7 Life-Changing Ways To Save On Beauty Products

As a self-described beauty addict, I'm all about the products. From hair to makeup to nails, I love trying out the latest and greatest new beauty trends. But all those products can get expensive, which is why you need these life-changing ways to save money on beauty products.

Saving money on beauty products is kind of a game for me. I could easily blow an entire paycheck on products alone, so I've had to learn which products to save on and which to splurge on. Expensive makeup has a way of making you feel like life is a little more luxurious, but it definitely adds up over time. It's all about figuring out what's right for you. I know I only wash my hair two times a week, so I save on shampoo and conditioner and splurge on my favorite brand of dry shampoo and a healing treatment that helps save my hair during my bi-weekly blowdrying.

Every person is different — you may love splurging on bi-monthly highlights, while I might consider weekly manicures a necessary indulgence. But when it comes to products, everyone wants ways to save money, especially if they're as easy as these seven ways to save money I live by.

1. Search for high-end dupes

There's basically an entire industry dedicated to finding drugstore versions of high-end beauty products. Instagram account @dupethat is my go-to source for finding a less expensive version of my favorite products. If the product you're looking for isn't featured, Google is your best friend. It's how I figured out L'Oreal Voluminous Original mascara is the closest replica of my beloved Diorshow.

2. Use your Amazon Prime membership to your advantage

Amazon's beauty section is one of my favorite sources for hard-to-find products that are often cheaper than other stores. If you have a Prime membership, take advantage of your discounts and two-day shipping to stock up on beauty products through Amazon.

3. Find products that can multitask

I'm not a big fan of traditional eye makeup remover because it leaves me feeling greasy and gross. Same goes for lotion — I know how important it is, but I always forget to apply it after a shower because I'm not a fan of the texture. That's why I keep a jar of coconut oil in my bathroom. It's genius at taking eye makeup off and is a great moisturizer to boot. The same goes for Vaseline. I use it as a lip balm and rub it on my heels before bed when they're extra dry.

4. Buy large versions of products to save money

This is one of my favorite tricks for when I'm shopping at a store. If a product is sold in two sizes, do some quick math to see which is a better deal. My beloved Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment is $13.50 for a 1-oz. bottle and $39.95 for a 4.2-oz. bottle. Some quick math will show you that the bigger bottle works out to $9.51 an ounce, which is nearly $4 per ounce cheaper than the smaller bottle. Yes, the $40 price tag may sting, but that bottle lasts me forever.

5. Hit up dollar stores for basics

I wouldn't recommend buying beauty products at the dollar store (they are often close to expiration), but it can be a great place to find beauty basics. Bobby pins, cotton balls, q-tips and other necessities will be cheaper there than almost any store. I look for basically any beauty item that doesn't expire there first.

6. Sign up for a subscription service

If you're a beauty product junkie, look into a subscription service like Birchbox or Ipsy. This isn't for the faint of heart — you won't get your money's worth if you aren't a serious beauty fan. But those boxes sometimes have awesome deals. Not to beat a dead horse, but I was initially introduced to my favorite Macadamia hair oil because I got a full 1-oz. bottle (worth $13.50) in a Birchbox. It lasted for months, and I haven't looked back since.

7. Use flash sale sites to stock up on products

Flash sale sites like HauteLook and Rue La La are some of my favorite places to shop for great deals. If you're searching for a specific brand, it's a great place to stock up on beauty products. From Mally to Morphe, different companies have flash sales on the sites every week.

I've learned to accept that I'm never going to be one of those people who loves the no-makeup look, and I have no problem with that. But with these tips, I can avoid spending a small fortune on products.

Images: stux/Pixabay; Meal Makeover Moms/Flickr; Macadamia Hair