How I cut beauty costs with cashback apps (about $30/month)
I'm 33 and live in the Midwest, and over the years I've figured out how to balance my love of makeup and skincare with a realistic budget. I went through a phase of learning to accept myself and building a healthier relationship with spending, and part of that was realizing beauty experiments do not have to be expensive.
I spent about an hour signing up for a few cashback sites, like Rakuten, and it paid off. Between online purchases and occasional promos, I average roughly $30 a month back. That money really helps cover the splurge palettes and foundations without feeling wasteful.
I also use Mistplay when I need a break between classes or want a short mental reset. It is not passive — you have to play — but I usually earn gift cards that total around $20 to $50 a month depending on how much time I put in. I think of it as a fun way to earn a little extra while zoning out for a bit.
A small change that saved me a bunch was using virtual try-on tools before ordering. It cut down on returns and the disappointment of things not looking right in person. That little upfront effort has saved me time, money, and buyer remorse.
All told, cashback plus the occasional gift card has made my beauty routine much more budget-friendly without taking the fun out of it. If anyone has other tips for saving while still indulging a bit, I would love to hear them!