Beauty may be only skin deep, but it can sure affect the pocketbook. Still, it is possible to look great without spending a fortune. All you need is a few tricks and tips, and you can get quality beauty products very inexpensively (and sometimes even free).

Here are seven easy ways to save money on beauty supplies.

1. Whenever possible, purchase cosmetics or beauty supplies at local drugstores or discount stores, instead of high priced cosmetic counters. Look for sales papers for these businesses to see if they have the brands you like on sale. If the saving is great enough on products you use, consider buying more than one to double your savings.

2. If you have specific items that you purchase repeatedly, compare prices online for products. Keep your eye on shipping prices and buy only when you can use a coupon code or when you can get free shipping.

3. If your tastes run toward the high end items, shop at local beauty supply stores (or check the online beauty supply stores.) The online beauty supply stores are well known for free gifts with purchase, whether it's a free tote or a free beauty product. And you can often find the quality products you love at lower prices.

4. Sometimes it pays to shop quality. Some quality styling products end up costing you less over time. You may pay more up front, but the product lasts longer as you actually need to use less of the product each time. Ask your stylist for the brands she recommends and then do some bargain hunting.

5. Consider starting a home-based business selling your favorite direct sales cosmetics line. You'll purchase your personal products at a significant discount and you might end up building a profitable business for yourself in the process. You will have access to the latest lines of cosmetics as soon as they are available, as well as training in the use of the cosmetics and how to sell them. Direct sales can be a lucrative business, and you can earn even more if you build a team of other sales associates.

6. Make beauty treatments yourself. Look online for recipes for your favorite pampering treats. You'll be surprised at the kinds of things you can concoct with a few inexpensive items, some of which you may already have in your kitchen cupboard.

7. Know where to find beauty freebies. Most manufacturers create sample products for people to try with the hope that they will decide to purchase the full-size bottle. In many cases, you can go to the manufacturer's website and sign up for the free sample. Do an online search for "free beauty samples."

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Look Great Without Spending a FortuneSeven Easy Ways to Save Money on Beauty Supplies

About the Author

Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com and Susies-Coupons.com, where she shares the web's best coupons for discount beauty supplies including skin care coupons.