Women spend approximately $7 billion dollars per year collectively on cosmetics, according to a 2008 YWCA study, some of which the study found to be unsafe because they contained phthalates, which has been banned in Europe. However, being beautiful and healthy doesn't require much monetary investment--many of the healthiest beauty tips don't cost very much, if anything at all.
Wear Sunscreen
Instead of purchasing expensive foundations and bronzers, pick up a bottle of inexpensive sunscreen. Ninety percent of features associated with aging are a result of over-exposure to UV rays, according to British beauty therapist Becky Barraclough in a 2010 article in the Evening Courier newspaper.
Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF 15 or higher and a five-star protection of UVA and UVB rays labeled on the bottle. If you want a product that does double-duty, find a moisturizer that includes SPF protection. However, make sure to apply sunscreen to the skin that you wouldn't normally moisturize, but that will be exposed to the sun.
Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can wreak havoc on everything from your skin to your weight. Lack of sleep can cause your skin to look dull and lead to break-outs. You'll be more likely to have dark circles under your eyes. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. While you're sleeping, there are more ways you can keep your skin in tip-top shape. Good Housekeeping magazine suggests keeping a humidifier in the room and sleeping on a satin pillowcase.
If the dark circles under your eyes don't disappear after several nights of sufficient sleep, check with your doctor for an iron deficiency.
For those who consider maintaining a slim figure as part of their beauty routine, a study researched by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and written about by sleep doctor Michael Breus link lack of sleep and weight gain.
Eat Clean
Well-known make-up artist Bobbi Brown strives to pick foods that perk up her appearance, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and to drink eight glasses of water each day. She refers to this as "eating clean."
Additionally, Barraclough recommends eating plenty of green vegetables, such as broccoli, lettuce, basil and avocado. These foods are rich in antioxidants, she says, which help to reduce inflammations, which is problem with many skin conditions.
Take Vitamin Supplements
Make vitamin supplements part of your daily life, especially if your diet doesn't provide you with enough of certain vitamins and minerals. Taking enough of vitamins A, C, E and B complex will help to keep your skim moisturized, while taking zinc supplements--or drinking an extra glass of milk each day--will help to keep your nails strong and healthy.
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