Friday, December 14, 2007
Grow Back Brows - On the Cheap!
I had the best frugalicious experience this weekend, and I couldn't wait to write about it!
Over a year ago, Daily Candy wrote about Cindy DiMaggio, an eyebrow specialist in Dallas that was trained under famed eyebrow expert Anastasia. I wanted to call Cindy immediately because my eyebrows were too thin and shapeless, but I decided to put it off. However, with the wedding coming up, I'm on a primping mission so I scheduled an appointment.
On Saturday morning, I headed to Salon Boutique to meet Cindy. I was a bit concerned because I had no idea how much it was going to cost. Money is tight with wedding planning and Christmas gifts, and I was afraid of getting coaxed into spending $100 on Anastasia products. I sat in Cindy's chair, and she briefly checked out my brows. She immediately told me to go to Walgreen's and buy some Castor Oil to restimulate my hair growth. I was told to apply the Castor Oil on my brows, underneath, and on top. It should be applied each night after I wash my face and before I apply moisturizer. She said to use the Castor Oil nightly and avoid plucking for six weeks to three months. After I rebuilt my brows, I could then revisit Cindy.
I couldn't believe it! I was expecting $100 visit, and instead I spent $4.00 at Walgreen's. I applied it for the first time last night. It was a thick oil (almost like Vaseline), which was a bit odd to apply. But, I know it will be worth it when I'm walking down the isle with gorgeously groomed brows. Once I do restimulate the growth, I'll be making regular visits to Cindy for a $22.00 wax. Apparently I cannot be trusted with tweezers!
Over a year ago, Daily Candy wrote about Cindy DiMaggio, an eyebrow specialist in Dallas that was trained under famed eyebrow expert Anastasia. I wanted to call Cindy immediately because my eyebrows were too thin and shapeless, but I decided to put it off. However, with the wedding coming up, I'm on a primping mission so I scheduled an appointment.
On Saturday morning, I headed to Salon Boutique to meet Cindy. I was a bit concerned because I had no idea how much it was going to cost. Money is tight with wedding planning and Christmas gifts, and I was afraid of getting coaxed into spending $100 on Anastasia products. I sat in Cindy's chair, and she briefly checked out my brows. She immediately told me to go to Walgreen's and buy some Castor Oil to restimulate my hair growth. I was told to apply the Castor Oil on my brows, underneath, and on top. It should be applied each night after I wash my face and before I apply moisturizer. She said to use the Castor Oil nightly and avoid plucking for six weeks to three months. After I rebuilt my brows, I could then revisit Cindy.
I couldn't believe it! I was expecting $100 visit, and instead I spent $4.00 at Walgreen's. I applied it for the first time last night. It was a thick oil (almost like Vaseline), which was a bit odd to apply. But, I know it will be worth it when I'm walking down the isle with gorgeously groomed brows. Once I do restimulate the growth, I'll be making regular visits to Cindy for a $22.00 wax. Apparently I cannot be trusted with tweezers!
Labels: castor oil, DIY, eyebrows, on the cheap
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Save Your Money - Shop at the Drugstore!
“Salon quality” is a meaningless term on many levels, but primarily because salon hair-care products are not automatically superior or even preferred over drugstore brands. You can find both good and bad hair-care products at the salon and at the drugstore. Most significant for your hair and budget is that there are brilliant hair-care products at the drugstore and there isn’t a reason in the world to spend extravagantly on any shampoo, conditioner, or styling product. Quite often what you’re paying for in salon products is the status of the hairstylist who is selling the line, or some exotic ingredients that seem impressive but don’t affect hair in the least.
Stylists will elaborate the most serious explanations for the ways salon products are indeed better formulated than their inexpensive counterparts, but the truth is that most hairstylists have no idea what is in the hair-care products they use and what makes them work. They may know how to use the products to make hair look fantastic, but skill in that regard can go a long way toward masking a mediocre or even poor hair-care formula.
Stylists will elaborate the most serious explanations for the ways salon products are indeed better formulated than their inexpensive counterparts, but the truth is that most hairstylists have no idea what is in the hair-care products they use and what makes them work. They may know how to use the products to make hair look fantastic, but skill in that regard can go a long way toward masking a mediocre or even poor hair-care formula.
Labels: hair-care, on the cheap, salon
Friday, August 10, 2007
Best Massage On the Cheap!
Graceful Services You're going to have to walk up a few flights of stairs, but this coma-inducing massage parlor is a steal, at $60 for 60 minutes. For $80, you can get a facial with watermelon, sea salt, and ginger masks brought in from China. Open till 10 p.m. 1095 Second Ave., Second Floor; (212) 593-9904, gracefulservices.com. E, V to 53rd St.; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
Labels: massage, NYC, on the cheap
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Acupuncture On The Cheap
Touro College Acupuncture Clinic
33 W 23rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, lower level (212-463-0400, ext 313)
What is it?
Part of Touro’s Oriental Medicine program, the clinic offers discounted treatments—$10 for the first visit, $25 for subsequent visits—performed by grad students working toward a masters of science in acupuncture. In the tradition of Chinese medicine, a diagnosis is made by asking specific questions about a patient’s health, taking a pulse and examining the tongue.
Worth the risk?
Before this experience, the thought of anyone poking us—professional or otherwise—was frightening. But in these hands and at this price, we’d be willing to give it another go.
33 W 23rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, lower level (212-463-0400, ext 313)
What is it?
Part of Touro’s Oriental Medicine program, the clinic offers discounted treatments—$10 for the first visit, $25 for subsequent visits—performed by grad students working toward a masters of science in acupuncture. In the tradition of Chinese medicine, a diagnosis is made by asking specific questions about a patient’s health, taking a pulse and examining the tongue.
Worth the risk?
Before this experience, the thought of anyone poking us—professional or otherwise—was frightening. But in these hands and at this price, we’d be willing to give it another go.
Labels: acupuncture, bargain, on the cheap
Sephora - On the Cheap?
Speaking of brand names, head to Cosmetics Warehouse (250 W 39th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, 212-302-5799) for a Sephora-like experience with cheaper prices. The discounter takes 40 to 60% off the sticker price of overstocked beautifiers like Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, selling for $3.59 instead of $7.99.
Labels: bargain, cosmetics, on the cheap, sephora
