Any business professional must learn how to cut costs and maximize returns. One of the easiest ways to increase profitability is to reduce expenses. Reducing direct costs can dramatically increase gain on each appointment, and eliminating unnecessary overhead can have a pleasurable effect on your bottom line.
When I was hired for my very first porn scene I was nervous and wanted to present my best self. In preparation I had my hair freshly done, a pretty pink spa manicure and pedicure, and full Brazilian wax that would make a baby seal jealous. I bought two different new sets of push up bras, spike red heels, and two new flirty dress options. I only ate low carb organic food for two weeks and took every yoga class that I could. I probably spent close to $800 preparing for this debut shoot. My check for the scene was $500. This was not a sustainable business model.
These days my prep for porn scenes contains more tacos and simply remembering to bring clean underwear. But I have learned some super tricks along the way that help me pull together a full fledged sex-bomb look with minimal hassle and spending. Please learn from my countless hours spent pulling off high-class illusions on a shoestring budget with the below beauty steals, splurges and tricks that will help you look and feel your best at work. We all deserve to get more bang for our buck.
GIVE GOOD FACE:
Steals:
Lips: My pouty little secret is Wet & Wild cosmetics. Their matte color stay lipstick comes in 6 vibrant and opaque colors that do not run and makes your mouth look like sweet, sweet candy for $2.50. Dollhouse Pink is my favorite bold statement color for brave lips.
Eyes: Hands down the best false eyelashes are found at the dollar store. Nothing compares or is worth the price jump. If you are having trouble getting your lashes in place, try cutting them into thirds then gluing them to your lash line. This allows the faux lashes to adhere to the natural curve of your eye so every time your bat your eyes hearts will skip a beat.
Face: Get witchy. DIY facial masks are a great way to revitalize skin. My favorite homemade concoction uses egg whites, plain yogurt, lemon squeeze, a drizzle of honey and a pinch of oat bran. Mix the ingredients together and massage a thin layer into your face. Allow the mixture to dry on your face for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse the mask from your face for an instantly brighter and tighter appearance – and you can eat the leftovers as a snack dip!
Splurge:
Lips: Need a lipstick that is untouchable? Chanel Ultra Wear Intensity is basically bullet proof. You can do delightfully disgusting things with your mouth all day long – and your lips will remain considerably perfect. ‘Ever Red’ color is a staple that goes with every little black dress and looks amazing on film.
Eyes: Cheap mascara looks cheap. Throwing down $25 bones at some waterproof Diorshow mascara will keep your lashes long and the raccoon eyes at bay. If your work gets hot and steamy at times, this is an investment worth making. The ‘I just had so much fun that my makeup is running all over my face’ can be a hot look – but keep your lashes in line and let your eyeliner do the dirty work. It’s easier to clean up and makes for a quicker getaway.
Face: Getting a professional facial a few times a year is worth it. Woman can often put a lot of wear, tear, and foundation on our skin. Having a skilled aesthetician exfoliate and extract clogged pores a few times a year will go a long way keeping your skin healthy and happy.
MANE ATTRACTION:
Steal:
Head: My absolute favorite hair product is also an essential in my sex toy bag: silicone lube. Silicone is a staple ingredient in most hair serums, so inserting the pure stuff into your beauty regime makes hair soft, smooth, and easier – just like it’s other intended use. Focus the silicone on the ends of your mane and avoid the roots.
Other: Shaving cream. The purpose of shaving cream is to soften and lubricate while you shave. I’ve found that a large bottle of store brand hair conditioner can cost just a dollar or two, and lasts ages longer as the foamy tin shaving cans that are really bad for the environment.
Splurge:
Head: Having a good hair stylist can be more important than having a good therapist. I would be lost without my ‘Hair Daddy’ and so would my mane. Having a good cut and color that fits you can be one of the most fundamental and necessary beauty investments. Being a hair stylist slut can be really dangerous – it can result in bangs you never needed or an asymmetrical lob you never wanted. This is the one time I will recommend monogamy: settle down and find a stylist that you trust so way they can really get a sense of your hairstyle needs.
Other: A good sugaring or waxing is worth the extra dollars when your private parts are the stars of the show. It just gets closer and softer than shaving ever can. Keep your eyes peeled for Groupon discounts and frequent customer deals from your favorite spa. Local esthetician schools often offer highly discounted services so students can practice their hair removal technique. I would only suggest saving money by going the student route if the idea of a few students and instructors analyzing the hair patterns on your wax covered genitals seems like lovely way to spend the afternoon.
*You could also abandon all hair removal techniques and try your hand at the hairy girl fetish circuit. I did that one winter – I saved a ton on waxing and got paid to sport my new found locks of love!
SELF CARE:
Steal:
It can be real easy to justify an entire spa day, new shoes, new bag, and a fancy dinner out after a hard day of work. Scan your area for sliding scale yoga classes. Find a massage school in your area to get rubbed down by people who are about to graduate for half the cost.
Splurge:
Once in while oysters and sparkling rose can be the most basic need a sex worker can have.
BONUS DEALS:
- Train your eyes to notice secret finds when you are at places like drug or dollar stores. Sometimes they have the coolest glam earrings, or real life granny panties are cut like vintage-style knickers. If you are lucky enough to find fab earrings or panties for $2 – be sure to buy at least 5 of them. You will thank yourself later.
- Amazon Wish Lists are a great way to create a dream collection of lingerie and toys that you would possibly not buy for yourself. This is a great way to get clients or fans involved the expansion of your work tools.
- Not every workday has to have glamor shots production value. Embrace a fresh-faced style that showcases your best asset: you. Beauty and fashion regimes have their allure, but simplifying your routine can take the pressure off and let your ‘I woke up like this (with a little help from some concealer and lip gloss)’ beauty to shine through.