I'm so happy this thread exists! Woman Power! Woo!
I used to be in this crazy cycle which I'd like to share with you all since there are probably others in a similar situation:
1. Drink too much because you're "young" and "fun" and (let's be honest) kind of depressed.
2. Have horrible skin, weight gain, and hangovers, etc. from "fun" lifestyle.
3. Buy crazy expensive makeup, clothes, and skin products to slow negative affects of "fun" lifestyle.
4. Realize said products don't work, try new ones and have no money.
5. Repeat.
Fast forward to being in possession of a growing lady stache (does that sound filthy to anyone else?). I started working out like crazy again (aerial arts and dance), because of my workout schedule my drinking naturally decreased (drastically). My moods got better because feeling strong and toned makes me happy and not like crap all the time. My stress decreased because I was no longer worried about my unhealthy lifestyle, and now I no longer have need for crazy products because my skin looks fantastic.
I use Ponds cold cream cleanser for face wash, about $7 a container.
Generic Shampoo and Conditioner.
I spring for Miss Jessies hair cream (biracial very curly hair, it does WONDERS) $35 but lasts a year and half.
I have expensive SPF 30 sunscreen that's basically just zinc. About $15 but lasts 5+ months.
Argan Oil for moisturizer, if extra is needed.
I do a honey face mask once a week, keep epsom salt for muscle soaks and have some essential oils for aromatherapy (makes me feel feminine and pampered).
I'm on bc pills so I actually don't get a period at all anymore- IT'S INCREDIBLE.
As for makeup I have a random assortment of things that I basically never use, occasionally I'll do eyeliner and mascara, or go barefaced with bright red lips (or black, I'm funky like that) but that's about it. I find usually I want to wear makeup when I don't feel confident in my own skin, which is usually when my lifestyle has become less healthy or something isn't going well emotionally. When my body is toned and taut, and my belly is full of veggies and healthy carbs, and my meditation practice is going well, I feel fabulous.
The one thing you would have to pry from my dead cold hands would be my razors and shaving cream. I spend more on that than anything else because I am a BEAST. Faerie white skin and black as coal hair, just bushels of it, thanks mom and dad! But that's my secret, and now yours, you're welcome.