Saving Money on Toiletries

Toiletries can be expensive to buy and may be overused by family members. This is a guide about saving money on toiletries.

Solutions: Saving Money on Toiletries

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Read Labels and Avoid Marketing Schemes

I, like so many other woman, will try almost anything. Then I noticed companies are betting on just that! Shaving cream for one example: it softens, has aloe or tons of other promises. Maybe they do, but is it worth the extra money you pay for it?

I have found left over hair conditioner works just as well. In fact, when you see buy one get one free, you have just landed the best shaving cream you may have ever had.

Razors are another example, I know they have the really expensive ones that have the strip of shaving cream right on it. Easy yes, but after a few showers it has melted away. The shaver however is still usable for quite some time. I also have found it's cheaper, WAY cheaper, to buy the razor with one extra replacement blade than buying just refills. Just get the one that they want you to love which almost always comes with one replacement blade. When done, go back for the starter one again.

The pharmacy where I go, or my local Target has 5 blades for $12-15. Right next to it is the razor with 1 blade for 5 dollars. You do the math.

If you watch the sale papers for that store, they run specials on these all of the time so you can even save more. What's better anyway, a new clean razor or the old soapy one you have? Deodorant, shampoo, any hair product like gels, sprays, it's all the same paying for a pretty package is costing you money.

Ladies, hair is hair, teeth, shaving it's all the same. Let's not let the advertisers laugh, because it says "For Women". Read the label if in doubt, I have never found a difference. I laughed when I thought about sharing this, because most of us have been guilty at one time or another, until I walked into a local small market, the kind with just a few items on the counter. It had those energy drinks (I don't use them), and couldn't help noticing one was marked for the strong man, the other for I assume the rest of us. I read the label and they were exactly the same - everything including size. It had male images, but in this world - really? A man needs more energy than I do?

Laughing away, I decided to share some of the other things I do use, being a wise consumer instead of a "mark". Have a great day, ladies!

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA

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Using Every Last Bit Out Of Bottles And Tubes

Get all the product that you paid for out of the bottle or tube before throwing it out. Plastic tubes are easily cut in half with scissors. Then you can reach in and get out the toothpaste, lotion, or whatever is in it. Toothpaste is easiest gotten out by putting the brush inside the cut tube. One person should finish the tube so that germs will not be spread. This works great for lotions and creams. A surprising amount of product is left inside the tube.

Shampoo, dish liquid, dish washer liquid detergent, and liquid laundry detergent can be used up by adding a small amount of water to the bottle and shaking. There is usually enough product for one more load of clothes, several sink fulls of dishes, and at least a load of dishes in the washer. Dilute shampoo half and half with water. There is usually no reason to shampoo twice,as is recommended.

Remember the company selling the product wants you to use it up as quickly as possible and an amount less than recommended will usually do the trick just as well.

By goldhillal from Waverly, AL

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Clearly Mark Bottles In Shower

I can't see very well without my glasses, so I put a large "S" on my shampoo bottle and a large "C" om my conditioner bottle with a waterproof marker, now I can tell one from the other while I am in the shower. This really helps

By Ora Mae G. from TX

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Save Toiletries When Staying at Hotels

We always save the soap, shampoos, toothpaste, and lotions we get at hotels when we stay in them. They come in handy when we run out of out regular soaps and things, especially when we can't make it to the store right away. Plus, they are perfect for traveling when you don't want to bring your bigger bottles. When company is staying over it is nice to give them their own bar of soap with their towels, too!

By morbetomommy from Topeka, KS

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Keep Refilling Pump Lotions to Get Every Bit

Do you ever wonder how much of a product, such as lotion, gets thrown away when you can no longer squeeze or pump any more out? I did. When I ran out of a bottle of lotion, I cut the thing open, and was surprised at how much clings to the sides and pools in the bottom, especially with pump mechanisms.

So when things that come in a plastic bottle, like lotion (thicker things like creams and lotions are the worst) can't be gotten out with the pump, you can do this to help reduce waste and get the most out of the product.

Make sure you keep one container at least partially full, to put the remnants in. Then cut open your almost-out lotions and use an old spoon or the like to scoop out all of the remaining lotion. A 50 cent plastic funnel helps make the job a lot easier. Then simply pour it all into the single container. I recommend doing this with same or similar kinds of lotion, so you know it will mix well, but if you don't mind mixing scents and colors and the like, then just mix it all together. I just use one kind, so it's easy for me.

And the plastic might by recyclable. If it is, I can't imagine it's any less recyclable in two pieces than in one.

By Saber from Omaha, NE

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Using Smaller Amounts of Toiletries

A dime sized shampoo works great for me, even when my hair is long, and it saves money too. Just put a dime sized plop of shampoo in your hand, rub it, and spread it over your damp hair, and nope, it does not usually lather in your hair. I don't need much water to rinse it either. I have found that using less shampoo like that, my hair looked great and my shampoo bottle lasts for a very long time.

By Kas from Rockford, MI

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Cut a Tube to Get All the Cream Out

Once it's cut open, you can just reach in with your fingers to scoop the product out. The upper part of the tube fits over the lower part of the tube like a lid.

I found I could get one to two more weeks of product out of a cut-open tube. Maybe this is common knowledge already, but it was delightful news to me!

By Kitri from Seattle

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Transfer Soap to a Smaller Bottle

We live on a limited income, and shop at Dollar General stores often. There, we buy DG brand antibacterial soap for bathing. A 40 oz. bottle cost $2. I transfer part of the liquid soap into a 18 oz. dish liquid bottle when I get home. I use less soap because with arthritis in my hands, the bottle is easier to handle than the 40 oz. size. Dropping the bottle wastes a lot of soap from the larger bottle. Hope this idea helps others too.

By Signaler from Bellefontaine, Ohio

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Saving Money on Toiletries

A large portion of our grocery budgets go to non grocery personal care items. How do you save money on toiletries like shampoo, soap, lotion and other personal care products? Here are tips from the ThriftyFun community.

Shop Smart and Make Your Own

I buy toothbrushes (of good quality, which is not the same as expensive!) in bulk, in packs of six. I make my own soap, for only a dollar or two you can make enough soap to last at least a year!

I also keep an eye out for sales and stock up when I find a good deal. Ever since I moved to my own place six years ago, I've always had about a year's supply of toothpaste and shampoo at home. Even if you live in a small place, it's easy to store.

By Haushinka

Try The Dollar Store

I shop at the dollar stores where you can find great deals on many of the products. If you don't have time to make your own, this store is great. You can pick up packs of 6 tooth brushes, you can pick up soap, shampoo, conditioner and more. So, if you have one in your area, check it out, you will be amazed at what you can find. Heck, a dollar for a bottle of shampoo is a pretty good deal.

Then again, if you check with a bunch of the product manufacturers, you can find them online, they sometimes have coupons on their websites. Or you can e-mail them and sometimes, they will send you some.

By TxBluEyes

Dollar Tree

Try Dollar Tree if there is one in your area. Depending on what lots they get, I've been able to find Dove there. I've also found Dial "Basic", three bars for a buck. I also found Pears soap, Jergen's basic soap as well as Dial 3 packs. They also carry Lady Speed Stick for a dollar. I mean, if you're not stuck on any certain brand of shampoo/conditioner/body wash, you can find copies of it at Dollar Tree as well.

They do have copies of Dove Oil Cream Wash, moisturizing body wash as well as other things. I've bought makeup there, it was "LA Colors". It's not the absolute best I've used, but the mascara and eyeshadow do in a pinch. Sometimes I've found Cover Girl lip gloss, "Clean" foundation and blush. In these days of jobs and money being few and far in between, I'm more than happy to sacrifice a few dollars here and there to pay my bills. It's really not that important to have top of the line, brand name everything.

This recession really has made me re-think my spending on personal expenditures. I use coupons as well and look for sales in the paper and fliers. It really does pay to use the freebie sites online as well.

By Meggan

Use Coupons

Yesterday, I bought Cottonell toilet paper, and 4 Johnson and Johnson Buddies soaps for .28 cents. All of these items were .99 cents each. I had two $2 coupons for the soaps and a .50 cent coupon for the TP which was then doubled. I just clip the coupons in the paper and print coupons from the internet. When the items are on sale in the fliers, I take the fliers to Walmart and they price match what the other stores are charging for the product. I also go store to store to get the same deals when I have multiple coupons and the prices are the same.

Today I'm going to get some St Ives Lotion. I found a $2 off coupon and it's on sale at CVS for $2.99. I will get it for $.99 cents! Cheap! I also sign up for FREE samples at www.freebies4mom.com and www.spoofee.com. They both offer a lot of toiletries. Also www.walmart.com. You can also go to individual sites and get free samples directly from the manufacturer. I love FREEBIES!

By Jessica

Double Coupons

I am a big fan of double coupons. I get beauty products for less than a dollar at the grocers. How? If shampoo goes on sale for $2.75 and you have a $1.00 coupon, doubled it becomes $2.00 off. I used to go to the dollar store but I would rather pay less for name brands!

By Starchild in VT

Stock Up on Your Favorite Brands

If there is a particular brand I like, I stock up when it's on offer or BOGOF (buy one get one free). I use a special brand of volumizing shampoo which is more expensive but offset this by doing the '1st wash' with a cheap shampoo then I just need a spot of the good shampoo to follow!

By Skinnyjinny

Shop Around

I buy in large quantities and keep an eye on the penny saver ads in the paper. It pays to shop around and compare prices between products. The big shots are paid well to make that bottle of shampoo look attractive, and when you read the label you will see it is made by the same company that makes your other no-name brand.

Don't let them catch you with your pants down, as my Grandmother would say! Bulk is cheaper for the company to produce therefore it saves you money.

By Dedeswrkshop

Just Add Water

I dilute my shampoo and conditioner, especially when my children are home! They (and sometimes I) seem to think that a handful of each is required! This helps a lot!

By Glenn'sMom

Don't Buy Cheap Shampoos

Whatever you do, don't use cheap shampoos. These can be sold so cheap because they have a lot of wax in them. They film your hair! If you have been using them, find a good clarifying shampoo to use for a while. Now you know why they can be sold so cheap. Good luck.

By Canlady

Walgreen's FAR Specials

I take advantage of the Walgreen's FAR specials when they have them and stock up. I sometimes combine them with coupons as well if I have coupons for the items on sale. I've just now run out of FAR toothpaste and I hadn't bought toothpaste or toothbrushes for over a year!

Minimize the Amount You Use

The commercials try to convince you to cover your toothbrush with their toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is all that's needed to get the job done! Also, I find that using a pump on my shampoo container gives the perfect (and small) amount of shampoo in my hand.

By Premies2

Rebates for Free Products

Whenever items are free after rebate at CVS or Rite-Aid I buy them. I used to clip coupons like crazy, and could always find items in the clearance bin that were free after coupon. Dollar General and Family Dollar take coupons. I have honestly not paid money for toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, room spray, band-aids, and mouthwash. I also get great deals on shampoo, conditioner, stylers, baby products etc; this way as well.

Buy Toiletry Gift Baskets

Now is gift basket "time". Gift baskets are 75%-90% off at your local department stores. For example: Big Lots has HUGE sales on bath baskets right now. Baskets are filled with lotion, shower gel, candles, beauty tools, hand soap and the underused bath salts and bubbles. $1.80-$4.00 for a huge basket! Please check it out!

By Starchild in VT

Bent and Dent Stores

We have a "dent" store here and we can get name brand items like Tim's toothpaste for $1.99, Eucerine face cream for $2.79, Physician's Formula makeup for $1.99. I stock up on these items when I find them, hence my linen closet looks like a store, but I'm set with 6 month to a year supply. It's stuff I would have bought anyway at CVS or walmart, for full price.

By Katluvsbears

Baking Soda for Clean Teeth

Use soda for cleaning teeth, the kind that has no aluminum. It also whitens teeth, and sweetens your breath.

By beautiful1234

Frugal Tips for Using Every Bit

On things that come in a tube: When you think you have squeezed it all out, cut off tube about an inch back from the shoulder and scoop out what's left. I can brush my teeth for a week on what is still in there!

By DeBushe

Don't Shampoo Every Day

If you happen to have dry coarse hair, your hair will actually be softer and more manageable if you don't shampoo it every day. Take your regular shower but just wet your hair instead, adding much-needed moisture. Some people can go as long as a week - and their hair looks better for doing that! But even just every other day saves money. I agree with not using the cheap shampoos, and this helps you use a good shampoo while saving money.

By Loradelrio6

Use Pump Bottles

I put my shampoo, conditioner, lotions, body wash, dish soap, and hand soap all in pump bottles. One pump of each is all that is needed and it saves a lot. If I buy something that isn't in a pump, it goes in the pump I always have on hand.

By Deanna1949

Buying and Using Toiletries

I don't put my toiletries, paper products or cleaning products in my grocery budget (or pet food as many do). I limit my grocery budget to items that the family eats!

The majority of my shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste that we use we get free. I use coupons in combination with sales at CVS and Walgreen. These two stores also let you combine their store coupons with product coupons. The combination most often ends up in a free product. To do this, you need to stock up when you can, and not be brand loyal. Some dollar stores also take coupons.

If no size is mentioned on your coupon, buy the smallest size. Check Walmart for the trial size aisle, sometimes they have small sized toothpaste for 50 cents and if you have a 50 cent off coupon, you get it free. Don't be afraid to use generic items either, or those from Aldi at 1/3 of the price. Also go to walmart.com and sign up for the free samples.

I make my own laundry and dish soap. For under $6 I can make a years supply. Save your soap slivers, put them in a knee high stocking or make a washcloth pocket. Use the slivers till they are gone. Many people throw them away when they get little, wasting money.

Only use conditioner on the ends of your hair, not the scalp. Use less shampoo and soap. It only takes a little dab of toothpaste.

By Mom-from-missouri

Post your own ideas here.

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Applying Moisturizer or Hand Lotion

When applying moisturiizer or hand lotion to your face or body. Wash first and have your sking a little damp(not wet). Then apply. You need a very little bit by using on damp skin. the bit of dampness make your lotions soak in faster.

By Nightsong

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Make Moisturizer Last

Most people don't realize that the main purpose of a facial cream is to seal in water. The best way to save money on your creams is to mix a little water in your hand with your cream or lotion and apply gently to a slightly damp face. Your skin will look and feel soft and dewy, not greasey.

This works well with treatment as well as basic moisturizers. You can make your cream last up to 3 or 4 times longer than usual, a nice plus if you use the more expensive brands. This also allows you to customize, as far as cold weather, warm weather, times your skin needs a little extra, etc. It is also best to use distilled water, (about $1.00 per gallon at the grocery store), as it is filtered. This also works well with body lotions.

By ladyjane

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Saving Money on Toiletries for Kids

Some kids don't know what a normal amount of shampoo, conditioner, or showergel is. They tend to use way too much.
You can just buy a plastic pump bottle for each different product to refill over and over, and tell them that 1 or 2 pushes is enough! This helped me save loads and loads of money.

Source:

By Mir H. from Apeldoorn

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Cut Tubes In Half For Every Last Drop

It's surprising how much product is left when you think the last drop has been squeezed from that tube of facial cleanser, moisturizer, or hair gel. I cut the capped tube in half and find several more applications. With the two halves of the tube placed in a plastic baggie, it's easy to scoop out every last bit - and often there's a generous amount left.

By Joyce from Lakeland, FL

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Getting The Last Out Of Pump Bottles

How do you get hand lotion, liquid soap, etc. out of plastic pump bottles when you get to the bottom and know there is some left in the bottle?

By Mary from Newark, CA

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Cut End Off Of Lotion Tube

Can't get lotion out of that tube? There's plenty left after you've squeezed as much out as you can! Cut the end off with scissors. For small tubes, your finger can get the rest out. for those longer tubes, make your own swab by using a wooden BBQ skewer, or a chopstick and a cotton ball. Scoop out the rest of the lotion and pamper your hands, elbows, and knees with the rest of what's left!

By Adrienne from Cleveland, OH

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Questions

Here are questions related to Saving Money on Toiletries.

Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo

Do you have any tips on how to use all of a product or get the most out of a product like toothpaste or shampoo? Post your ideas below or send them to daily@thriftyfun.com

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Most Recent Answer

By Luana M.06/29/2012

I do the "cutting" the tooth paste to use all of it. Has so much that can't be squeezed out. With shampoo I have found when it get half empty I turn it upside down. That way all of the shampoo is already at the opening. When I used it all, I open the top and still get one last use out of it.
If you do this from the half way point all of the shampoo is used. I don't like adding water if at all possible. The tiny bit that is in the opening I use my fingers to get it. Full strength and all used. I like using 2 different shampoos (so hair doesn't get used to one) I have put 2 sometimes 3 together,it makes a wonderful ,all my own shampoo. Makes it go further, with your hair never getting to the point it inst as effective.

Help Filling Lotion Pump Bottle

Anyone have any hints on pouring hand/body lotion into ceramic lotion pump jars? Usually the lotion is too thick to just pour in, and I always make a mess. I have some really cute bottles, that I would like to fill with different lotions. I have tried adding baby oil to thin it out, but it didn't work, and eventually separated from the hand lotion.

Rose S. from Malvern, PA

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Most Recent Answer

By Luana M.06/29/2012

I do so many of the things mentioned myself. Putting lotion in the sun or warm spot helps it flow into the dispenser. I use a sandwich bag. Pour it into the bag then cut corner off bag, making it really easy to not make a mess. I do this each time I refill mine in bath and at kitchen sink.

I watch for sales on refills,if great price I stock up. Don't worry about adding a different brand of soap to what is in there. All works great. I also add a bit of hand lotion to mine, helps my hands from drying out.If you buy the ones that advertise having lotion the cost is so much higher. Chances are if you look usually the lotion is way under amount of water. Adding my own, I can decide how much and what type of lotion I want.

Getting The Last Out Of Pump Bottles

I treat myself to a very expensive facial care system that includes 2 small pump bottles; one for the morning and one for the evening. One bottle normally does me 2 months. Near the end of the bottle, the pump no longer reaches the cream, but I can see that there is still cream there. I turn the bottle over and allow the contents to drip into the lid that comes with the bottle. By doing this, I get an extra 2 - 3 weeks of cream. Since this is quite expensive to begin with ($30.00 for one 1.5 oz bottle on sale), the extra I gain is very welcome.

By Robin from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

RE: Getting The Last Out Of Pump Bottles

I have also had the same problem at times and I've extended the pump tube by adding a piece of drinking straw to the end. This usually does the trick in getting the rest of the cream/lotion from the bottom of the bottle. (12/12/2006)

By Mel

RE: Getting The Last Out Of Pump Bottles

I like the St Ives Apricot scrub and when it won't come out I just take scissors and slice the end off and get the rest out.

Another thing I do is mix a cheap hair conditioner with an expensive one. Like Suave (1.00) with Thermasilk. I don't like wasting the stuff in the bottoms of bottles. I turn them upside down and add to something else, always. I had 2 conditioners that were empty so I mixed in a bit of water and got the rest out and added it to my leave in hair conditioner spray. I find this works a lot better than just having the leave in conditioner by it's self. (12/13/2006)

By TrayJ24736