HOW TO: Stay Stylish On A Student Budget!
Education creates a unique perspective in our lives that for many, cannot be achieved elsewhere. It develops scholars into fully formed individuals of substance with brilliant futures, but it’s not easy. It’s full of sacrifice and hard work. So if you’re about to commence your college education, or maybe you’re like me and you’ve been in college for a couple of terms, or you’re simply working and saving for (your near or distant future) or paying off debt, you may have noticed that you really can’t afford your previous lifestyle.
There’s no time like the present to really look at your spending habits, and see where it all adds up. I’m here to tell you that you can most certainly glow-up! Let’s call it SRSLY HIGH BUDGET STYLISH on a SRSLY LOW BUDGET! All you’ll need is a little ingenuity and a dash of creativity!
So without further ado, here are my (highly requested) hacks for maintaining a BOMB(.COM) fashionista lifestyle on a student / college budget…
1. PLAN YOUR DANG MEALS
This may seem like common sense, but you will truly be AMAZED at how much money you will save when you take the time to plan (and prep) what you will be eating.
TIP: Buy in bulk if you can!
TIP: Ramen bar quality soup is super achievable at home! Minimal ingredients, maximum results!
TIP: Sometimes chicken, rice, vegetables, and salad are all one needs to survive!
2. Don’t be afraid to do your own nails or pedicures at home!
There are so many inexpensive tools to make it as easy and just as relaxing as the real deal. Even if you can get spa pedicures whilst you’re in school, doing your own at-home express pedicure in-between, or polish-change can save time and of course, money.
TIP: The quality of press-on nails these days is out of this world! Insanely good! If you don’t have your nails done all the time but need a more polished look for say, an internship or job interview, they are a fabulous option!
LINK: Pink Gel Effect Press On Almond Nails
LINK: Dusty Rose Matte Effect Press On Sq-oval Nails
LINK: Purple Ombre Press On Round Nails
LINK: French Ombre Press On Coffin Nails
LINK: Nail Glue
LINK: Nude and Marble Ballerina Nails
If you do get your nails done often, have your nails filled once a month as opposed to bi-weekly. It’s the easiest way to save, and to tell how suitable your nail technician’s product is. Say “NO” to the extra charms or adornments, keeping it simple (but significant) will ensure you keep the tab DOWN.
TIP: Ask for dip powder, especially if you like to wear the same colour. You can easily buff down the dip, and refresh it with polish at-home.
3. Save at least 10% of any grant or scholarship or donation that comes your way, this will give you a cushion for the future! OR at least help with purchases/commitments later.
TIP: A money saving app / budgeting app can be super helpful, especially if you are a more visual person!
LINK: Mint Money Saving App
LINK: Good Budget Budget Planner
4. Don’t be afraid to shop at thrift stores!
Price isn’t even the main consideration here, the quality and sustainability of thrift items is unbelievable! You can easily piece together a high quality look for under $60!
LINK: My Favourite Thrifting Spots 2019
5. If you’re used to waxing or sugaring and want to avoid shaving, try Nair. I never thought I would ever use Nair but it is honestly a game changer, especially for those of us who have coarser hair types. 12 minutes and your legs are fresh as a pair of daisies!
LINK: Nair Natural Seaweed and Clay Hair Remover Leg Treatment
LINK: Nair Shower Power Sensitive Formula
LINK: Nair 3-in-1 Sensitive Hair Remover
LINK: Nair Natural Charcoal and Clay Hair Remover Leg Treatment
6. Embrace drugstore or even non-branded beauty products!
Makeup Geek @ Target, Pixi Beauty, Beauty Pie, Ardell, and even Revlon are excellent choices which will not break the bank!
TIP: Search up your favourite makeup dupes on Pinterest or Instagram!
LINK: Makeup Geek
LINK: Pixi Beauty
LINK: Beauty Pie
*Designer beauty products without the label!
LINK: Trusty Revlon
TIP: For those who can’t shake their favourite brands, keep an eye on ULTA Beauty’s sales!
WATCH: Here’s a video that my sister Veronica posted where she shows you how to get salon-worthy lash extensions and lash tint at home! THIS TAKES TIME AND PRACTICE but if you can master it, your lashes with be the fairest of all!
7. Visit a hair school like the Aveda, Vidal Sassoon, or Paul Mitchell Institutes to have your hair cut, trimmed, or otherwise touched up! Not only are you saving money, but you are helping a student hone in on their craft! You can even request senior students, junior educators, or educators for your hair if you’re feeling nervous.
I personally LOVE the Los Angeles Aveda Institute!
Aveda Insitute Los Angeles LINK: https://nurturavedainstitutes.com/los-angeles-service-menu/
Aveda Institute Los Angeles Promotions LINK: https://nurturavedainstitutes.com/aveda-institute-los-angeles-promotions/
8. Another great hair option is to look on Craigslist (US/CAN) or Kijiji (CAN) for hair model opportunities. Most people looking for hair models will have examples of their portfolio for your review.
PRO TIP: Be sure to inquire for photos of their work so that you can ultimately decide if a certain service provider’s aesthetic is what you’re going for / comfortable with!
9. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHENEVER YOU CAN! I would even recommend investing in a bicycle so that you don’t have to worry about getting around, plus your legs will look killer! (Uber is hella expensive and it definitely adds up, but if you must, use their pool option or see if Lyft is offering a competitive price).
10. You probably assumed this was going to be posted here, think you have as great style as we know you do? Start selling those unwanted clothing items on Relovv, DePop, Poshmark, Instagram, Facebook local groups, Thred Up, or rent out your closet!
LINK: https://relovv.com
LINK: https://depop.com
LINK: https://poshmark.com/
LINK: https://www.thredup.com
LINK: https://rentmywardrobe.com
11. Get rid of any subscription based services that you aren’t using, or if you have more than one in the same category. For example: Apple Music or Spotify? Which service do you use most? Ipsy or Boxy Charm? Which one can you live without?
12. Utilize any student discount or tax discount that is applicable to you! Be savvy!
As a disclaimer: Some of the links provided are available to you through Amazon Affiliates. Should you decide to purchase through an Amazon link on this post, a small commission is made for this website.
Do you have any tips that weren’t mentioned? Let’s chat in the comments! And, always remember, being on a budget isn’t a bad thing! Make it work for you, for whatever your goals may be!