If you’ve been knocking round BeautyTok, you’ll have already come across “maintenance day”. The hashtag (which has scooped up almost 18.3 million views) refers to a dedicated self-care day, or even week, where we pamper ourselves with a fresh set of nails, lashes, facials and more. But while a little self-care is necessary, does it really need to be so damn expensive?
Most of us can’t afford to spend upwards of £100 on beauty treatments. But thanks to the internet, people everywhere are mastering the method of treating themselves to a DIY maintenance day at home without blowing the bank.
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As a student with a very limited budget, I slowly taught myself the tricks of the trade to become my own manicurist, hair stylist, waxer, lash technician, aesthetician and spray tanner (and breathe). And I know I must be doing something right as I’m always being asked what salon I go to. Because we’re not here to gatekeep, I’ve put together all the best tips I discovered along the way.
Here’s how to give yourself a well-deserved maintenance day (no extortionate treatments necessary)…
Lashes
If you too are wanting to hop onto the lash extension train but don’t like the hefty price tag that comes with the constant applications, refills and maintenance, I have some DIY kits for you. The Kiss Falscara Starter Kit is one of the most viral lash extension kits, and for good reason. The kit allows users to customise and create their own lash look with an assortment of cluster styles. It works a little differently to regular falsies, the clusters are applied under your natural lashes for a more invisible finish and the kit comes equipped with a bonder that you apply straight onto the under-side of your own lashes (versus applying glue to the falsies). Once you’ve applied all the clusters where you want them, you use the sealer that’s included to lock everything into place and remove any sticky residue.
The Kiss Lash Couture Luxtension Cluster Kit is another good option if you find bond and seal lash methods overcomplicated. The kit comes with 40 individual clusters, a pair of tweezers, a spoolie brush, a glue and a remover. Plus, they’re designed to last for up to two weeks – the same as real extensions. These are my personal favourite and my go-to whenever I want my lashes done. I managed to get two weeks of wear out of this kit without any lashes budging or falling out. Just make sure you work quickly as the glue dries fast, but once its on, it is on. Also make sure to avoid your lashes if you use any kind of oil cleanser as it will weaken the adhesive. Only use a foam lash cleanser on your eyes.
Brow and face waxing
Had a traumatic brow waxing or threading incident? Do it at home and get exactly what you want. Boots has a brow waxing kit which only costs £2.50. The kit comes with the wax pot, one spatula and two finishing wipes. To wax simply warm up the pot in the microwave, apply to the area you would like to wax, wait for it to cool and then pull the cooled wax strip off. Easy peasy.
For the rest of your face check out the Veet Expert Cold Wax Face Strips – perfect if you have a lot of stubborn hair that needs a stronger wax strip. Alternatively if you prefer hot wax, try the Superdrug Precision Face Sugar Wax, for a less painful experience. Sugaring is known for its gentler approach to waxing as it binds to your hair only, while traditional waxing binds to your hair and skin. It tends to be more expensive than trad waxing (but not if you do it at home).
Brow tinting and lamination
For more brow definition, you can’t go wrong with the cult favourite Dybrow from Eylure. The kit is a favourite thanks to its speedy application and developing time, plus its even coverage and colour. It provides up to 12 applications with each lasting up to six weeks.
For a DIY brow lamination, the Sassy Saints Brow Lamination Kit is beginner-friendly and takes a few steps (with a clear instruction video) to get salon-worthy lift and lamination. Just make sure you do the patch test first. It can last up to eight weeks and offers up six applications in each kit (which works out at a tenner per go).
Nails
Who doesn’t love a fresh set of acrylics or a brand new manicure? But with prices climbing to £60+ for a set, DIY is a much more accessible way to go. Press-on nails are one of the most popular DIY mani methods, allowing you to have a fresh set in minutes at a fraction of the price. And with a wide range of shapes and styles there’s a design for everyone.
