Lean Times

I dont know about you, but I am rivetted by the crisis unfolding on the markets in the past six weeks. Maybe its because I dont have any money invested (or any money to invest, full stop) but I am secretly fascinated by the money drama. There's bailouts, rescue plans, massive losses, wild fluctuations on pretty much every financial instrument. So, while no one actually knows how events are going to unfold, consensus seems to be that we are in for at least two lean years ahead. The lights have been on the South African shopping party for a while, what with high inflation and interest rates, but an economic slowdown could mean that we'll have to change our swipe-happy lifetstyles (for a while anyway).

I know I have been getting major guilt trips when thinking about buying frivolous items lately. Even if they weren't that expensive. Take make-up, for example - I seriously can't justify buying R200 lipglosses, R400 concealers or wearing designer perfume to work every day. And I am serious cosmetics junkie. But on the plus side, I have been rediscovering all the 'supermarket' make-up brands (aka Clicks favourites) that I abandoned after I finished varsity.

My fav budget friendly better quality cosmetics:
- Body Shop perfumes. These retail for around R100 for 30 ml. I love the Neroli Jasmine...
- Kair Hair serums. It doesnt get cheaper than the old Clicks house brand. But its mostly silicone anyway.
- Clicks has a new house name make-up brand. Its called LaLu. The glosses look kinda garish but I did buy a concealer for R60 and it works. Seriously. It works
- L'oreal, pretty much anything. IMHO, this is the best of the super market brands. The Crayon Kohl eyeliner is so soft, dark, long-lasting that I can't sing its praises enough. It's miles ahead of many of its expensive counterparts (I'm looking at you Clarins, Chanel and MAC).
- Body Shop Shampoos and Conditioners for around R90 each. When you can't afford salon and are scared Pantene will make your hair fall out. Plus they smell great.
- Nivea body care. Have been a convert for a long time.