How to Budget for facials + skincare
If you are committing to a healthier you this year and that includes your skincare game - I am so happy for you! While another year may mean another year older, it doesn’t have to show it. So where should you start? You came to the right place my friend. Here are some easy tips to get started and most importantly stay consistent all year long. The main goal here is to create a habit so that you will stick with it as part of a lifestyle change. Now that you have made the decision to begin a regimen the next step is making an appointment with a professional skin therapist. Find a practice, search on Google - most legitimate practices should be visible online with a website. Does the practice seem to fit your taste, do you understand what is being offered, are the prices something you can budget? If you are not familiar with what rates on facial services should be, that's okay. Typically a 60 minute signature facial can range from as low as $65 and as high as $150+. If the practice offers a consultation this is an excellent way to start. Ask a friend - small businesses thrive on referrals and a private practice truly appreciates your business over a chain (just my opinion).
Investing in yourself and your skin will be so rewarding. Understandably it is another expense but without spending all of your extra savings on skincare follow these tips.
Dispose of your existing products! That's right, take some inventory on your current stock and clean out your bathroom cabinets or vanity drawers. Line up what you've got and take pictures so that a good therapist can assess what you’ve been using. This will give them a good idea of what your price range is as well. Check for expiration dates, if products are expired, toss it. For example, products containing SPF will always have an expiration date. However, if it's not expired but you also haven't used it in more than 2 months, toss it. Do the same thing with your makeup and tools including brushes. A good therapist will also want to know what kind of makeup you are using and if you wash your brushes? Now I’m not saying ditch the products you love - communicate with your esthetician what you’ve been using. A good esthetician will not shame you for your choices. Moreover, if you love them and it's working for your skin they will work it into your regimen.
Stop impulse shopping! Take the advice of the therapist and only purchase what they have recommended. Now you can always get a second opinion but the point here is that a good therapist will guide you in the right direction in what products to use for your skincare goals. Don’t consider buying those recommendations elsewhere such as on Amazon; it may be diversion, counterfeit or expired. Many professional brands only sell to licensed practices and many of those same brands could be online illegally. The skincare practice may even be able to offer special discounts that big box retailers cannot. Professional products being recommended from a professional practice are typically of excellent quality with higher grade ingredients. Don't spend any extra money on products that were not recommended to you. For example, do not get tempted by the impulse aisle at Sephora. Don't order a promotional product from an influencer on Instagram. If you are truly interested in something - take that information to your skin therapist and ask their advice. What your friend uses may not always be right for you. With an overwhelming amount of products and brands on the market it's easy to feel confused on what is worth purchasing. Remember, we are trying to stay on a budget. You’ll be replenishing products every few months and when it comes to changes in our skin, (spoiler alert) most results will be gradual. Hey! Rome wasn't built in a day.
Pre-book your appointments and bundle! Depending on your specific skin condition is how often you’ll want to schedule your professional in-clinic treatments. A good practice will sometimes offer rebooking incentives to help with saving money. Even better ask if the practice offers packages or a membership. These are typically bundled to not only save you money but keep you accountable as well. It might cost a bit more upfront but the breakdown is always a savings. Be sure to sign up for the practice email list - there could be coupons or special promotions you won't want to miss; such as discounts or freebies on your birthday month, a referral incentive, or a holiday facial deal.
Start with fewer products and build slowly. You don’t need a full routine on day one. Begin with the essentials and add targeted products only when needed. Also, determine what routine is ideal for you, not everyone needs a 10 step routine. Don’t be afraid to tell your esthetician that 3 steps seems more attainable to you. The basics are a cleanser, a.m. moisturizer, and p.m. moisturizer. Once you feel confident in completing a daily routine with 3 products, perhaps you can add in targeted products such as a serum or an eye cream or a toner. Don’t ever become overwhelmed, you can always scale back.
Value your investment. Now that you’ve committed to spend hard earned money on professional luxury treatments and products as well as commit to self-care, make sure to value those commitments. Staying out of direct sunlight, reapplying SPF, nourishing your body with whole foods are just a few of the things that coincide with achieving and managing healthy skin. Make yourself lifestyle changes as needed and I promise you will reap the rewards.
Good luck with your skincare goals and remember to stay consistent and accountable to yourself. If you are local in the Phoenix area, look for me in the Moon Valley neighborhood where I own and operate a solo practice offering customized skin treatments tailored to your unique skin.
Angela Miles
Moon Valley Facial Lounge
