5 Ways to Look Your Best for Less

2. NEGOTIATE AND DO YOUR RESEARCH: Get a group of friends together and ask your stylist to come to your home to cut and color hair. Your stylist won't have to pay overhead at the salon and may cut you a break on price.

Many stylists are also offering specials to lure cash-strapped consumers to their salons. Gibson's New York City salon is sponsoring "recessionista" specials on Tuesday and Wednesday; haircuts that normally cost at least $125 are $75.

3. AT-HOME TREATMENTS: The return of summer means it's time for sandals. Skip the professional pedicure and save money with an at-home kit. For $9.99 on drugstore.com, Revlon's Pedi-Expert kit comes with a nail file and nail clip to make feet smooth and presentable. The kit is tiny enough to hold in the palm of your hand, so you can travel with it.

Can't afford expensive highlights? Try box hair color or go back to your natural hair color. Ask your stylist for advice on what might look best.

4. OFF-PRICE RETAILERS: Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls often sell beauty products between 20 percent and 60 percent less than beauty stores and cosmetic counters.

You can find moisturizer, color cosmetics, tweezers, hair dryers and other beauty products at these stores.

Also, dollar stores sometimes sell discounted beauty merchandise, sometimes even from higher-priced brands. Shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and body spray are just some of the items available.

5. DRINK UP: Dermatologists say you don't have to spend a fortune on skin care products. Just eat right, get enough sleep and wash your face to remove dirt and makeup. Also, by drinking plenty of water, you remain hydrated and flush the toxins out of your body.

"Water is part of the best moisturizing routine that you can do for your skin, coupled with any cheap products to seal the moisture in," says Dr. Vincent Deleo, chairman of dermatology at Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital.

The best thing about water? It's free.