10 ways to look good for less this party season

Look gorgeous on a tight budget with our ten frugal tips.

New research suggests that British women go hell for leather to look their best for their office Christmas parties.

A survey by British Lion Eggs found that 58% of women planned to lose weight before their festive 'do'. And it sounds like no small task - with the average dieter wanting to lose a substantial 10lbs.

Frankly, that sounds a bit scary! Fortunately, dieting isn't the be all and end all. There are other ways for both men and women to look their best at Christmas time - and they don't involve starving yourself or your bank account.

Here's our frugal guide to looking great at your festive celebration.

Make-up and skin care

First, here are five ways you can pamper your skin - and get top-quality slap - for less:

1. Get acquainted with aqueous cream

The people who make aqueous cream don't pay me to plug the stuff, I promise! You can pick up this cheap, non-perfumed, rich moisturiser in most pharmacies and apply it from head to foot.

It's excellent for people with sensitive skin, and can even be used instead of soap and/or shaving foam. Definitely value for money!

2. Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is another great intensive moisturiser that's usually a fraction of the price of big-name alternatives. It helps tone your skin and make scars fade - and it smells rather lovely, too.

3. Hunt the freebie

There are free skincare and make-up samples lurking all over the web, if you know where to look. Check out this section of Bob's Free Stuff for starters.

4. Get big name brands at smaller prices

If you're determined to bag a particular brand of beauty product, browse specialist websites that sell it at cheaper-than-high street prices. Discount designer beauty sites worth exploring include LookFantastic (and LookMantastic for the blokes), FeelUnique and ZestBeautyCare.

5. Aways compare prices

Price comparison websites are always worth using when you shop online. Sites like Kelkoo, PriceRunner, Shopping.com and Foundem track down the products you're after at the lowest possible prices.

Clothes

Are you looking for a gorgeous outfit without the horrific price tag? Here are five tips to point you in the right direction:

1. Rescue mission

Before you spend any money, see if you already have clothes you can rescue with a bit of love and/or creative embellishment.

You don't need to be a whiz with a needle and thread - just a few bright buttons or an elegant corsage can make all the difference.

And if that little black dress is now that little washed-out grey dress, dying it back to its original tone should give it a new lease of life. Home dyes like those in the Dylon range are affordable and pretty simple to use - just make sure you read all the instructions!

2. Accessorise

If you're really not a crafty person, consider adding some new accessories to a tried and tested outfit for a smart new look.

It doesn't have to be the staple 'shoes and handbag' combo. What about some bright tights or a slinky new belt? Belts can be particularly handy in transforming dresses that are just a bit too big.

3. Swap it!

Swap unwanted clothing with others and you could end up with the outfit of your dreams - for nothing.

There are now dozens of websites and events dedicated to helping you swap your way to that perfect dress or suit. Just make sure your chosen service is free to register with, and to use.

For example, SwapStyle allows you to swap clothes, shoes and accessories with people all over the globe. Covert Candy rewards you with credits in return for your unwanted items, which you can then spend on the site on other clothes you fancy. And BigWardrobe allows to you swap, buy or sell 'pre-loved' items.

On WhatsMineIsYours, you post an 'estimated value' with your unwanted item, and ask for something of similar value in return. And Swishing.org runs clothes swapping parties all over the country. These are not for the faint-hearted, however - the website stipulates that there must be 'no scratching, spitting or fighting'!

4. Designs on designer goods

If you have your heart set on a new, big name outfit, there are still ways you can knock a chunk off the price.

Have a look at discount designer clothes websites like Catwalk to Closet, Brand Alley, Koodos, TheOutnet and Fashion Exchange. As usual, avoid any that charge you to sign up.

5. A charitable Christmas

Finally, don't forget to visit your local charity shop for high-quality clothing bargains at bargain basement prices. Any stigma associated with charity shop clobber is long gone. In fact, darling, recessionista chic is SO now!

Do you have some budget beauty secrets? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Get help from lovemoney.com

If you need a bit of help with frugal Christmas budgeting, you've come to the right place.

First, adopt this goal: Cut the cost of going out

Next, watch this video: How to shop cheaply this Christmas

And finally, why not have a wander over to Q&A and ask other lovemoney.com members for hints and tips about what worked best for them?