
While we solemnly vow to get the bag by any means necessary (hustle, save, bargain, invest, and so on), a lot of other areas in your life can suffer in the process. In fact, if you're really after the bag, you'll know that getting money sometimes means adding the actual bag we've been coveting to a wishlist instead of to our shopping cart.
Unfortunately for many of us, that goes double to our routine Sephora hauls, hair appointments, and nail fill-ins. Trust me, playing the "Which One Can You Live Without?" game is only fun when it's hypothetical. Nonetheless, that's the big question that requires the big girl panties when being realistic about your money goals at times.
Although it might not seem like anything short of being a responsible adult, it actually is for a lot of us. I mean, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the way we carry ourselves has a great impact on our esteem, and hate it or love it, these luxuries (or what I prefer to see as "self-care habits") have the ability to make or break us if they aren't consistently taken care of -- ultimately leaving us feeling as though we're not our best selves.
But if there's one thing I've learned since joining the money budgeting/financial support group, "The Broke Black Girl," founded by Dasha Kennedy, it's that getting the bag doesn't have to mean sacrificing your beautification process... Not completely. And certainly not with a little creativity and resourcefulness.
That said, I'd like to believe that these 12 alternatives won't feel as sacrificial, allowing us to tend to our business with all our confidence intact to go out and get money. Click through the gallery below!
1.Prime Nails
pink, red, and white nail polish bottlesPhoto by Element5 Digital on UnsplashI'm sure you've heard time and time again to do your own nails instead of going to the salon. However, for those of us who prefer acrylics, it can be difficult or limiting trying to achieve that look at home. Difficult because the stick on nails that are typically recommended don't hold, and limiting because the colors and designs are minimal depending on your preferences.
However, through BBG, I unburied this hidden treasure--$8 press on nails that come in fabulous shapes (stiletto, ballerina, and coffin)! The ladies of BBG recommend taping the nails to popsicle sticks to paint them and then gluing them on.
2.Makeup Mashup
Some of my most crushing moments have been those when my makeup self-destructs, mostly because it typically happens when I'm working to achieve a certain look. That time my Ruby Woo decided to fall off as if it were suffering from gangrene; or when I struggled to get the lid of my eyeshadow open and instead it fell to the ground, instantly shattering (and still unopened, by the way) -- soul crushing. In the moment of panic, I thoughtlessly tossed these products out but little did I know there were alternatives. Don't be like me, instead, take your broken makeup and repurpose them.
You can do so with broken lipstick by placing a chunk of the lipstick in a spoon, and hovering it over a lit candle. Afterwards, you can store it in a lip gloss container. If you have multiple broken sticks and are in the mood for something new, try a mashup by mixing the colors.
Have any crumbled eye shadows? You can create a lip gloss by adding a little Vaseline to the mix. Simply, add the two ingredients into a dish so that you can mix it in and then transfer to a gloss container. You can use this hack when you're craving a new color as well by scaping a little shadow off of the palette.
3.Off The Scent
clear glass perfume bottle on brown wooden tablePhoto by deanna alys on UnsplashIt's hard to find a perfume that isn't overkill and even more difficult to skimp on your scent once you have finally found one that compliments your fly. But perfume is not cheap, which is why I have personally stuck with the nice fragrance of whatever bar soap I'm in the mood for that week.
However, for those of you not feeling my admission of basic-ness and believe it's simply not an option, I have a sweet-smelling hack for you. Once you're running dangerously low on your favorite perfume, grab a bottle of unscented lotion and dump the rest in there to make it last longer. That way when you moisturize, you take your a bit of your signature scent with you.
4.Beauty School Bargain
Go to your local cosmetology school for discounted salon services. The caveat is that your service will be conducted by a trained student. The idea of being a guinea pig may seem less than appealing if you're used to professionals, so maybe start by just walking in and getting a feel for the employees before allowing them to tamper with the hair that sits on your crown. If you're not sure what beauty school schools are in your community, Empire Beauty School covers a lot of territory in the United States.
5.Make Room For The New
one cowboy hat and five jackets hanged on clothes rackPhoto by Amanda Vick on UnsplashIf you absolutely have your heart set on being able to go shopping (maybe it's your therapy), then I would suggest clearing out the old to make room in your budget and closet for the new. You can do this by selling clothes you want to get rid of.
If you haven't heard by now, you can always opt to sell your gently used and fashionably relevant clothes on sites such as Poshmark, or going into stores such as Plato's Closet, or Buffalo Exchange. Use the money you make here as your shopping budget and treat yourself.
6.Spring To Life
There are ways to create a serene element in your home pedicure that can make it more enjoyable than a regular schemegular experience at your salon. Try soaking your feet in a citrus milk bath with all the fixings (lemon and orange zest and slice, mint sprig, etc) and Epsom salt for a different type of experience. If citrus is not your thing, then Pinterest has a world full of milk baths and all you really need is your base -- a box of powdered whole milk and any essential oil you'd like. Furthermore, consider the other elements you enjoy about having your pedicure done in the shop (hot towels, anyone?) and look to Pinterest to help you recreate that. Voila, a spa day from the comforts of your home.
7.On Sleek
woman standing near white wallPhoto by Leighann Blackwood on UnsplashThe price you pay to have natural hair gets pricey at times -- natural stylist, natural products, etcetera, etcetera. And still, you can't be positive that what you're putting in your head is all that good for it. You can cut down on the steep price of beauty by trying out a recipe for DIY flaxseed gel/edge control. YouTuber, The Test Diva delivers a basic recipe for beginners that yields a Gorilla Glue texture. The resources and tutorials are endless.
8.Pearly Whites
In the age of Instagram, we're all double checking up on our dental hygiene. The bigger picture is ensuring that our pictures aren't standing out because of our stained teeth, but realistically teeth whiteners can be expensive. No worries though, you can hack it with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Colgate recommends using less baking soda than peroxide, mixing up two tablespoons of peroxide and one tablespoon of baking soda to achieve a paste-like texture.
9.Sugar, Sugar
person holding white and gray concrete wallPhoto by The Creative Exchange on UnsplashAfter #NoShaveNovember, I pretty much keep the ball rolling and don't shave anything that isn't visible until it's absolutely necessary. Basically when wearing long sleeves outside becomes unbearable. Furthermore, razors are a damn luxury and most days, I'd prefer spending the money on a meal. And truthfully, if you've had any taste of the wax life (also hard on your coin), you know how hard it can be to go back to shaving after venturing out.
However, with ingredients from your kitchen pantry, you can create your own sugar wax to make staying silky smooth easier than ever. You will need fabric strips, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water for a soft wax or two cups of sugar if you prefer hard wax. Lastly, you'll need YouTuber Katrinosity to give you the play-by-play (be sure to see her Q&A in the description). Oh and don't forget to breathe.
10. Silky Smooth
There's nothing cute about dead skin, but it certainly doesn't cease to exist because of its faux pas nature. Keep it fresh and make an exfoliator with a little lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and brown sugar or white granulated sugar. Stir and add more or less of the desired ingredients until you achieve the desired exfoliating texture. Exfoliating also helps prevent ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing.
11.Lip Service
selective focus photography of a brown powderPhoto by Luísa Schetinger on UnsplashIt's been said that peppermint oil can naturally plump your lips, but you may also want to try mixing up this little concoction:
- ⅓ teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 drop peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin oil
Rub the mixture into your lips for 30 seconds and leave it on for 3-5 minutes for the best results.
12. Puff Be Gone
As a child, I always wondered what was relaxing about wearing cucumbers over your eyes, now I realize it has nothing at all to do with relaxation and everything to do with losing those puffy bags under your eyes that are proof that you're anything but relaxed (unfortunately many of us busy girls are low on sleep).
Another solution to getting rid of these bags are actual bags -- well caffeinated green tea bags, specifically. You can do this by steeping two tea bags in warm water for no longer than five minutes, placing the bags on a plate, and refrigerating them for 20 minutes. Once you remove the cool bags from the fridge, cut off the tags, squeeze out excess water, and place on your eyes for 15 minutes.
Want more stories like this? Check out these xoNecole related reads:
I Tried 9 Budget-Friendly Drugstore Mascaras And Here's My Review
6 Life Hacks To Feel Like Money While You Save It
5 Drugstore Cleansers Your Skin Will Love You For
I Tried 10 Budget-Friendly Drugstore Lipsticks And Here's My Review
Featured image by The Creative Exchange on Unsplash
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Back To College Picks For The Social One & The Creative One
This article is in partnership with Target.
One of the best things about being on campus is the different vibe every individual brings. From The Social One who is constantly curating the fun, to The Creative One who makes everything beautiful, college life is most dynamic when every trait is celebrated — and that starts in your dorm room.
Whether you’re the social butterfly who identifies as the life of the party and personal group chat coordinator, or a visionary who is constantly leaning into the unconventional and experimental approach, Target has you covered to make your space the hotspot all semester long.
So if you’re the one who can work a room with your extroversion, and your roomie can express themselves through a bold personal vision, xoNecole and Target have everything you need for your new home away from home.
For The Social One:
Flower Round Decorative Throw Pillow Light Blue - Room Essentials™

Nothing screams decked-out dorm like a good throw pillow, and this one has quite the personality.
Printed Cheetah Ribbed Plush Throw neutral/pink - Room Essentials™

Nothing screams chic like a little print mixing! Take it to the next level and pair this with the flower decorative throw pillow to show your wild side.
Room Essentials™ Butterfly Chair Cream Faux Shearling

Dorm room decor is all about showcasing your personal style. And what better way to reflect that free-spirited aura than this unique item designed to glam up those otherwise basic dorm chairs?
Room Essentials™ Table Pink

Your room will be the gathering spot and the perfect place for a good game of Uno or Spades with a chic splash of color.
Room Essentials™ Succulent Multipack Plant Pink

Perfect for plant parents with busy college schedules, thank us later!
Brightroom™ 6-Cube Book Shelf White

Not only is this great for storing books, but it can also double as a TV stand. There’s even room to place a Gold Jewelry Organizer Tower, making this one of those things that are cute and functional!
For The Creative One:
Room Essentials™ Pedestal Table Chrome

Space might be limited in a dorm room, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on having a space to get away from your desk. This item can be used as space to get a break from homework, have a snack or write some late-night inspiration down in your Moleskine Notebook or Artist Sketchpad.
Room Essentials™ Storage Desk Lamp White

If your roomie is an early bird, this item will suit you both for the nights you have to pull an all-nighter to study for that big midterm exam.
Scalloped Lidded Box White - Room Essentials™

It’s all about optimizing space in your dorm room. Use this to store any of those miscellaneous items you don’t want on full display when you’re hosting guests.
Room Essentials™ 16 fl oz Drippy Glaze Mug Pink

Whether you’re a coffee lover, tea enthusiast, or somewhere in between, sip in style with this mug. Add the Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker in your favorite color to your dorm wishlist to save on all those trips to the coffee shop!
Room Essentials™ Set of 3 Bamboo Melamine Trays Pink

Add a pop of color to your decor, and get creative, using it as storage for beauty must-haves like the Bubble Skincare Routine Kit or the Pacifica Dream Moon Rollerball Perfume.
Room Essentials™ Scallop Tray Pink

This storage unit is perfect for smaller items like jewelry from Wild Fable or for securing small items like your keys. It’s a standout item that’s versatile and functional.
Room Essentials™ Metal Acrylic Folding Chair Orange

Have extra seating for your guests that can be stored discreetly with this twist on the folding chair.
Room Essentials™ Trinket Tray Alarm Clock Pink

Never sleep through a class again with this alarm clock that can also hold your trinkets like cute rings from the Wild Fable collection at Target.
Room Essentials™ 4'x5'6" Back To College Solid Shag Accent Rug Pink

Greet your guests before saying a word by placing this rug at the door as they enter or use it to divide the room between you and your roommate.
Room Essentials™ Metal Framed Sling Accent Chair Off White

Who says you can’t have a reading nook in your dorm? When you need some quiet time, cuddle up with a good book, or knock out the required readings for class in this cozy seat.
Featured image courtesy
Issa Rae’s Career Advice Will Have You Sprinting Toward Your Goals
Issa Rae has been running her own race for years, and winning while doing it. From the breakout success of The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl to creating and starring in HBO’s Insecure, launching her record label Raedio, and building her production company Hoorae, she’s proof that you can build an empire by staying true to your lane.
Now, she’s adding a new passion to her wellness routine: running. And in a recent interview with Refinery29 for Beyond Yoga’s Seek Beyond collection, Issa shared career advice that’s all about finding your stride.
Issa Rae’s Best Career Advice for Black Women in Business
“When it comes to business,” she told Refinery29, originality is everything. “Try to find what your niche is in this particular marketplace. It sounds so obvious, but you’d be surprised. I think even in a culture of content creation, there are so many copycats… My advice is always just to find what nobody else is doing and what space you're filling. And to also think about yourself because it really does start with you. Then find the community to build around that.”
Her words hit even harder when you consider how she’s leveraged her own brand, expanding from on-screen storytelling to music, Viarae Prosecco, tech investments, and community spaces like her Los Angeles coffee shop, Hilltop Coffee. She’s built her network laterally, bringing others along for the run rather than racing solo.
How Wellness Fuels Issa Rae’s Creative Process
Issa also revealed how wellness fuels her creativity.
“Whenever I have writer's block… I go and take a walk and literally try not to think about it. But you inevitably think about it, and then something comes… There’s something about just sitting in the misery of a block and then actually walking off… and allowing that movement to complement the thoughts that you're having in your mind. And it just helps to rev up the creative process in the best way. For me, it's so necessary.”
Read the full interview on Refinery29 here.
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