Is there any way to reduce spending getting ready for an event?

[Roseinatub]

I am invited to a wedding that is coming up. So far I am spending some money getting ready for this. I bought some dresses but have to return one.

I had to get my hair done which I was probably going to do anyways.

The only bit of makeup up that I wear daily is a tinted moisturer but I think I will have to make more of an effort for the event. To make myself look better and look more presentable.

I bought a new tinted moisturer last weekend and it's awful on me.

Within the next few more days I decided that I will like have to buy a light foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, mascara, eyeshadow, maybe a tinted lip balm perhaps because I don't usually wear lip stick. Would I need a setting spray.

Then I may not wear any of this again until the next event and goodness knows when that will be. The stuff could be out of date but then. Except for the perfume. I will wear that.

I also need a new perfume but I don't have a perfume.

All of this is all adding up. This is before I even buy a drink at the wedding.

Is there any way of reducing the spend on all of this.

The last wedding I wore an expensive dress I already owned from a previous wedding and bought a jacket from the charity shop and shoes off vinted. I don't wear make up but I gave myself a gentle fake tan on the face and used lip liner i had as a blusher and as lipstick. I found a lovely scarf in the back of the drawer to go with the outfit. It looked great and I spent about £20! Why waste money on one offs?

Everything you’ve listed is optional.

I’ve never understood the practice of buying new stuff for a wedding. I have a few dresses/outfits which I wear to weddings and other occasions. If someone has seen me in it before and actually notices/ remembers then I guess they’ll have to live with the revelation that I wear my clothes more than once.

if you don’t usually wear make up then don’t buy it for this. I do experience redness and rosalique is the best I’ve used to neutralise that. I think they do tester sachets for £1.

Despite the heavy advertising and glowing reviews I found it utterly shit,so glad I got a tester and didn't waste 30 quid. It looks yellow on my skin, I'm not sure even in the adverts it looks good,just changes the redness to yellow or green instead .

Unless you anticipate being in the important photos (i.e. those the bride and groom will frame and keep in their living room) you don't need to go to the trouble you think you do.

Use what you have. Maybe buy some lipstick. You'll be fine.

Go to Primark, get £2 mascara, lip & cheek tint Lip And Cheek Tint | Primark £2.50. Job done

If you are comfortable doing this, my tip would be to create a wanted listing on your local freecycle/ freegle/ Olio group explaining your circumstances and seeing what bits compulsive shoppers (like me) are looking to rehome- e.g. Nice unused comestics, posh unfinished perfume, fancy accessories etc.

I hope you enjoy the wedding :)

Don't buy multiple outfits and have to return them. Buy one in a physical shop where you can try it on.

Use your usual makeup; if you don't usually wear any, don't for the wedding.

Why not just go with a strong and flattering lip color/lipstick and a little mascara? As PP have said, if you're buying a lot more, get some good drug store brands, not expensive stuff. I quit wearing foundation several years ago and get compliments on my complexion all the time and now it doesn't feel greasy/oily!!!

Can you buy really cheap make up? Superdrug have a range, I think it's called Collection, it's very cheap.

Just go barefaced. I didn’t wear makeup at my own wedding. You’re not Barbie so just be yourself and go as you are. It’s liberating. I never intend to buy or wear any ever. The “beauty” industry is like a cult.

Reduce the spend on makeup by wearing what you usually wear. You don’t need to look different for a wedding, just smart and well tuned out.
And buy one new dress for the actual event and take your best clothes along for the rest of it.

Thank you for all of the help and advice. The event is over now and I had a fantastic time. I am definitely going to start wearing more makeup and wear perfume more often.

I enjoyed the eye shadow and eye makeup. My skin looked more bright.

That's great OP, what did you end up buying?