How To Get Celebrity Beauty Products on a Budget

Copyright (c) 2010 John Howell

The world is in love with celebrity. We tune into awards shows to see what they're wearing and chat about their new looks at the water cooler.

Their looks end up inspiring what we wear and how we fix our hair and makeup. But how do they stay looking so great and how can you achieve that look when your bank account doesn't contain nearly as many zeros?

Listed below are a few favorite celebrity beauty products and how you can achieve the same star-studded results for less.

Celebrity beauty product: Crème de la Mer
This super-luxurious moisturizer is a celebrity staple. Stars swear by its ability to keep skin firm and dewy, but the more than $100 per ounce price tag is enough to make anyone with a less than celebrity budget take a step back.

What's its secret? It's main ingredient is sea kelp and a host of other vitamins and minerals. If you want to get this same effect at home, but don't have the budget for it, just look for a thick moisturizing lotion that comes packed with vitamins.

Celebrity beauty product: Spray booth tans
Even big stars know that it's passé these days to fry your skin in the sun. That's why spray tans (sometimes called by the brand name, Mystic Tan) have become so popular on the red carpet.

To achieve the look, a person simply steps into a small booth and a technician sprays a temporary makeup onto their body. The results last about seven to 10 days and cost about $25 per session depending on where you live.

While that's a far cry from pricey moisturizer, it would set you back $100 a month if you did it every week. Go budget instead with a do-it-yourself version. The best are gradual tanning lotions that build a subtle glow over time. Some even come with added benefits that firm skin or reduce the need to shave daily!

Celebrity beauty product: Eyelash extensions
What's a red carpet-worthy look without super long eyelashes? The pros know the best mascara on the market won't give you the extreme lashes that celebrities are often seen sporting.

That's why eyelash extensions have become a popular choice. Tiny fibers are painstakingly sewed onto each individual lash to make them appear fuller and longer. Results last about two months depending on your natural hair growth. The price tag? Anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on where you live.

You can get similar results at home by investing in a pair of false eyelashes. While they'll only last until the adhesive gives, even a really good set that you can use over again will set you back less than $30.