The Frugalista Files

Hair Removal Costs Women $23,000

Women who wax will end up paying $23,000 over a lifetime on the service, according to a study sanctioned by the American Laser Centers. Women who use hair removal products will spend about $10,000 over a lifetime. Oh my! I didn't think I was that furry. I get my eyebrows waxed but don't worry too much about the other fur. My dark skin and dark hair almost match.

I know that the American Laser Centers has an interest in getting more people to laser off their hair permanently, so I'm not surprised by the results of the study. But honestly, if you are one of those people who shaves/waxes regularly, I can see those expenses adding up.  I've thought about laser hair removal.  Here's more info on the study.

For all you South Floridians, The European Wax Center is offering free waxing for first time clients. My good friend got her eyebrows waxed there and she didn't turn out looking like Count Dracula. They did a nice job.

In the quest of being frugal, is hair removal a necessary expense? How much do you spend on hair removal? Do you think that hair removal is expensive? How often do you shave/wax?

Free Makeup

Check out the Product Junkie Diva blog for info on how to get $5 worth of free makeup from E.L.F.

Blousegate 2008 update

Green Make Up/M.A.C.

  In my quest to be a full-fledged Frugalista, I've decided to recycle my make up. Trust, I'm not THAT into make up. I think it's somewhat of a hassle. But now that I'm trying to spend my life without doling out cash, I am going to take M.A.C. cosmetics up on its recycling offer. If you use six containters worth of M.A.C. products and return them to the counter, the company gives you a free lipstick.

I scoured through my make up bag this weekend and found eight tubes of lip gloss/lipstick that I have used up. You know what that means for me? Fresh lipstick at no extra cost. Yay.

Here's the info on the Back to M.A.C program, lifted from the website:

RECYCLING WITH BACK TO M·A·C
Because we share your commitment to the environment, M·A·C accepts returns of its primary packaging through the Back to M·A·C Program. By returning six [6] M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics Online, you receive a free M·A·C Lipstick of your choice as our thanks to you.

Since 100% of the retail selling price of Viva Glam Lipsticks is provided to organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS, these colours are excluded from this program.

In the Closet

I have not been in a mall or clothing boutique since launching this no-buy thing. Some days, I mourn the mall. I had a "moment" last Friday when Aventura Mall opened a Nordstrom's. I so wanted to be there. But Nordstrom's and Natalie and no-buy challenge just don't mix.

But really, this closet shopping thing has been working out pretty well. I've taken to washing some of my silk clothes because I can't go to the cleaners. I know that's not the best for the fabric, but I felt like the cleaners never got them as fresh as I wanted them any way. And between you and me, I LOVE washing clothes. Good fetish to have.

And for days like today, when I'm really pressed for something to wear, I get creative. I've mentioned before, every holiday, my mother stays with me for a month. For some reason, she always leaves some clothes behind, like a puppy marking her spot.

Today, I'm wearing one of her flowy shirts. So far, I've gotten two compliments from coworkers, and it's not even lunch. I am a closet queen.