Wealthy Wednesdays- Confessions of a make-up-aholic

I restrict myself to buying one product a month
I indulge in a manicure or pedicure (or both) once in 3-4 months depending on how much time I actually have. I spend around ₹1,500 on lipstick and kohl; I shop for make-up maybe once a month. Since I am in the fashion industry, I tend to be well-groomed even if the job doesn't require it. To save, however, I try not to buy more than what I actually need or restrict to buying one product a month. If there's a sale going on, I'll definitely go and check it out and get a few things, but if I need something, then it doesn't matter whether there's a sale or not. 

—Prachi Gupta

Tell myself I have enough make-up at home
I avoid going to make-up stores, because I know I'll eventually end up spending a lot! The only way I can save money on make-up is by reminding myself that I already have enough at home. Yet, on an average I spend approximately ₹3,000 on lip stains, kajal, blush and eyeshadow. I'm not much of a spa person, but manicures and pedicures are a must, once a month, for which I spend about ₹2,000. It's not really mandatory for work, but I prefer looking presentable all the time. I don't like buying make-up online because I need to feel it and try it on. While shopping, if I see something on sale or if I find a great deal, I consider myself lucky.

—Samantha Furtado

I spend on long-lasting products
I'm an image consultant, so I can't leave home without make-up. In fact even at home, I've to be well-groomed. For work I use a concealer, foundation, kajal and lip colour, sometimes even blush. I use MAC for concealer and foundation as they have a wide variety of shades. I spend about ₹1,000 in two to three months and buy make-up only if I really need something. I don't visit spas often; may be once in a month for eyebrows and waxing, but I don't do manicures and pedicures. Even then, I spend ₹400 once in a month and half, sometimes even less. I spend ₹500 on my yearly spa membership, and that helps me avail a 20% discount whenever I visit their outlet. 

A lipstick usually lasts long and over time I have picked enough shades. I don't buy another product till the one I'm using is over and I'm not a binge shopper. Products can be long-lasting depending on the brand you pick and the quantity. I may spend ₹2,000 on my MAC foundation; it is expensive, however, the product coverage and quality is good, so even with everyday use it lasts long. So for someone like me, who needs make-up almost everyday, it is a steal. I also look for dupes; if I like a particular shade in MAC or L'Oreal, which are reasonably expensive, I google that shade's dupe and buy the cheaper similar shade in a different brand.

—Akshaya Kawle

Make my own face packs
I don't spend anything on spas or manicures and pedicures. There was a time when I was dependent on the parlour for everything, but now I have figured out how to make my own natural face packs, which work much better than the ones in the parlour. If I had to go to a parlour for everything, I would have spent at least ₹3,000 every month. As cabin crew, I need to use make-up regularly and make-up is expensive. I also use good products so I do spend quite a bit. I spend around ₹2,500 for just the basics—concealer, eye pencil and lipstick, while earlier I spent around ₹4,000, a year. Make-up needs to be replaced every nine months (besides when its over), so that's when I buy what I need. I mostly pick it up from the U.A.E and the US, as it's a lot cheaper and better. I also make use of the discounts I get as cabin crew from duty free, as well as from stores like MAC and Bobbi Brown.

—Carmen D'souza

​I spend as required I spend around ₹2,000 on make-up, in a month. Usually, I buy only two items—either lipsticks (or lip balms) or compact or an eyeliner or perfumes or nail polish. I do pamper myself to pedicures manicures and occasionally even a massage, because it helps me relax and clean feet make me happy. My manicures and pedicures comes to around ₹1,000 and with a massage I spend around ₹1,500, but I go to a local parlour and they give me a discount because I'm a regular. But I don't have an allotted budget for my make-up and wellness routines. I spend as required. I don't look for deals or shop online, as I love to feel and try the product before I buy.  Although I need to dress in formals for work, make-up is not required. It just helps me feel good and confident. But to save, I try to avoid shopping more than once a month and never spend more than ₹2000.

—Priyanka Narvekar