Gyaru/Lolita (or any other style) on a Budget!

Gyaru is not a cheap style. The brand clothing is expensive, the more popular cosmetics are expensive and many of the hair additions are expensive. So what happens after you blow all your savings on those Jesus Diamante shoes? Or if you’re just starting out and don’t have enough for the full look? Fear not! I have compiled a few money saving tips. If you have any tips of your own please do not be afraid to add it in the comments ^-^ (Many if not all these tips will also be relevant for Lolita or other styles too)

Cosmetics

Make-up can be expensive. Especially in Gyaru with all the different cosmetics you use. Considering most use several colours just for the face it can add up quickly! I used to buy most my cosmetics from a Pharmacy, but even their cheapest brand can be rather pricey if you need enough for the look. Plus the quality may not be fantastic. Recently, I have been using eBay for most of my cosmetics. You can find Korean/Japanese cosmetics for so cheap on there if you find the right shop. But watch out for fakes! False eyelashes are also available super cheap on either eBay or Amazon! And if you cut the lashes into smaller bits to glue on individually you can make them look more expensive than they really are.

Did you know that Korea is far ahead of western countries in terms of their cosmetics? They develop great quality make up and companies invest large amounts in developing cutting edge cosmetics. (Such as a Skin Cream version of Botox!) This means that most their cosmetics will be a high quality (even the cheap ones) and as they are far ahead of us.

Another thing you can try for skin care is DIY recipes. Such as a whipped egg white face mask that is good for tightening and purifying skin. It’s also very cheap and you can use the mask as a body mask to tighten areas prone to cellulite. Add Apple cider vinegar to the mask to make it even more purifying.

I save money on expensive face powder by using Talcum powder instead. One giant bottle of the stuff costs less than a single tiny palette of powder and will last you so much longer. A tiny amount of Talcum Powder will absorb any oil and shine for ages and barely needs to be topped up. Many of my friends were concerned that it would make them go white, but the amount needed is so small that it hardly makes you go paler. If (like me) you cannot find a foundation or concealer light enough, than this stuff will turn down the orange factor of it. Be careful not to inhale deeply while applying it as it has a tendency to go up your nose. (I have no idea how safe this is! So be aware, and note that in some countries it may not be the same formula)

Hair

For hair products, I would not recommend skipping on things like a moisturiser or heat protector. Gyaru hair is very damaging and you do not want to destroy your hair. Though it is likely you can find a cheaper alternative to your normal product on eBay. There are also lots of DIY recipes you can make, such as hair masks, to repair any damage for cheap. For Instance, Olive oil and egg is supposed to be good to apply to hair before washing. Though I haven’t tried it personally. I have tried solid coconut oil though, as it is meant for cooking it is cheap. But it makes a great hair mask to use pre-wash (and is also a body moisturiser.) Additions to hair, such as extensions, are far cheaper on eBay. I got my clip in extensions from a Chinese seller on eBay, they are good quality Remy human hair and were far cheaper than from a western shop. eBay can also be a place to buy cheap but good quality wigs, look for things like kanekalon fibre (which is soft and not too fake looking) and you can always apply talcum powder to tone down how shiny it is (again making it more realistic)

Clothing

Many high street shops will sell clothing that could easily fit into gyaru style, such as floral or lace dresses. Just adding some accessories like clip on bows can give it a more over the top look for cheaper than Gyaru brands. For lolita, you can find shirts and cardigans that will suit your style on the high street easily, just add them to a lolita skirt or Jumper dress. Another place to check is Bodyline, they offer much cheaper lolita clothes than the brands do, as well as TaoBao (which will need a shopping service, which can cost as much as the items!). Also, some forums (or Ebay or Facebook groups) will have lolitas selling on their old clothing at a fraction of the original price. Local charity shops may also be worth a browse for either style.

One of the best ways to save money on clothing is to make some of it yourself. There are patterns available online and you can use cheap fabric, and it means that you have a one off piece that nobody else will have!

*~*Hope you have enjoyed my tips! Please leave any more you have in the comments*~*