Pampering on a budget

Bohemian-luxe looks are everywhere – from the runway to the streets. Tribal influence is seen in bold prints on shirts, paired with slim-fitting cargo pants or jeans. The look is a care-free glamour, nothing contrived or meticulously structured.

Think Bridget Bardot, with tousled hair and an easy exotic makeup. A black ensemble of wide leg trousers and tank top is slimming and gives the allusion of height. A crisp white shirt (swiped from a man’s closet is usually best because it will be less structured) can be tied at the bottom, and worn with jeans and natural jewelry such as turquoise and wood bangles.

For evening, a nude, or flesh colored gown looks more care-free and fabulous at the moment. Gone are the beads, bows and buttons; this look flows with you as you move, and is best accessorized with soft, hydrated skin, nails buffed to a sheer sheen and a bold cuff. Though it is always fun to look glamorous and done up, at the moment, it is not especially wonderful to be flashy in the traditional sense. Say au revoir to “It Bags” or of-the-moment pieces that require a week’s salary and waiting list. Statement-making women possess an easy glamour that is influenced by colors of the Earth – turquoise, warm browns, sun gold and iris.

There are so many great ways to pamper yourself while saving money. Cheap & chic tips include:

Hair: Proclaim Aloe Hot Oil is a great treatment for under $2 at Sally Beauty Supply. It keeps hair shiny and soft for weeks and is a great alternative to salon conditioning treatments. Also, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle conditioner is tried and true. I leave the conditioner on my ends for almost 10 minutes when I need extra shine.

Body: Epsom salt is a fantastic and cheap (usually under $2 at drug stores) treatment to spa-up your tub. Light a few candles and pour the salt into a hot bath. Cleopatra was known for her gorgeous skin, and one of her indulgences is rumored to be a milk bath. Add 2 to 4 cups of fresh milk to the bath water as the tub is filling. Soak for a good 15 minutes. Gently rub your skin with a washcloth to rid yourself of dead skin. This is also great for circulation and producing new skin cells.

Face: Combining two tablespoons of honey with two teaspoons of milk and applying it to your face and neck is one of the simpler facials to try. You can also mash up avocados and add a few tablespoons of honey for a more hydrating effect. After leaving the mixture on for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water. Boots No 7 is an anti-wrinkle cream that targets fine lines. The tube is slim and is great for areas such as worry lines between the brows and around the mouth. Boots No 7 is $17.99 and available at Target.

Eyes: One of the best tricks in the business is to dab a bit of Vaseline on eyelashes before bed. Many mascaras contain elements that dry out the lashes and make them brittle and dull. Vaseline is hydrating and helps lashes look longer and healthier.

Teeth: Cut the tip off a strawberry and rub the fruit on your teeth to whiten and brighten. This is less invasive than bleaching creams and much less expensive.

Nails: Pushing cuticles back stimulates nail growth and can be done with olive oil from the kitchen.

Home: Lighting candles and a light-smelling incense such as jasmine will help create the mood for renewal. This ceremonial practice triggers your mind into relaxation mode and helps lure you into the first phase of relaxation. The elements of the Earth are key to keeping your surroundings in balance with your inner harmony. Earth (a potted plant), wind (open window), fire (candle) and water (bath, or small trickling fountain) are great elements to keep in your home.

This season is all about a warm, glowing, bohemian luxury. Pampering yourself at home saves a great amount of money, and as the warm breezes pick up, it is great to get outside daily for a half-hour walk to help circulation and create a stress-free aura.

There are many outside influences – economic and otherwise – that are damaging to your body and mind, and it is great to make a commitment to your personal happiness and implement a routine that will help you appreciate yourself and all the beauty you offer to the world.