Six tipid moves that don't really save you as much money as you think

We feature a lot of budget-friendly stories and products here on PV because we believe in making smart beauty buys and stretching our peso as far as possible. We love discovering drugstore dupes, whip up our own DIYs, and even challenge ourselves to do P500 faces. But not all penny-pinching habits are equal. Some of the may even turn out to be very expensive in the long run! Here are six common scenarios that you should watch out for.

Hoarding without a plan

I know the big red sign that says SALE! awakens our fight or flight reflexes, making our hearts palpitate and our pace quicken. Of course we need to get that foundation at 50% off! But did you know that hoarding sale items can be a total waste of money?

Getting several backups of your favorite product at a heavy discount can seem like a great deal, but only if you can use all them up before they expire! Yes, makeup actually expires even if you've never opened them, which is why you should check each product for important dates. For example, most liquid foundations usually have a shelf life of three years after its manufacturing date, assuming that it's still sealed. Once opened, it's safe to use for about one year from date of first use if it's stored properly capped, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Because the climate here is often hot and humid, cosmetics can easily go rancid or separate quicker than expected.

Ask yourself if you really want to hoard and consider that there are new releases every week - will you be able to keep yourself from buying a similar product? It may be worth it if the item in question is your absolute HG but then think about if you'll be able to store it properly so it stays in good condition. Be honest with yourself before actually making the purchase because the last thing you want to see is that product going to the trash bin without even touching your face.

Saving up samples

I often hear people say “I'm saving these samples up to use for a trip” because it seems so convenient, right? Not having to pack large and fragile bottles, or worrying about anything spilling sounds like a good plan but if you're planning to take lots of photos of your vacation, do you really want to risk using something new that might break you out? If that happens, you'll be stuck with a real beauty crisis because all your trusty products will be back home!

The solution is really simple: just use them up! Do it on a regular day when your skin is in good condition and you have your favorite products to save you in case you get a nasty reaction. Currently, I am in the process of finishing up all my samples and I'm proud to say that I have not spent anything on skincare (except toner and facial wash) for the past THREE MONTHS. Some samples are actually good for more that a single usage plus I like the feeling of being able to try something new regularly without actually shelling out any cash. Once you finish your current roster, go for the samples drawer and use the sh*t out of those.  

DIY-ing treatments

Speaking of investing on your skin, please don't try to remove warts or milia on your own! See a dermatologist for your skin issues so they be properly diagnosed and treated. Attempting to do it on your own can cause injuries and scarring, which worsens the problem. If you have severe acne, a trip to the derma may seem pricey but it's more efficient than buying and trying a lot of different products in the hopes of finding one that works. A professional consult can help identify the root cause of your problem and provide you with proper medical treatment.

If you feel a bit intimidated, you can plan for your visit and make sure that you get all your concerns covered. Been to a derma before, followed their treatment, yet haven't seen results? Remember that it can take up to a month to see some progress. If you really feel like your derma hasn't been helpful, consider getting a second opinion from another doctor.

Buying dirt-cheap products

I will not mince words: skincare from cheap stores do not work. You might be able to get away with some decent makeup finds but let's face it: a dollar store clearly isn't anything like a beauty brand. Actual cosmetic companies invest time, effort and money into researching and developing their skincare, plus the products need to pass strict quality standards before actually going out to the market. That's the reason why there's a high premium on prestige brands like Shiseido or Estée Lauder - you aren't just paying for a brand name.

That's not to say you should only buy top shelf stuff; there are a lot of affordable skincare brands that use safe ingredients and deliver good results. Even if a 400ml toner is just P299, it's a rip-off if you pay attention to the ingredients and see that it's just water, glycerine, and alcohol. Best case scenario is it doesn't actually do anything for your skin; otherwise it may actually cause an irritation or breakout. Your skin deserves better.

Scrimping on your skincare

On the flipside, if you have already invested in expensive skincare, make sure to use it appropriately. Being matipid with application and putting less than the recommended amount may render the product ineffective and therefore wasteful. Think of it as medicine: you can’t take less than what’s prescribed because otherwise it won't work. Part of the research that went into developing the skincare is figuring out how much product is actually needed to see its expected results. So even though you can feel your wallet crying, it’s much better than not seeing results at all!

Saving up your (expensive) makeup for special occasions

Special occasions are that because they happen so infrequently so just use your makeup already! It would be such a shame to own nice things that are just gathering dust and being unloved in your drawer - next thing you know, it's past the expiration date and you're torn about tossing it out even if you can't use it. Think of it as a daily treat that you deserve, which you do! So swipe on that luxurious lipstick, wear your high-end foundation, and allow them to make you happy every day.

Are you guilty of these tipid moves? We hope that this helps you get better value for your beauty purchases!