3 Ways To Look Expensive (Even When Your Bank Account Is Basically Empty) (2024)

We can't all afford to have an army of pros perfecting our hair, nails and makeup before we leave the house--which is why the following tricks are a normal girl's best friends.

Our girl Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, who some of you may remember from her posts here on Girls in the Beauty Department, has a new book out (How To Look Expensive) that draws upon her years of interviewing top beauty pros to give tips on how to look as fancy as your favorite celebrities--for a lot less cash.

Here are three of Andrea's very favorite look-expensive tips.

1. To get expensive-looking skin: "The same four ingredients celeb derms recommend are there for the taking on the drugstore shelf," Andrea says. "Think 'RAPA'. That's retinoids, antioxidants, peptides and alpha-hydroxy-acids. RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks ($9.99 at Ulta) are one great low-cost skin secret. They're like a professional peel in a jar."

2. To get expensive-looking nails: "Whenever I'm feeling like a mess, new polish makes me feel more polished. OPI Samoan Sand is the perfect rich-girl nude--not too pink, not too beige. And if your polish is chipped take it off--any manicure will look cheap if you leave it on too long."

3. To get expensive-looking hair: "Use a Bounty paper towel to blot the water out of your hair without disturbing the cuticle before you blow-dry; it really gives you shinier, silkier, more expensive-looking hair."

Read more of Andrea's high-end beauty tips in our excerpt from How To Look Expensive--and if you'll be online at 1 p.m. today, head over to Glamour's Facebook page to live-chat with Andrea and ask her your own specific beauty Qs (she's a veritable vault of amazing tips, guys!).

What are some of YOUR favorite tricks for looking expensive?

Photo: Thinkstock

3 Ways To Look Expensive (Even When Your Bank Account Is Basically Empty) (2024)

FAQs

3 Ways To Look Expensive (Even When Your Bank Account Is Basically Empty)? ›

The perfect studs, classic hoops, a sleek watch and a delicate necklace or something more eye-catching all register instantly as expensive, as long as they're quality—not tarnished, plastic or costume. “Adding jewelry will always make your outfit look finished, and it's so easy to do,” says Miller.

How to look expensive without breaking the bank? ›

How to Look Expensive & Elegant on a Budget?
  1. Make sure you understand your beauty type & body architecture. ...
  2. Dress pastel, gemstone & neutral colors. ...
  3. Make sure your clothes fit you correctly. ...
  4. Pick high-quality fabrics. ...
  5. Don't wear wrinkled & stained clothes. ...
  6. Clean & Fresh Hair. ...
  7. Perfect manicure & clean nails.

What makes you look expensive? ›

The perfect studs, classic hoops, a sleek watch and a delicate necklace or something more eye-catching all register instantly as expensive, as long as they're quality—not tarnished, plastic or costume. “Adding jewelry will always make your outfit look finished, and it's so easy to do,” says Miller.

How to get expensive looking skin? ›

This is exactly how to achieve expensive-looking skin, according to make-up artists
  1. Use a face mask to fake a post-facial glow. ...
  2. Add a chemical exfoliant to your skincare routine. ...
  3. Massage skin to boost radiance. ...
  4. Use SPF daily for expensive-looking skin longterm. ...
  5. Apply a glow-boosting primer.
Feb 2, 2024

How to dress low key rich? ›

Cultivate a high-end look through minimalist shapes, neutral colors, and quality fabrics. Look for clothing or accessories crafted from luxurious natural materials. Opt for simple yet classic designs with earth tones and neutrals like black, white, beige, and navy. Make your style exude sophistication and class.

What color looks expensive? ›

Neutrals always look more expensive than bold bright colors and this faux fur jacket is the perfect example. The muted beige shade looks like it should have a much higher price tag than it does, and the cropped hem is very on trend. I wear an XS in this perfect neutral 3rd layer.

How to look classy on a low budget? ›

  1. 12 Tips for Looking Stylish on a Budget. Want to look like a million bucks but don't have the budget? ...
  2. Good grooming. A stylish look always starts with good grooming. ...
  3. Choose neutral colours. ...
  4. Shop versatile on a budget. ...
  5. Pay attention to shape. ...
  6. Find a good tailor. ...
  7. Accept hand-me-downs. ...
  8. Take advantage of accessorising.

How to look expensive without spending big? ›

Spend proportionately more on small items (eg belts) as they'll add luxury to high-street finds. Turn up collars, push up sleeves. Add some long leather gloves – they might be relatively pricey but they'll make a Zara coat look so much more stylish. Slot a smart belt though those high-street loops.

What outfit makes you look rich? ›

Tailored pieces in simple, timeless cuts in small detailing will always look more expensive than fashion fads in oversized styles with too much fuss.” Timeless classic cuts crafted from high-quality textiles will retain their structure over years of wear for maximum value.

How to dress like you look rich? ›

How to Dress Like You're a Millionaire
  1. Reach for the basics. ...
  2. Dark denim is always "do." ...
  3. Layer your look with a timeless topper. ...
  4. Slip into status staple shoes. ...
  5. When in doubt, wear neutral tones. ...
  6. Drape yourself in timeless jewels. ...
  7. Logo is a no go when it comes to purses. ...
  8. Sunglasses are always a power move.
May 5, 2023

How can I look pretty? ›

Things You Should Know. Maintain good grooming habits: shower and wash your face regularly, and keep your hair and nails neat. Wear comfy clothes that fit well and make you feel good. Take care of your body by getting plenty of sleep, eating a variety of low-fat, nutrient-rich foods, and exercising 2–3 times a week.

What is rich skin? ›

A typical Rich has an overall dark brown to dark black skin tone. Compare Naomi Campbell to Beyoncé, for example. They both have darker skin tones, but Naomi has a darker skin tone, she is therefore a Rich.

Is having good skin attractive? ›

The faces with radiant and smooth skin can enhance perceptions of health and attractiveness and convey various positive impressions to the observers, while the faces with skin blemishes convey the impression of unhealthy and incompetent,” the study authors explained.

How to appear wealthy? ›

How to Dress Like You're a Millionaire
  1. Reach for the basics. ...
  2. Dark denim is always "do." ...
  3. Layer your look with a timeless topper. ...
  4. Slip into status staple shoes. ...
  5. When in doubt, wear neutral tones. ...
  6. Drape yourself in timeless jewels. ...
  7. Logo is a no go when it comes to purses. ...
  8. Sunglasses are always a power move.
May 5, 2023

How can I look rich without trying too hard? ›

Always dress smartly

If you look like a total scruff bag it's going to be hard to pull off the 'rich' look. Instead, opt for smarter, understated pieces. Tuck in your shirt, wear smarter shoes, and keep your look well-groomed and classy.

How to make your outfit look more expensive? ›

7 Tricks To Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive
  1. Invest In Your Footwear. A lovely looking pair of shoes can carry any outfit. ...
  2. Consider Tonal Dressing. ...
  3. Timeless Outerwear. ...
  4. Belt Your Outfit. ...
  5. Go Bold With A Blazer. ...
  6. Choose Clothes That Fit Great.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6757

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.