrinkle-free. The reason is that dermaplaning mildly exfoliates and promotes collagen production. The technique: Take a razor that you would use to shave your legs (but not the ACTUAL one you use to shave your legs) and shave like you would your legs, but in a downward motion. It requires a bit of finesse at first, but it's easy to get used to. As for your hair growing back dark and thick? Total. Myth. I have been shaving my face once a week for the better part of a year and have no reason to stop anytime soon. For an extra treat, apply a Vitamin C serum immediately afterwards. Vitamin C is full of antioxidants and stimulates new cell growth. Applying Vitamin C after shaving is the equivalent of giving your skin a big punch of goodness, since the mild exfoliation helps the serum to penetrate deep into your skin. Obagi has amazing Vitamin C serums if you're in the market (scroll down to Obagi Professional C)...

5. Wash Your Makeup Brushes

Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well apparently, most women can't even remember the last time they washed their brushes. I am guilty of this from time to time and then race to the bathroom to wash them because I get so grossed out. Here's some motivation if you're in need: Brushes not only harbor germs and bacteria, but also transfer it around your face and even to your actual makeup. When you neglect your brushes, product gets caked on causing them to become dry and brittle, which will irritate your skin. Clean brushes are soft and fluffy! Lastly, when was the last time you bought makeup brushes? Those babies aren't cheap! Proper maintenance and care will make your brushes last so much longer, while also keeping your skin in tip-top shape!

xo,

The Ging Twins

*Image from TotalBeauty.com